This patent describes a {gamma}-ray detector. It comprises: a dislocation-free single crystal having an input surface and a transmission surface at opposite ends thereof; an active shield surrounding the crystal and functioning as an anticoincidence counter; and {gamma}-ray detector means disposed adjacent the transmission surface of the crystal for receiving and detecting {gamma}-rays of a predetermined wavelength incident on the input surface of the crystal at a specific Bragg angle and transmitted through the crystal.
A high degree of structural perfection is an essential requirement for CdTe crystals used as substrates for the epitaxial growth of CdHgTe alloys. Here, a method for the evaluation of the structural perfection of CdTe crystals is proposed which is based on X-ray diffraction measurements using both two-crystal and three-crystal diffractometers (differential version). The method makes it possible to obtain more information on structural perfection both at the crystalsurface and within the crystal body.
The development of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) mineral scale in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane desalting was investigated by direct real-time observation of crystal growth. Gypsum scaling studies were conducted in a specially modified plate-and-frame reverse osmosis cell fitted with an optical window, with dark-field membrane lighting arrangement within the membrane cell to enhance crystal boundaries and allow recording of digital surface images magnified through an optical microscope. The evolution of the surface number density (SND) of gypsum crystals resembled a sigmoidal population growth process with an increasing rate of crystal formation at higher solution supersaturation (with respect to gypsum) at the membrane surface. The rate of formation of new crystals declined as the su...
Single crystal cubic boron nitride (cBN) was heteroepitaxially grown on a seed crystal of diamond under static high pressure and high temperature at 5.5GPa and 1,600--1,700 C, respectively, for 10--100 hour. A temperature gradient method was employed for the crystal growth by using lithium boron nitride as a solvent. Initial growth feature of cBN crystal was found on the diamond seed surface after the growing time of 10 minutes. The nucleation sites of the crystals seem to be near the etch pits on the diamond surface which were introduced by the surface dissolution by the solvent for cBN growth. Two types of growth features, island and step growth were typically shown on the surface. It can be seen that grown crystal appearing as a (111) nitrogen face was exhibited with the step ...
We report on a high resolution, monolithic crystal PET detector design concept that provides depth of interaction (DOI) positioning within the crystal. Our design utilizes a novel sensor on...Full Text Available
We tried to apply a quartz crystal as a sensor by using the resonant frequency and the resistance properties of quartz crystals. Four kinds of fatty acids that have the same head groups were coated on the surfaces of the quartz crystals, and the shift of the resonant frequency and the resistance were observed based on the lengths of the tail groups. Myristic acid (C{sub 14}), palmitic acid (C{sub 16}), stearic acid (C{sub 18}), and arachidic acid (C{sub 20}) were deposited on the surfaces of quartz crystals by using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method. As a result, the resonant frequency change was more sensitive to high molecular-weight fatty acids than to low molecular-weight ones. We also observed the effect of temperature on stearic acid LB films, and the response properties of quartz crystals coated with stearic-acid LB films to organic ...
Herein, we demonstrate the structure of the PS colloidal crystals which were fabricated on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic Si wafers by a spin-coating technique. Monodisperse PS colloids are spin-coated onto self-assembled monolayers of 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and propyltrimethoxysilane coated Si wafers. PS spheres organized as ordered close-packed face-centered cubic structure with (111) planes on the hydrophilic surface while they gathered without the crystal structure on the hydrophobic surface. This paper also reports a simple and rapid method to fabricate the close-packed structure of hollow TiO2 spheres. The colloidal crystal of TiO2 hollow spheres was prepared using the PS sphere template on the hydrophobic surface. The mechanism for the growing multilayers of self-assembled PS p...
In-situ TEM investigations during thermal treatment of amorphous Pd{sub 81}Si{sub 19} have been performed. It was found that crystalline nuclei are formed near the perforation edge of the hole produced by electrochemical polishing. After impinging with neighboring crystals, a crystallization front formed which was aligned parallel to the perforation edge. The crystallization front moved in the direction perpendicular to the perforation edge. Crystal growth was found to proceed faster in thinner parts of the specimen than in thicker parts. The results are described qualitatively within a thermodynamic model taking into account volume-, surface- and interfacial free energies and an appropriate specimen geometry.
Performance of SRF cavities are limited by non-linear localized effects. The variation of local material characters between "hot" and "cold" spots is thus of intense interest. Such locations were identified in a BCP-etched large-grain single-cell cavity and removed for examination by high resolution electron microscopy (SEM), electron-back scattering diffraction microscopy (EBSD), optical microscopy, and 3D profilometry. Pits with clearly discernable crystal facets were observed in both "hotspot" and "coldspot" specimens. The pits were found in-grain, at bi-crystal boundaries, and on tri-crystal junctions. They are interpreted as etch pits induced by surfacecrystal defects (e.g. dislocations). All "coldspots" examined had qualitatively low density of etching pits or very shallow tri-crystal boundary junction. EBSD revealed the crystal ...
