Hydrogen control of ferromagnetism in a dilute magnetic semiconductor

We show that upon exposure to a remote dc hydrogen plasma, the magnetic and electronic properties of the dilute magnetic semiconductor Ga1-xMnxAs change qualitatively. While the as-grown Ga1-xMnxAs thin films are ferromagnetic at temperatures T less, similar 70 K, the samples are found to be paramagnetic after the hydrogenation, with a Brillouin-type magnetization curve even at T=2 K. Comparing magnetization and electronic transport measurements, we conclude that the density of free holes p is significantly reduced by the plasma process, while the density of Mn magnetic moments does not change.     

The synthesis of symmetrical bis-1,2,5-thiadiazole ligands

We have been engaged in a search for coordination catalysts for the copolymerization of polar monomers (such as vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate) with ethylene. We have been investigating complexes of late transition metals with heterocyclic ligands. In this report we describe the synthesis of a symmetrical bis-thiadiazole. We have characterized one of the intermediates using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Several unsuccessful approaches toward 1 are also described, which shed light on some of the unique chemistry of thiadiazoles.     

A sphere-based model for the electrostatics of globular proteins

We propose a model for the electrostatics of globular proteins in which the low dielectric region is replaced by concentric spheres of the appropriate size. The method uses analytical formulas for the dielectric sphere and allows an efficient and accurate treatment of bulk charges. For surface charges, we propose a numerical determination of the sphere radius based on the solvent exposure of the individual atoms. The present implementation of the sphere model yields a good approximation of finite-difference Poisson solvation and interaction energies for a test set of 12 proteins.     

Surface chemistry and optimization of focused ion beam iodine-enhanced etching of indium phosphide

Focused ion beam physical sputtering and iodine-enhanced etching of indium phosphide (InP) were performed. Up to 15× enhanced etching rates over sputtering were measured at room temperature, due to the addition of iodine to the sputter-process. Reaction mechanisms and products are discussed and characterized. The reaction is limited by the desorption of indium triiodide (InI₃) at room temperature. InI₃ has to be removed by sputtering, which simultaneously amorphizes the underlying substrate. Surface roughness and stoichiometry of InP are compared for sputtering and etching. Gallium-contamination and the damaged zone in InP are significantly reduced by iodine-enhanced etching. Based on the reaction mechanisms, an optimum beam scanning strategy is proposed which allows precise microfabrication in reduced time and minimizes damage to the substrate. The method is also applicable for other halide gas etching processes of III-V semiconductors.     

Cohomogeneity one manifolds with positive Euler characteristic

We classify those manifolds of positive Euler characteristic on which a Lie group G acts with cohomogeneity one, where G is classical simple.     

Tailoring Polymers for Entry into the Atmospheres of Mars and Venus

Abstract

Exploring the other planets of our solar system with atmospheric probes and landers places new requirements on polymeric systems. Because of a preoccupation with weight, designers of capsule components are switching over to plastics with increasing frequency. Ablative heat shields, aeroshell structures, antennas, insulators, electronics packaging, parachutes, and many specialty items could be made from plastics which are tailored to the specific environmental needs. In spite of generally poor practices which limit the reproducibility of commercial products, much is being done to delineate the problems set forth by these environments. This paper outlines the specific environments expected for Mars and Venus capsules and discusses some of the efforts in process, or prospective, within or for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to provide the understanding necessary to tailor new composites for these specific environments. Although much of the work is oriented toward ablative heat shield development, the application is generally similar for all of the other capsule components. Based on this work, an idealized polymer would be a reproducible high-temperature plastic with low volatile content, low-temperature flexibility, and a low number of reactive sites after cure. Though we are some distance from this ideal, progress is being made toward this objective.