Gamma-ray tracking: Utilizing new concepts in the detection of gamma-radiation

Gamma-ray tracking in a closed array of highly segmented HPGe detectors is a new concept for the detection of γ-radiation. Each of the interacting γ-rays is identified and separated by measuring the energies and positions of individual interactions and by applying tracking algorithms to reconstruct the scattering sequences, even if many γ-rays hit the array at the same time. The three-dimensional position and the energy of interactions are determined by using two-dimensionally segmented Ge detectors along with pulse-shape analysis of the signals. Such a detector will have new and much improved capabilities compared to current γ-ray spectrometer. One implementation of this concept, called GRETA (Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Array), is currently being under development at LBNL. Received: 21 March 2002 / Accepted: 16 May 2002 / Published online: 31 October 2002 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: kvetter@lbl.gov     

Dielectric Response and Broadband Microwave Absorption Properties of Three-Layer Graded ZnO Nanowhisker/Polyester Composites

We design and prepare three-layer graded ZnO nanowhisker/polyester composites. The dispersion configuration of ZnO nanowhiskers in the polyester is investigated, and their microwave reflectivity curves are also measured. Experimental results have shown that the graded dispersion with ZnO nanowhiskers contributes to broadband microwave absorption. In other words, the absorption band depends on the graded dispersion configuration of ZnO nanowhiskers in polyester matrix.     

Synthesis of NaxAy(H3O)zCoO2 ⋅ wH2O (A=Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) superconductors via ion exchange

We have synthesized Na_xA_y(H₃O)_zCoO₂⋅wH₂O (A=Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) superconductors via ion exchange at ambient conditions. The extent of incorporation of alkaline-earth elements was found to be related to the similarity in size between the guest ion and the host one. In the case of A=Ca, about half of the sodium was successfully replaced by calcium. All the synthesized samples were shown to be superconducting with the T_c from 3.1 to 4.5 K.     

Real-time monitoring of diamond nucleation and growth using field-enhanced thermionic emission current

Diamond nucleation and growth in the combustion-flame method were monitored in real time using thermionic emission current from the deposited diamond films. It was observed that the emission current evolved over three periods, the incubation, the fast increase, and the saturation periods. Ball-shaped diamond particles, faceted diamond crystals, and diamond films with well-faceted crystals were formed in the three periods. The current from a diamond-seeded substrate started to increase immediately without an incubation period, confirming that the current is from the diamond. Therefore, the current could be used for real-time monitoring of the diamond nucleation and growth.     

In situ measurement of high-temperature thermal diffusivity in a combustion-synthesized ceramic

A simple method to calculate thermal diffusivity in situ after a combustion synthesis reaction is presented. The combustion reaction was analyzed via time-resolved X-ray diffraction analysis and infrared thermography. Thermal diffusivity was estimated and used to calculate temperature profiles based on temperature profiles one second earlier. For a sample of TiC formed from Ti and C, a value of 2.00×10^-6±0.20×10^-6 m² s^-1 was calculated for temperatures between 1000 and 1900 K. This method is rapid and can avoid some problems associated with furnace-based measurements of thermal diffusivity, such as recrystallization and destruction of non-equilibrium phases. Received 29 November 2002 / Received in final form 19 March 2003 Published online 23 May 2003 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: vrel@limhp.univ-paris13.fr RID="b" ID="b"UPR 1311 RID="c" ID="c"UMR 6630     

Enhancement of photoluminescence of ZnS:Mn nanocrystals modified by surfactants with phosphate or carboxyl groups via a reverse micelle method

A colloidal suspension of ZnS:Mn nanocrystals was prepared in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)suflosuccinate reverse micelles, and then modified by surfactants with phosphate or carboxyl groups. The photoluminescent intensity at 580 nm due to d-d transition of Mn²⁺ ions increases up to a factor of 6.3 and its quantum efficiency increases from 1.7% to 8.1% after modification. According to ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, surfactants with phosphate groups adsorb on the surface of ZnS nanocrystal and ³¹P nucleus spins are relaxed rapidly by interaction with five unpaired 3d electrons of Mn²⁺, showing that phosphate groups are located in the vicinity of Mn²⁺. The excitation spectra for the emission due to phosphate or carboxyl groups are similar to those for the emission at 580 nm corresponding to the excitation of ZnS. Both excitation spectra shift in parallel with increasing the amount of surfactant to show the linear relationship. We, therefore, attribute the increase in quantum efficiency at 580 nm to additional energy transfer of ZnS→functional groups→Mn²⁺ as well as to the reduction of energy loss due to non-radiative transition by surface modification.     

Rowers coupled hydrodynamically. Modeling possible mechanisms for the cooperation of cilia

We introduce a model system of stochastic entities, called rowers which include some essentials of the behavior of real cilia. We introduce and discuss the problem of symmetry breaking for these objects and its connection with the onset of macroscopic, directed flow in the fluid. We perform a mean field-like calculation showing that hydrodynamic interaction may provide for the symmetry breaking mechanism and the onset of fluid flow. Finally, we discuss the problem of the metachronal wave in a stochastic context through an analytical calculation based on a path integral representation of our model equation. Received 12 June 2001 and Received in final form 9 January 2002     

Synthesis and optical properties of Co-doped ZnO nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

In this work, Co-doped ZnO nanofibers have been fabricated successfully by an electrospinning technique. The as-prepared nanofibers are characterized by themogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Results have showed that a wurtzite ZnO nanofibers were obtained and the PL spectrum showed a red-shift by 10 nm due to narrowing of the ZnO band gap (∼3.29 eV) as a result of Co doping. Meanwhile, Raman scattering spectra exhibited an unusual peak at 540 cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of Ni-doped zinc oxide powders

Polycrystalline Zn_1−xNi_xO diluted magnetic semiconductors have been successfully synthesized by an auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that the 5 at% Ni-doped ZnO had the pure wurtzite structure. Refinements of cell parameters from powder diffraction data revealed that the cell parameters of Zn_0.95Ni_0.05O were a little bit larger than ZnO. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the as-synthesized powders were of the size ∼60 nm. Magnetic investigations showed that the nanocystalline Zn_0.95Ni_0.05O possessed room temperature ferromagnetism with the saturation magnetic moment of 0.1 emu/g (0.29 μ_B/Ni²⁺).     

Synthesis and microstructure of metal oxide thin films containing metal nanoparticles by liquid phase deposition (LPD) method

Au nanoparticles dispersed SiO₂-TiO₂ composite films have been prepared by a novel wet process, Liquid Phase Deposition (LPD) method. The composite films were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, ICP, SEM and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the SiO₂-TiO₂ composite films containing Au^III and Au^I ionic species were co-deposited from a mixed solution of ammonium silicofluoride, ammonium hexafluorotitanate, boric acid and tetrachloroauric acid. The heat treatment induced the reduction of Au ions and formation of Au nanoparticles in the film. TEM observation revealed that the Au nanoparticles with 5-10 nm in diameter were found to be dispersed uniformly in the SiO₂-TiO₂ matrix. The optical absorption band due to the surface plasmon resonance of dispersed Au particles were observed at the wavelength of 550 nm and shifted toward longer wavelength with increasing heat treatment temperature. Received 28 November 2000