Demagnetization in photomagnetic films

We present a model for demagnetization in photomagnetic films, and investigate different regimes for the magnetizing process using finite element analysis. It is found that the demagnetizing factor may depend strongly upon the high-spin fraction of the film, and the specifics of the dependence are dictated by the microscopic morphology of the photomagnetic domains. This picture allows for facile interpretation of existing data on photomagnetic films, and can even explain an observed photoinduced decrease in low-field magnetization concurrent with increase in high-spin fraction. As a whole, these results reiterate the need to consider demagnetizing effects in photomagnetic films.     

Operator algebras and a theorem of Dieudonne

LetA be aC*-algebra with second dualA″. Let (φ _n)(n=1,...) be a sequence in the dual ofA such that limφ _n(a) exists for eacha εA. In general, this does not imply that limφ _n(x) exists for eachx εA″. But if limφ _n(p) exists whenever p is the range projection of a positive self-adjoint element of the unit ball ofA, then it is shown that limφ _n(x) does exist for eachx inA″. This is a non-commutative generalisation of a celebrated theorem of Dieudonné. A new proof of Dieudonné’s theorem, for positive measures, is given here. The proof of the main result makes use of Dieudonné’s original theorem.     

Radial oscillations of neutron stars in strong magnetic fields

The eigen frequencies of radial pulsations of neutron stars are calculated in a strong magnetic field. At low densities we use the magnetic BPS equation of state (EOS) similar to that obtained by Lai and Shapiro while at high densities the EOS obtained from the relativistic nuclear mean field theory is taken and extended to include strong magnetic field. It is found that magnetized neutron stars support higher maximum mass whereas the effect of magnetic field on radial stability for observed neutron star masses is minimal.     

Curvature-coupled hydration of Semicrystalline Polymer Amphiphiles yields flexible Worm Micelles but favors rigid Vesicles: polycaprolactone-based block copolymers

Crystallization processes are in general sensitive to detailed conditions, but our present understanding of underlying mechanisms is insufficient. A crystallizable chain within a diblock copolymer assembly is expected to couple curvature to crystallization and thereby impact rigidity as well as preferred morphology, but the effects on dispersed phases have remained unclear. The hydrophobic polymer polycaprolactone (PCL) is semi-crystalline in bulk (T(m) = 60°C) and is shown here to generate flexible worm micelles or rigid vesicles in water from several dozen polyethyleneoxide-based diblocks (PEO-PCL). Despite the fact that `worms' have a mean curvature between that of vesicles and spherical micelles, `worms' are seen only within a narrow, process-dependent wedge of morphological phase space that is deep within the vesicle phase. Fluorescence imaging shows worms are predominantly in one of two states - either entirely flexible with dynamic thermal undulations or fully rigid; only a few worms appear rigid at room temperature (T < T(m)), indicating suppression of crystallization by both curvature and PCL hydration. Worm rigidification, which depends on molecular weight, is also prevented by copolymerization of caprolactone with just 10% racemic lactide that otherwise has little impact on bulk crystallinity. In contrast to worms, vesicles of PEO-PCL are always rigid and typically leaky. Defects between crystallite domains induce dislocation-roughening with focal leakiness although select PEO-PCL - which classical surfactant arguments would predict make worms - yield vesicles that retain encapsulant and appear smooth, suggesting a gel or glassy state. Hydration in dispersion thus tends to selectively soften high curvature microphases.     

Photomagnetic K(0.25)Ni(1-x)Co(x)[Fe(CN)6]·nH2O and K(0.25)Co[Fe(CN)6](0.75y)[Cr(CN)6](0.75(1-y))·nH2O Prussian blue analogue solid solutions

Magnetically bistable solid solutions of Prussian blue analogues with chemical formulas of K(α)Ni(1-x)Co(x)[Fe(CN)(6)](β)·nH(2)O (Ni(1-x)Co(x)Fe) and K(α)Co(γ)[Fe(CN)(6)](y)[Cr(CN)(6)](1-y)·nH(2)O (CoFe(y)Cr(1-y)) have been synthesized and studied using mass spectrometry, M?ssbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, temperature-dependent infrared spectroscopy, and dc magnetometry. These compounds provide insight into interfaces between the photomagnetic Co-Fe Prussian blue analogue and the high-T(C) Ni-Cr Prussian blue analogue that exist in high-T(C) photomagnetic heterostructures. This investigation shows that the bistability of Co-Fe is strongly modified by metal substitution, with Ni(1-x)Co(x)Fe stabilizing high-spin cobalt-iron pairs and CoFe(y)Cr(1-y) stabilizing low-spin cobalt-iron pairs, while both types of substitution cause a dramatic decrease in the bistability of the material.