The early work of Stern has been reviewed briefly along with some of our experiments carried out later with similar geometrical arrangements in order to highlight his successes at the time and the future developments of his findings and predictions. The double crystal technique, developed by Stern has been used for energy analysis of He beams and results are shown for scattering from a rough reconstructed (001) InSb surface and Xe adsorbed layers. Surface phonons were not observed in the case of InSb probably as a result of the rough surface. (orig.).
The chemical properties of alloys in a given environment are to a large extent governed by the surface composition. Changes of the surface composition during passivation are important features in this respect. Previous studies of single crystal Ni-Mo alloys surfaces have been reported. The aim of this work was to obtain quantitative data, for the natural oxide and the passive films formed on Ni-6% Mo(100) and (110) alloys, using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and nuclear reaction analysis.
The chemical properties of alloys in a given environment are to a large extent governed by the surface composition. Changes of the surface composition during passivation are important features in this respect. Previous studies of single crystal Ni-Mo alloys surfaces have been reported. The aim of this work was to obtain quantitative data, for the natural oxide and the passive films formed on Ni-6% Mo(100) and (110) alloys, using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and nuclear reaction analysis. (author).
An annealing with the nanosecond laser light pulse is applied for crystal lattice reconstruction of a disturbed near-surface layer, which was created in semiconductor material as a result of the implantation process. Radiation with energy density higher than the threshold value causes the melting of the surface layer and than the epitaxial recrystallization from the melt on a different substrate. Structural changes occurring in the Ge implanted Si crystals after annealing with different energy densities are investigated by means of the cross-section high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. (author)
Nanoindentation was performed on a Mo-alloy single crystal to investigate effects of focused ion beam (FIB) milling on mechanical behavior. On a non-FIB-milled surface, pop-ins were observed on all load-displacement curves corresponding to a transition from elastic to plastic deformation. Similar pop-ins were not detected on surfaces subjected to FIB milling. This difference indicates that FIB milling introduces damage that obviates the need for dislocation nucleation during subsequent deformation. A second effect of FIB milling is that it increased the surface hardness. Together, these effects could be the source of the size effects reported in the literature on micropillar tests.
The confining effect of a spherical substrate inducing anchoring (normal to the surface) of rod-like liquid crystal molecules contained in a thin film spread over it has been investigated with regard to possible changes in the nature of the isotropic-to-nematic phase transition as the sample is cooled. The focus of these Monte Carlo simulations is to study the competing effects of the homeotropic anchoring due to the surface inducing orientational ordering in the radial direction and the inherent uniaxial order promoted by the intermolecular interactions. By adopting entropic sampling procedure, we could investigate this transition with a high temperature precision, and we studied the effect of the surface anchoring strength on the phase diagram for a specifically chosen geometry. We find that there is a threshold anchoring strength of the surface below which uniaxial nematic phase ...
Consideration is given to the data, demonstrating the effect of ion radiation on strength characteristics of ionic crystals, presented by magnesium oxide. Crystals, prepared in the form of plates, were irradiated by Si"+, Fe"+, C"+ ions by the dose of 10"1"6-10"1"7 ion/cm"2 at room temperature in vacuum. The following characteristics were investigated: dislocation density, microhardness, crack resistance. Investigation of dislocation structure showed, that dislocation density in irradiated sample was 2-3 times higher, as compared to nonirradiated one. Sufficient increase of fracture viscosity of MgO crystals was revealed. It can be conditioned by occurrence of compression stresses in the surface layer, decelerating crack formation and propagation.
An energy analyzer has been constructed and operated in UHV for the purpose of analyzing the energy of neutral atoms scattered from solid surfaces. The analyzer consists of a LiF single crystal located at an angle close to the normal to the sample crystal so that the diffraction pattern obtained by scanning the LiF crystal yields the energy of the scattered atoms. Two designs which have been used are described. The temperature of both sample and analyzer crystal is near 20 K and once cleaned they can be maintained in the state of initial preparation for many weeks. The sample was a (001) Cu surface in this case. Such an energy analyzer can only be used, in most cases, for He atom scattering although Ne atoms could be used if the scattered intensities were adequate. The detector developed in this study is able to detect about 2 x 10"5 atoms/s. The resolution of ...
