Integer quantum Hall effect in graphite

We present Hall effect measurements on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite that indicate the occurrence of the integer quantum-Hall-effect. The evidence is given by the observation of regular plateau-like structures in the field dependence of the transverse conductivity obtained in van der Pauw configuration. Measurements with the Corbino-disk configuration support this result and indicate that the quasi-linear and non-saturating longitudinal magnetoresistance in graphite is governed by the Hall effect in agreement with a recent theoretical model for disordered semiconductors.     

Intersubband transport in quantum wells in strong magnetic fields mediated by single- and two-electron scattering

We show theoretically that in quantum wells subjected to a strong magnetic field the intersubband current peaks at magnetic field values, which reveal the underlying specific intersubband scattering mechanism. We have designed and grown a superlattice structure in which such current oscillations are clearly visible, and in which the transition from the purely single-electron to the mixed single- and two-electron scattering regimes can be observed by tuning the applied voltage bias. The measurements were conducted in ultrahigh magnetic fields (up to 45 T) to obtain the full spectrum of the current oscillations.     

Plasmonic protection of the hot‐electron energy

In the Letter by K. Kempa, the definitions of two auxiliary constants in Eqs. (10) and (11) were incorrectly given by the author. He now wishes to correct these equations. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Plasmonic refraction‐induced ultrahigh transparency of highly conducting metallic networks

We demonstrate a high optoelectronic performance and application potential of our random network, with subwavelength diameter, ultralong, and high‐quality silver nanowires, stabilized on a substrate with a UV binder. Our networks show very good optoelectronic properties, with the single best figure of merit of ∼1686, and excellent stability under harsh mechanical strain, as well as thermal, and chemical challenge. Our network transparency strongly exceeds the simple shading limit. We show that this transmission enhancement is due to plasmonic refraction, which in an effective medium picture involves localized plasmons, and identify the inhomogeneous broadening as the key factor in promoting this mechanism. Such networks could become a basis for a next generation of ultrahigh‐performance transparent conductors.

     

Soft mode dispersion and ‘waterfall’ phenomenon in relaxors revisited

Results of recent inelastic neutron scattering studies of lead-based relaxor ferroelectrics by Gvasaliya et al. [J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 17, 4343 (2005); J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19, 016219 (2007)] have put in question the existence of the “waterfall” anomaly–an apparent vertical dispersion segment joining the TA and TO branches–observed earlier in low-energy [ξ00] phonon dispersion curves of these materials. In the present article, we review the results of earlier experiments and model calculations together with the outcome of our recent measurements on PMN using the same instrumental set-up as Gvasaliya et al. to conclude that the “waterfall” feature is not an experimental artefact. We also give some hints on a possible explanation of the results of Gvasaliya et al., by exploring the fact that the reported dispersion of the underdamped transverse optic branch follows the longitudinal acoustic (LA) branch dispersion surprisingly closely.     

Some New Results for Departure Process in the M X /G/1 Queueing System with a Single Vacation and Exhaustive Service

A batch arrival queueing system with a single vacation between two successive busy periods and with exhaustive service is considered.

The departure process h(t) is studied first on a single vacation cycle. The approach based on renewal theory is applied to obtain results in the general case. In particular, the explicit representation for the generating function of Laplace transform of the probability function of h(t) is derived. All formulae are written in terms of input parameters of the system and factors of a certain canonical factorization of Wiener–Hopf type. A numerical approach to results is discussed as well.     

High-energy hadrons and cosmic-ray muons in the atmosphere

Summary The experimental data on fluxes of high-energy hadrons and muons in the atmosphere are compared with the predictions based on the latest information about the properties of high-energy interactions and the primary cosmic-ray composition. It is demonstrated that the expected fluxes are in good agreement with the observations if protons dominate at energies up to 10¹⁵ eV.

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Riassunto Si confrontano i dati sperimentali sui flussi degli adroni e muoni ad alta energia nell'atmosfera con de previsioni basate sulle informazioni piú recenti sulle proprietà delle interazioni ad alta energia e la composizione primaria dei raggi cosmici. Si dimostra che i flussi attesi sono in buon accordo con le osservazioni se i protoni dominano ad energie fino a 10¹⁵ eV.

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Резюме Экспериментальные данные для потоков высокоэнергетических адронов и мюонов сравниваются с предсказаниями, основанными на последней информации относительно свойств взаимодействий при высоких энергиях и составе первичных космических лучей. Показывается, что ожидаемые потоки хорошо согласуются с наблюдениями, если протоны доминируют при энергиях вплоть до 10¹⁵ эВ.

     

Nanomechanical properties of silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes-poly(methyl methacrylate) composites

The mechanical properties of polymer composites, reinforced with silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), have been studied using the nanoindentation technique. The hardness and the Young's modulus have been found to increase strongly with the increasing content of these nanotubes in the polymer matrix. Similar experiments conducted on thin films containing MWNTs, but without a silica shell, revealed that the presence of these nanotubes does not affect the nanomechanical properties of the composites. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a very high tensile strength due to the nanotube stiffness, composites fabricated with CNTs may exhibit inferior toughness. The silica shell on the surface of a nanotube enhances its stiffness and rigidity. Our composites, at 4 wt % of the silica-coated MWNTs, display a maximum hardness of 120 +/- 20 MPa, and a Young's modulus of 9 +/- 1 GPa. These are respectively 2 and 3 times higher than those for the polymeric matrix. Here, we describe a method for the silica coating of MWNTs. This is a simple and efficient technique, adaptable to large-scale production, and might lead to new advanced polymer based materials, with very high axial and bending strength.