SO(n,1) Wigner rotation as an SL(2,R) problem

We show that the composition of not only two SO(3,1) boosts, but also that of two SO(n,1) boosts for anyn 2, is basically an SO(2,1) problem and hence can be analysed completely using SL(2,R) matrices. By computing the expression for the Thomas/Wigner angle directly using SL(2,R) matrices we show that this approach results in considerable economy of algebra.     

Approximate neutrality of large-Z ions

LetN(Z) denote the number of electrons which a nucleus of chargeZ can bind in non-relativistic quantum mechanics (assuming that electrons are fermions). We prove thatN(Z)/Z1 asZ.Research partially supported by the NSERC under Grant NA7901 and by the USNSF under Grants DMS-8416049 and PHY 85-15288-A01     

V4S9Br4: a novel high-spin vanadium cluster thiobromide with square-planar metal core

The novel vanadium thiobromide, V4S9Br4, with a square-planar metal cluster core was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, measurements of magnetic properties and the heat capacity, and DFT calculations of the electronic structure. At the room temperature, the compound displays paramagnetic properties with an independent spin on each V atom and with a weak exchange constant (J approximately 10 cm(-1)). The paramagnetic state is transformed into a low-spin state (AF-type ordering) at low temperatures. This change is accompanied by a heat-capacity anomaly. The observed magnetic and heat-capacity anomalies can be explained by the thermal excitation of electrons on the closely spaced molecular energy levels in the presence of the Jahn-Teller effect.