The kinetics of calcium sulfate crystal growth is of importance in various fields, such as geochemistry, desalination technology, petroleum industry, and water and wastewater treatment. The seeded crystal growth rate of calcium sulfate dihydrate was measured as a function of supersaturation in NaCl electrolyte solutions from 0 to 6 m at temperatures of 25, 50, 70, and 90 C. The growth followed a second-order parabolic rate law with activation energies greater than 53 kJ/mol which suggested the surface reaction as the rate-limiting step. It was observed that the rate constant and the activation energy are solution composition dependent. The rate constant increases with NaCl concentration up to 3 molal and then begins to fall slightly. The activation energy dropped from 61 kJ/mol in the pure Ca-SO[sub 4]H[sub 2]O system to 53 kJ/mol in 3.0 m NaCl solutions. The electrolyte effect was similar to the ...
Comparative patterns of equilibrium adsorption of argon on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black (GCB) and the inhomogeneous surfaces of nongraphitized carbon black and silica at 77 and 87.3 K were considered. It was shown that argon acquires the properties of a special phase with a layered structure and exhibits two-dimensional phase transitions with the formation of crystal-like layers near the homogeneous surface of GCB even at a temperature exceeding the triple point. However, already at a distance of three-four molecular diameters from the surface, adsorbed argon behaves as a bulk phase in a weak external field. The defect surface of nongraphitized carbon black and the amorphous surface structure of silica destroy the longrange order of adsorbed argon and lower its solidific...
The profile imaging technique is used to study the oxidation of ZnTe and InP surfaces induced by in situ reaction due to the electron beam of the microscope and by ex situ heating in air. For both materials, in situ reaction with the electron beam resulted in desorption of the anion species and the formation of the metal oxide. The observation of In metal particles, and the fact that the rate of formation of In_2O_3 was substantially reduced by an improvement of the vacuum near the specimen region, suggested that the presence of oxygen is not involved in the desorption process. The ex situ heating of ZnTe up to 260 degrees C in air resulted in crystals of ZnO and Te metal, generally in a layered surface region with the sequence of ZnTe/Te/ZnO. The large Te crystals usually had an epitaxial relationship with the bulk ZnTe but the small ZnO crystals had random orientations. The ex ...
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a relatively sensitive explosive used in many electroexplosive devices as well as in medicine. Of primary interest to LLNL is its use in items such as exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators and exploding bridge foil initiators (EFI). In these devices the crystalline powder is pressed into a granular, low-density compact that can be initiated by an exploding wire or foil. The long-term stability of this pressed compact is of interest to weapon stockpile lifetime prediction studies. Key points about potential aging mechanisms can be summarized as follows: (1) There are a number of factors that can contribute to PETN instability. These include particle size, polymorphic phase transitions, crystal structure, impurities, moisture, occlusions, chemical incompatibility and biological (microorganism) action. of these factors the most important for long-term aging of high surface area powders used in detonators ...
The morphological evolution of ripples formed on the surface of Cd2Nb2O7 pyrochlore single crystals by focused ion beam (FIB) bombardment was investigated using in situ electron microscopy. At high ion fluences and off-normal bombardment angles, faceted surface ripples with a terrace-like structure were observed. The ripple propagation direction was oriented along the projected ion beam direction at incident angles ranging from 35 to 65 following high-dose ion bombardment. One side of the terrace was found to be perpendicular to the incident ion beam direction, while the other side was parallel to the ion beam. The terrace propagation velocity and direction were determined and interpreted on the basis of this asymmetric structure. A model based on the propagation of a shock wave that effectively self-selects a stable slope, was developed in order to explain the observed faceted ripple formation.
Surface energy of III-V semiconductors ended by (110) clean surface and surface covered by atomic monolayer of aluminium, copper and sulfur has been calculated. We have used the Greens-function technique based on the scheme of linear muffin-tin orbitals in the atomic sphere approximation (LMTO-ASA) for the crystal potential and width the local density approximation (LDA) for electrons. Two types of coverage are considered: full monolayer with two additional atoms per two-dimensional unit cell and half monolayer with one additional atom per unit cell. Full monolayer of metallic atoms increases the surface energy. Cu atoms lead to greater destabilization than Al atoms. Sulfur atoms stabilize (110) surface for all considered compounds. (author)
In this paper, we present the results of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition gate-oxide (SiO_2) integrity on ELC (excimer-laser-crystallized), MILC (metal-induced lateral-crystallized) and SPC (solid-phase-crystallized) polysilicon films. We observed that gate oxide strength of poly-Si TFT strongly depends on the crystallization method for the active silicon layer. In the case of ELC films, asperities on the silicon surface reduce the SiO_2 breakdown field significantly. The metallic contaminants in MILC films are responsible for a deleterious impact on gate oxide integrity. Among the three cases, the SiO_2 breakdown field was the highest for the SPC silicon films. The breakdown fields at the 50 % failure points in Weibull plots for the ELC, MILC and SPC cases were 5.1 MV/cm, 6.2 MV/cm, and 8.1 MV/cm, respectively. We conclude that the roughness and metallic contamination of ...
