Radially dependent antishielding factor γ(r) of the Sc3+ ion in the solid state

We report the results of our calculation of γ(r), the radially dependent antishielding factor of Sc³⁺ ion in the crytalline environment. Watson sphere model is used to approximately represent the crystal potential. Differential equations resulting from non-orthogonal Hartree-Fock perturbation theory are solved to obtain perturbations to core electron states. Contribution to γ(r) from electron self-consistency effect has been evaluated by using the latter wave-functions in the many-body expression of Schmidtet al.     

A generalized scheme for analysis of multifarious commercially used mufflers

Commercial automotive mufflers are often too complex to be broken into a cascade of one-dimensional elements with predetermined transfer matrices. The one-dimensional (1-D) scheme presented in this paper is based on an algorithm that uses user-friendly visual volume elements along with the theory of transfer matrix based muffler analysis. This work attempts to exploit the speed of the one-dimensional analysis with the flexibility, generality and user-friendliness of three-dimensional analysis using geometric modeling. A code based on the developed algorithm has been employed to demonstrate the generality of the proposed method in analyzing commercial mufflers by considering three very diverse classes of mufflers with different kinds of combinations of reactive, perforated and absorptive elements. Though the examples used in the paper are not very complex for they are meant to be just representative cases of certain classes of mufflers, yet the algorithm can handle a large domain of commercial mufflers of high degree of complexity. Results from the present algorithm have been validated through comparisons with both the analytical (plane wave based) and the more general, three-dimensional FEM based results. The forte of the proposed method is its power to construct the system matrix consistent with the boundary conditions from the geometrical model to evaluate the four-pole parameters of the entire muffler and thence its transmission loss, etc. Thus, the algorithm can be used in conjunction with the transfer matrix based muffler programs to analyze the entire exhaust system of an automobile.     

Dynamic economic dispatch using Lbest-PSO with dynamically varying sub-swarms

Dynamic economic dispatch (DED) is one of the major planning problem in a power system. It is a non-linear optimization problem with various operational constraints, which includes the constraints of the generators operating characteristics and the system constraints. Its principal aim is to minimize the cost of power production of all the participating generators over a time horizon of 24 h, while satisfying the system constraints. This problem deals with non-convex characteristics if generation unit valve-point effects are taken into account. The paper intends to solve the DED problem with valve-point effects, using our modified form of Local-best variant of Particle Swarm Optimization (Lbest PSO) algorithm. We have tested our algorithm on 5-unit, 10-unit and 110-unit test system with non-smooth fuel cost functions to prove the effectiveness of the suggested method over different state of the art methods.     

Ion beam shaping of embedded metal nanoparticles by Si+ ion irradiation

Fine Co and Pt nanoparticles are nucleated when a silica sample is implanted with 400 keV Co⁺ and 1370 keV Pt⁺ ions. At the implanted range, Co and Pt react to form small Co _x Pt_(1?x) nanoparticles during Si⁺ ion irradiation at 300 °C. Thermal annealing of the pre-implanted silica substrate at 1000 °C results in the formation of spherical nanoparticles of various sizes. When irradiated with Si⁺ ions at 300 °C, particles in the size range of 5–17 nm undergo rod-like shape transformation with an elongation in the direction of the incident ion beam, while those particles in the size range of 17–26 nm turn into elliptical shape. Moreover, it is suspected that very big nanoparticles (size >26 nm) decrease in size, while small nanoparticles (size <5 nm) do not undergo any transformation. During Si⁺ ion irradiation, the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles is preserved. The results are discussed in the light of the thermal spike model.     

A scheme to observe universal breathing mode and Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless phase transition in a two-dimensional photon gas

A system of two-dimensional photon gas has recently been realized experimentally. We show that this setup can be used to observe a universal breathing mode of photon gas and a modification in the experimental setup would open up a possibility of observing the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) phase transition in such a system. Furthermore, the universal jump in the superfluid density of light in the output channel can be used as an unambiguous signature for the experimental verification of the BKT transition.     

Splitting of quantum information using N-qubit linear cluster states

We provide a number of schemes for the splitting up of quantum information among k parties using a N-qubit linear cluster state as a quantum channel, such that the original information can be reconstructed only if all the parties cooperate. Explicit circuits are provided for these schemes, which are based on the concept of measurement based locking and unlocking of quantum information. These are experimentally feasible as they require measurements to be performed only on product basis.     

Ordered dispersion of ZnO quantum dots in SiO2 matrix and its strong emission properties

ZnO nanoparticles in the form of quantum dots (QDs) have been dispersed in SiO₂ matrix using StÖber method to form ZnO QDs-SiO₂ nanocomposites. Addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to an ethanolic solution of ZnO nanoparticles produces random dispersion. On the other hand, addition of ZnO nanoparticles to an already hydrolyzed ethanolic TEOS solution results in a chain-like ordered dispersion. The photoluminescence spectra of the as-grown nanocomposites show strong emission in the ultraviolet region. When annealed at higher temperature, depending on the sample type, these show strong red or white emission. Interestingly, when the excitation is removed, the orderly dispersed ZnO QDs-SiO₂ composite shows a very bright blue fluorescence visible by naked eyes for few seconds indicating their promise for display applications. The emission property has been explained in the light of structure–property relationship.     

Positron beam studies of void swelling in ion irradiated Ti-modified stainless steel

The void swelling behavior of heavy ion irradiated D9 steel has been investigated using variable low energy positron beam. The normalized defect-sensitive S-parameter shows up a large increase in the depth region corresponding to the maximum radiation damage as a function of irradiation temperature. From the variation of S-parameter as a function of irradiation temperature, the peak swelling temperature has been deduced and the results are discussed.     

Polarized spectral features of human breast tissues through wavelet transform and principal component analysis

Fluorescence characteristics of human breast tissues are investigated through wavelet transform and principal component analysis (PCA). Wavelet transform of polarized fluorescence spectra of human breast tissues is found to localize spectral features that can reliably differentiate different tissue types. The emission range in the visible wavelength regime of 500–700 nm is analysed, with the excitation wavelength at 488 nm using laser as an excitation source, where flavin and porphyrin are some of the active fluorophores. A number of global and local parameters from principal component analysis of both high- and low-pass coefficients extracted in the wavelet domain, capturing spectral variations and subtle changes in the diseased tissues are clearly identifiable.     

Perturbation of pulsating strings

We discuss semiclassical quantization of circular pulsating strings in \( \text {AdS}_3 \times \text {S}^3 \) background with and without the Neveu-Schwarz–Neveu-Schwarz (NS–NS) flux. We find the equations of motion corresponding to the quadratic action in bosonic sector in terms of scalar quantities and invariants of the geometry. The general equations for studying physical perturbations along the string in an arbitrary curved spacetime are written down using covariant formalism. We discuss the stability of these string configurations by studying the solutions of the linearized perturbed equations of motion.