Ultrafast softening in InMnAs

We have used two-color time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect spectroscopy to manipulate and detect dynamic processes of spin/magnetic order in a ferromagnetic semiconductor InMnAs. We observed ultrafast photo-induced “softening” (i.e., transient decrease of coercivity) due to spin-polarized transient carriers. This transient softening persists only during the carrier lifetime (2 ps) and returns to its original value as soon as the carriers recombine to disappear. Our data clearly demonstrates that magnetic properties, e.g., coercivity, can be strongly and reversibly modified in an ultrafast manner. We attribute the origin of this unusual phenomenon to carrier-mediated ferromagnetic exchange interactions between Mn ions. We discuss the dependence of data on the pump polarization, pump intensity, and sample temperature. Our observation opens up new possibilities for ultrafast optical manipulation of ferromagnetic order as well as providing a new avenue for studying the dynamics of long-range collective order in strongly correlated many-body systems.     

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in ferromagnetic InGaMnAs

We have carried out an ultrafast time-resolved differential reflectivity study of a ferromagnetic semiconductor InGaMnAs and made a systematic comparison with low-temperature grown and high-temperature grown InGaAs reference films. Very short carrier lifetimes (2 ps) were observed in InGaMnAs and the low-temperature grown InGaAs film, but not in the high-temperature grown InGaAs film. We attribute the short lifetimes to carrier trapping by mid-gap states introduced during low-temperature MBE growth. Furthermore, at long times, we observed periodic oscillations in the differential reflectivity signal with period 20 ps, which we interpret as coherent acoustic phonons.     

Molecular programming of organogelators which can accept [60]fullerene by encapsulation

New porphyrin-based gelators bearing eight hydrogen-bond-forming amide groups at their periphery were synthesized. They acted as versatile gelators for aromatic solvents. SEM and TEM observations and X-ray crystallographic analysis established that they tend to aggregate into a two-dimensional sheet-like structure utilizing the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction. In this structure the porphyrin-porphyrin π-π stacking interaction is not involved because of the energetically-predominant hydrogen-bonding interactions, keeping the space distance of 12.9 Å. Very interestingly, when C₆₀ was added, the morphology was transformed to a one-dimensional fibrous structure, which can enjoy a porphyrin-C₆₀-porphyrin interaction. This multicapsular structure having porphyrin-based compartments for hosting C₆₀ was further characterized by XRD, EPR of a Cu(II) analogue, and the theoretical calculation. Thus, this paper presents a new concept, ‘molecular recognition in gel’, which is effective for the weak host-guest interaction.     

Electron-active cyclotron resonance in p-doped InMnAs in high magnetic fields

We present a theoretical and experimental study of electron-active cyclotron resonance in p-doped InMnAs in high magnetic fields. Results are based on an 8-band Pidgeon–Brown model generalized to include finite k_z effects and s(p)–d exchange interaction between itinerant carriers and Mn d-electrons. The e-active transitions in the valence band in p-doped samples take place due to the nature of multiple valence bands (heavy and light holes). We have calculated the absorption spectra in high magnetic fields and identified optical transitions which contribute to the cyclotron resonance for both e-active and h-active polarizations. Calculations show agreement with experimental results.     

Study of the surface electromigration of In on Si(111) surfaces by the use of micro-electron-beams

The surface electromigration (SE) of ultrathin In films on Si(111)4 × 1-In surfaces has been investigated using experimental techniques based on μ-electron beams. On the basis of the finding that the SE velocity enhances as the strength of the electrostatic field (EF) fed through the substrate enhances, it is strongly suggested that the driving force of SE is an EF rather than a DC current fed through the substrate. It is found that a patch of ultrathin In film changes to an In patch of 1 × 1 periodicity during SE which is accompanied by spotty parts (named fine-polygons) at both the cathode and anode sides of the In patch. It is found that the fine-polygons are created at the cathode side and are stationary but grow in size to be eventually incorporated into the In-patch. A few In-islands are found on the cathode side of the In-patch and they show no translation but cycles of appearance, growth, decay, and disappearance during SE, by which mass-transportation is achieved. A plausible microscopic model for the SE is presented based on these findings.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(phenylacetylenes) having two polar groups or one cyclic polar group on the phenyl ring

Phenylacetylene (PA) derivatives having two polar groups (ester, 2a – d ; amide, 4) or one cyclic polar group (imide, 5a – c ) were polymerized using (nbd)Rh⁺[(η⁶‐C₆H₅)B^?(C₆H₅)₃] catalyst to afford high molecular weight polymers (～1 × 10⁶ – 4 × 10⁶). The hydrolysis of ester‐containing poly(PA), poly( 2a) , provided poly(3,4‐dicarboxyPA) [poly ( 3 )], which could not be obtained directly by the polymerization of the corresponding monomer. The solubility properties of the present polymers were different from those of poly(PA) having no polar group; that is, poly( 2a )–poly( 2d ) dissolved in ethyl acetate and poly( 4 ) dissolved in N,N‐dimethylformamide, while poly(PA) was insoluble in such solvents. Ester‐group‐containing polymers [poly( 2a )–poly( 2d )] afforded free‐standing membranes by casting from THF solutions. The membrane of poly( 2a ) showed high carbon dioxide permselectivity against nitrogen (PCO₂/PN₂ = 62). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5943–5953, 2006     

Asymmetric cyclization of 2-alkenylphenols. A comparative study on the use of palladium(II) and titanium(IV) complexes

The oxidative cyclization of 2-(3-pentenyl)phenol catalyzed by [(η³-pinene)PdOAc]₂ gives optically active (+)-2-vinylchroman (25% e.e.), while (−)-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)chroman (56% e.e.) is formed as a single diastereomer upon treatment with t-BuOOH in the presence of Ti(OⁱPr)₄ and -(+)-diethyl tartrate. 2-(2-Butenyl)phenol also undergoes the Ti-promoted asymmetric cyclization to give (2S,1′R)-(−)-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (29% e.e.).     

Remarkable reactivities of the xanthone ketyl radical in the excited state compared with that in the ground state

The properties and reactivities of the xanthone (Xn) ketyl radical (XnH*) in the doublet excited state (XnH*(D1)) were examined by using two-color two-laser flash photolysis. The absorption and fluorescence of XnH*(D1) were observed for the first time. Several factors governing the deactivation processes of XnH*(D1) such as interaction and reaction with solvent molecules were discussed. The remarkable change of reactivity of XnH*(D1) compared with that in the ground state (XnH*(D0)) was indicated from the experimental results. The rapid halogen abstraction of XnH*(D1) from some halogen donors such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was found to occur. The halogen abstraction occurred more efficiently in the polar solvents than in the nonpolar solvents. It is suggested that the polar solvents promote the spin distribution of XnH*(D1) of the phenyl ring favorable to the halogen abstraction.