Thermal and electrical properties of Ca5Mg4−xZnx(VO4)6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4)

Calcium vanadates Ca₅Mg_4−xZn_x(VO₄)₆ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) have been studied for the first time using a set of high-temperature methods of analysis. The onset of melting process determined from differential scanning calorimetry decreases from 1158 to 881 °C (± 1.5 °C) with increasing of x (dopant’s content). CTE temperature dependence is found to show a hysteresis. Electrical transport properties measured by impedance spectroscopy in air of different humidity are also discussed. The value of electrical conductivity does not depend on air humidity. It is found to equal to 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ at 720 °C for Ca₅Mg₄(VO₄)₆ which is specific for garnet-related crystals.

     

Interferometry of non-Abelian anyons

We develop the general quantum measurement theory of non-Abelian anyons through interference experiments. The paper starts with a terse introduction to the theory of anyon models, focusing on the basic formalism necessary to apply standard quantum measurement theory to such systems. This is then applied to give a detailed analysis of anyonic charge measurements using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer for arbitrary anyon models. We find that, as anyonic probes are sent through the legs of the interferometer, superpositions of the total anyonic charge located in the target region collapse when they are distinguishable via monodromy with the probe anyons, which also determines the rate of collapse. We give estimates on the number of probes needed to obtain a desired confidence level for the measurement outcome distinguishing between charges, and explicitly work out a number of examples for some significant anyon models. We apply the same techniques to describe interferometry measurements in a double point-contact interferometer realized in fractional quantum Hall systems. To lowest order in tunneling, these results essentially match those from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, but we also provide the corrections due to processes involving multiple tunnelings. Finally, we give explicit predictions describing state measurements for experiments in the Abelian hierarchy states, the non-Abelian Moore-Read state at ν=5/2 and Read-Rezayi state at ν=12/5.     

The anomalous spectral dependence of polarization in comets

We have found an anomalous (negative) spectral dependence of polarization for split comet 73P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 3, i.e. polarization degree in the I filter is systematically less (4%) than that in the R filter for both B and C subnuclei of the comet. Earlier we revealed a similar effect for comets 21P/Giacobini–Zinner, C/1999 S4 (LINEAR), and 9P/Tempel 1. Together with comet C/1989 X1 (Austin), for which the similar spectral dependence of polarization was also observed, these comets form a group characterized by some peculiar properties of their dust. Since atypical organic composition is a characteristic feature for all these comets, the anomalous spectral dependence of polarization may indicate specifics of origin of these comets. Really, most of these comets (but not all) originated from the Kuiper Belt. Also, most (but not all) of these comets belong to the group of comets depleted in carbon species in the gas phase, which is typical for comets formed in the giant-planet area of the solar system. On the other hand, all of the comets with negative spectral gradient of polarization have the dust dominated by large particles and most of them belong to the Jupiter family. This may indicate that anomalous spectral dependence of their polarization is a result of their evolution. To identify the reason of anomalous polarization, systematic spectropolarimetric observations of Jupiter-family comets are necessary.     

Deformations of the constraint algebra of Ashtekar's Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity

We show that the constraint algebra of Ashtekar's Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity can be nontrivially deformed by allowing the cosmological constant to become an arbitrary function of the (Weyl) curvature. Our result implies that there is not one but infinitely many (parametrized by an arbitrary function) four-dimensional generally covariant local gravity theories propagating 2 degrees of freedom.     

Universal properties of bulk viscosity near the QCD phase transition

We extract the bulk viscosity of hot quark–gluon matter in the presence of light quarks from the recent lattice data on the QCD equation of state. For that purpose we extend the sum rule analysis by including the contribution of light quarks. We also discuss the universal properties of bulk viscosity in the vicinity of a second-order phase transition, as it might occur in the chiral limit of QCD at fixed strange quark mass and most likely does occur in two-flavor QCD. We point out that a chiral transition in the O(4)$O(4)$ universality class at zero baryon density as well as the transition at the chiral critical point which belongs to the Z(2)$Z(2)$ universality class both lead to the critical behavior of bulk viscosity. In particular, the latter universality class implies the divergence of the bulk viscosity, which may be used as a signature of the critical point. We discuss the physical picture behind the dramatic increase of bulk viscosity seen in our analysis, and devise possible experimental tests of related phenomena.     

