The Shackling Effect in Cyclic Azobenzene Liquid Crystal

We demonstrate here a novel method for the design of liquid crystals (LCs) via the cyclization of mesogens by flexible chains. For two azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate derivatives, the cyclic dimer, cyclic bis(tetraethylene glycol azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate) (CBTAD), shows LC properties with smectic A phase, while its linear counterpart, bis(2-(2′-hydroxyethyloxy)ethyl azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate (BHAD), has no LC phase. The difference is ascribed to the shackling effect from the cyclic topology, which leads to the much smaller entropy change during phase transitions and increases the isotropic temperature greatly for cyclics. In addition, the trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene groups under UV-light is also limited in CBTAD. With the reversible isomerization of azobenzene groups, CBTAD showed interesting isothermal phase transition behaviors, where the LC phase disappeared upon photoirradiation of 365 nm UV-light, and recovered when the UV-light was off. Combined with the smectic LC nature, a novel UV-light tuned visible light regulator was designed, by simply placing CBTAD in two glass plates. The scattered phase of smectic LC was utilized as the “OFF” state for light passage, while the UV-light induced isotropic phase was utilized as the “ON” state. The shackling effect outlined here should be applicable for the design of cyclic LC oligomers/polymers with special properties.

     

Magnetic viscosity in NdFeB and SmCo5 alloys

The magnetic viscosity parameters (kT/q=S_v) of spherical specimens of NdFeB and SmCo₅ have been measured as functions of intensity of magnetization. Two methods of measurement were used for both specimens. For the NdFeB specimen the value of kT/q varies from 50 Oe at M=+400 G to 80 Oe at M=-900 G. For SmCo₅, kT/q varies from approximately 18 to 21 Oe and has a maximum value at M=0. For each specimen the two methods of measurement give results which are in agreement within the limits of experimental error. The volumes of material which are subject to thermal activation, e.g. pinning or nucleation centres, range from 4 to 6.4X10^-19 cm³ for NdFeB and is about 2.4X10^-18 cm³ for SmCo₅.     

Spectroscopic study of molecular associations between flavins FAD and RFN and some indole derivatives

The formation of complexes between two flavins [flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and riboflavin (RFN)] and some indole derivatives has been studied in aqueous solution. The molecular associations have been examined by means of electronic absorption spectra, since in each, a new charge-transfer like band has been located, and also by observing the variation of the fluorescence emission of FAD or RFN on the solutions. The formation constants for the molecular complexes were determined from data of absorption using the Foster—Hammick—Wardley method. The quenching fluorescence phenomena observed for the FAD and RFN were related to the concentration of the indole derivatives and the corresponding quenching constants have been determined. Thermodynamic parameters have been derived from the values of association constants for the molecular complexes at several temperatures. Clear evidence is found for the influence on the stability of these complexes of the different substituent groups in the indole derivatives and the molecular structure of both flavins.     

Transient electron spin resonance spectroscopy of the carotenoid triplet state in Rhodopseudomonas Sphaeroides wild type

We have determined the triplet state spin sublevel dynamics of spheroidene contained within the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudonionas sphaeroides wild type. The triplet state decay dynamics were measured using direct-detection, rapid-transient, high-field, electron spin resonance spectroscopy on chromatophores isolated from the bacterium. The transient signals were analyzed as a function of microwave power to obtain the individual triplet state spin sublevel decay rate constants and the spin—lattice relaxation time. The individual triplet state spin sublevel decay constants yielded a value of 4.2±0.3 μs for the overall triplet state lifetime, which agrees with the lifetime measured previously by other workers using optical spectroscopic methods.     

Exciton linewidth due to scattering from free carriers in semiconducting quantum well structures

The contribution to the exciton linewidth in semiconducting quantum well structures due to the scattering of excitons by free carriers is calculated. It is found that this contribution becomes very important in limiting the exciton linewidth when a high density of free carriers is present or at low temperatures where the scattering of the excitons by optical and acoustic phonons is reduced. This contribution to the linewidth in quantum well structures is found to increase with the free carrier concentration and to extremely broaden and exciton peak at high carrier concentrations. At lower carrier concentrations, where the carriers behave as a nondegenerate gas of particles, the contribution to the exciton linewidth due to scattering by free carriers increases with temperature.     

Hydrolysis of N-methylnicotinyl and N-methylisonicotinyl esters and some n-participating derivatives under micellar conditions

Hydrolysis rate of two types of compounds, A and B were studied in the presence of variable concentrations of an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS). Class A of compounds consists of substances which hydrolyze by the S_N1 mechanism and which are structurally related to cationic surfactants. The second class (B) contains an internal nucleophile and thus solvolyzes under anchimeric assistance. It was found that compounds of class A are forming an effective micelle and show a rate retardation relative to solvolysis in pure water. The hydrolysis rates of compounds of class B are relatively unaffected by the presence of the micelle forming surfactant. The merits of a N-methylnicotinoic and N-nethylisonicotinoic esters as a new type of leaving groups are discussed.     

Nonlinear electromechanical fields and localized polarization switching of 1-3 piezoelectric/polymer composites

This paper examines the nonlinear electromechanical response of 1-3 piezoelectric/polymer composites. The piezocomposites contain square or circular piezoelectric rods in an epoxy matrix. Experiments were conducted to measure the displacement versus electric field curves, using the device specimen of the 1-3 piezocomposites. Three dimensional finite element analysis was also carried out to study the electromechanical fields in the 1-3 piezocomposites by introducing a model for polarization switching. Comparison was then made between simulation and experiment.     

Phase Diagram of the Spin-1/2 Heisenberg Alternating Chain in a Magnetic Field *

By using the infinite time-evolving block decimation, we study quantum fidelity and entanglemententropy in the spin-1/2 Heisenberg alternating chain under an external magnetic field .The effects of the magnetic field on the fidelity are investigated, and its relation with the quantum hase transition (QPT) is analyzed. The phase diagram of the model is given accordingly, which supports the Haldane phase, the singlet-dimer phase, the Luttinger liquid phase and the paramagnetic phase. The scaling of entanglement entropy in the gapless Luttinger liquid phase is studied, and the central charge $c=1$ is obtained. We also study the relationship between the quantum coherence, string order parameter and QPTs. Results obtained from these quantum information observations are consistent with the previous reports.     

On the Asymmetry for Convex Domains of Constant Width

The extremal convex bodies of constant width for the Minkowski measure of asymmetry are discussed. A result, similar to that of H. Groemer＇s and of H. Lu＇s, is obtained, which states that, for the Minkowski measure of asymmetry, the most asymmetric convex domains of constant width in R2 are Reuleaux triangles.