Supramolecular Recognition Influences Magnetism in [X@HVIV8VV14O54]6− Self‐Assemblies with Symmetry‐Breaking Guest Anions

Mixed‐valence polyoxovanadates(IV/V) have emerged as one of the most intricate class of supramolecular all‐inorganic host species, able to encapsulate a wide variety of smaller guest templates during their self‐assembly formation process. As showcased herein, the incorporation of guests, though governed solely by ultra‐weak electrostatic and van der Waals interactions, can cause drastic effects on the electronic and magnetic characteristics of the shell complex of the polyoxovanadate. We address the question of methodology for the magnetochemical analysis of virtually isostructural {V^IV/V₂₂O₅₄}‐type polyoxoanions of D_2d symmetry enclosing diamagnetic VO₂F₂^? (C_2v), SCN^? (C_∞v), or ClO₄^? (T_d) template anions. These induce different polarization effects related to differences in their geometric structures, symmetry, ion radii, and valence shells, eventually resulting in a supramolecular modulation of magnetic exchange between the V(3d) electrons that are partly delocalized over the {V₂₂O₅₄} shells. We also include the synthesis and characterization of the novel [V^VO₂F₂@HV^IV₈V^V₁₄O₅₄]^6? system that comprises the rarely encountered discrete difluorovanadate anion as a quasi‐isolated guest species.     

Everything you wanted to know about phase and reference frequency in one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy

The fundamental concept of phase discussed in this tutorial aimed at providing students with an explanation of the delays and processing parameters they may find in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) pulse programs. We consider the phase of radio-frequency pulses, receiver, and magnetization and how all these parameters are related to phases and offsets of signals in spectra. The impact of the off-resonance effect on the phase of the magnetization is discussed before presenting an overview of how adjustment of the time reference of the free induction decay avoids first-order correction of the phase of spectra. The main objective of this tutorial is to show how the relative phase of a pulse and the receiver can be used to change the reference frequency along direct and indirect dimensions of NMR experiments. Unusual of phase incrementation with non-90° angles will be illustrated on one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra.     

Octaboraneyl Complexes of Nickel: Monomers for Redox-Active Coordination Polymers

Herein, we establish the preparation, characterization, and reactivity of a new diphosphine ligand, 1,2-bis(di(3-dicyclohexylboraneyl)propylphosphino)ethane (P₂B^Cy₄), a scaffold that contains four pendant boranes. An entryway into the coordination chemistry of P₂B^Cy₄ is established by using nickel, providing the octaboraneyl complex [Ni(P₂B^Cy₄)₂]—this species contains a boron-rich secondary coordination sphere that reacts readily with Lewis bases. In the case of 4,4′-bipyridine, an air-sensitive coordination polymer is obtained. Characterization of this material by solid-state NMR and EPR spectroscopy reveals the presence of a charge-transfer polymer, which forms as a function of intramolecular Ni→4,4′-bpy electron transfer (ET), providing an array of oxidized nickel sites and reduced 4,4′-bpy radical anion sites. Notably, the related intermolecular reaction between the model fragments [Ni(dnppe)₂] (dnppe=1,2-bis(di-n-propylphosphino)ethane) and a bis(boraneyl)-protected 4,4′-bpy, provides no ET. Overall, the P₂B^Cy₄ fragment provides a unique opportunity for Lewis base activation, in one case allowing for the facile construction of monomers for incorporation into redox-active macromolecules.     

A Ferrocenyl Kaleidoscope: Slow Interconversion of Six Diastereo‐atropisomers of 2,6‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐9,10‐diferrocenyltriptycene

The title triptycene, 6 , has been isolated as the product of 9,10‐cycloaddition of benzyne to 9,10‐diferrocenyl‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylanthracene, 5 , whose X‐ray crystal structure is reported. Each ferrocenyl unit in 6 has access to the same three non‐equivalent molecular environments, and their rotations relative to the molecular paddlewheel give rise to six slowly interconverting atropisomers. Their dynamic behaviour in solution is a challenging NMR puzzle that can be successfully solved by taking advantage of the recently described very large diamagnetic anisotropy of the ferrocenyl moiety, together with the C₂ symmetry of particular atropisomers. Application of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques over a range of temperatures together, with a detailed analysis of the homo‐ and heteronuclear correlations in 6 , resulted in unequivocal mapping of the 99 ¹H and 162 ¹³C positions in the six interconverting systems. Variable‐temperature 2D‐EXSY measurements revealed that, while the stability of the atropisomers is almost identical, they are separated by energy barriers which the ferrocenyls must overcome in the course of their interconversions. The heights of two different rotational barriers have been identified and these experimental findings are in good agreement with DFT calculations.     

Single‐Atom Gold Catalysis in the Context of Developments in Parahydrogen‐Induced Polarization

A highly isolated monoatomic gold catalyst, with single gold atoms dispersed on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been synthesized, characterized, and tested in heterogeneous hydrogenation of 1,3‐butadiene and 1‐butyne with parahydrogen to maximize the polarization level and the contribution of the pairwise hydrogen addition route. The Au/MWCNTs catalyst was found to be active and efficient in pairwise hydrogen addition and the estimated contributions from the pairwise hydrogen addition route are at least an order of magnitude higher than those for supported metal nanoparticle catalysts. Therefore, the use of the highly isolated monoatomic catalysts is very promising for production of hyperpolarized fluids that can be used for the significant enhancement of NMR signals. A mechanism of 1,3‐butadiene hydrogenation with parahydrogen over the highly isolated monoatomic Au/MWCNTs catalyst is also proposed.