Pd-Si metallic glasses have been utilized as catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The glasses are selective of ethane, whereas the in-situ crystallized glasses select a range of hydrocarbons characteristic of conventional Pd catalysts. This shift in selectivity has been observed in other hydrogenation reactions. Surfacecrystallization caused by the reaction conditions causes variable selectivity. Crystallization in reaction conditions has been monitored by DSC. During the course of the grant we developed the use of (+)- apopinene (6,6-dimethyl-1R,5R-bicyclo(3.1.1)hept-2-ene) as a molecular probe for determining the number and kinds of active sites on metallic glass catalysts. To accomplish this we conducted many experiments for comparison on other types of catalysts. These were foils, powders, and highly dispersed metals on several different supports. The glassy surfaces ...
We have prepared high-quality, single crystals of SmB_6 under various conditions to improve sample quality. We have measured the resistivity and magnetic susceptibility from room to liquid-helium temperatures to sort samples. We have applied pulsed magnetic fields as high as 50 T at temperatures as low as 40 mK while measuring resistivity. Our samples are of higher quality than previously known. All solvent-grown, single-crystal samples should be etched to remove a surface conductivity. (orig.).
Abstract in english In the last decade it has been experimentally found a periodic domain pattern arising in smectic C* liquid crystals in surface stabilized bookshelf geometry. Such a periodic texture appears after switching-off an external electric field, even in strong anchoring conditions. It has a static character and can be bidimensional, being dependent on both directions normal to the smectic planes and normal to the cell plates. In the present work an explanation to this phenomenon (more) is proposed. According to our model in the antiferroelectric phase the biperiodic texture is a threshold phenomenon, appearing for values of the spontaneous polarization greater than a critical value, whereas in the ferroelectric phase this type of bidimensional instability is hindered.
A pin hole camera assembly for use in viewing an object having a relatively large light intensity range, for example a crucible containing molten metal in an atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS) system is disclosed herein. The assembly includes means for optically compressing the light intensity range appearing at its input sufficient to make it receivable and decipherable by a standard video camera. To accomplish this, the assembly utilizes the combination of interference filter and a liquid crystal notch filter. The latter which preferably includes a cholesteric liquid crystal arrangement is configured to pass light at all wavelengths, except a relatively narrow wavelength band which defines the filter's notch, and includes means for causing the notch to vary to at least a limited extent with the intensity of light at its light incidence surface.
Nanowires, films, and membranes comprising ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves, and methods of making, are disclosed. A single crystal ultra-long nanowire includes an ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieve, and has an average length greater than about 10 micrometers and an average diameter of about 5 nanometers to about 100 nanometers. A film comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is stacked on a surface of a substrate, wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned. A free standing membrane comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is aggregately stacked, and wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was applied to evaluate the heterogeneity of a passive film formed on a pure iron electrode in deaerated pH 8.4 borate solution. A probe current image of SECM was measured with a tip-generation/sub-strate-collection (TO/SC) mode in deaerated pH 8.4 borate solution containing 0.03 moldm{sup -3} Fe(CN){sub 6}{sup 4-} as a mediator. The difference in thickness of passive films formed on two iron plates at different potentials could be evaluated from the probe current image. The probe current image of the passivated iron surface with distinctive crystal grains was composed of the patch patterns, the shapes of which coincided completely with the shapes of the substrate crystal grains. The probe current flowed above the grain surface oriented to {l_brace}100{r_brace} plane was less than that above the grain surface oriented to ...
Pd-induced surface structures on Si(1 1 3) have been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the initial process of the Pd adsorption below 0.10 ML, Pd silicide (Pd{sub 2}Si) clusters are observed to form randomly on the surface. By increasing the Pd coverage to 0.10 ML, the clusters cover the entire surface, and an amorphous layer is formed. After annealing the Si(1 1 3)-Pd surface at 600 deg. C, various types of islands and chain protrusions appears. The agglomeration, coalescence and crystallization of these islands are observed by using high temperature (HT-) STM. It is also found by XPS that the islands correspond to Pd{sub 2}Si structure. On the basis of these results, evolution of Pd-induced structures at high temperatures is in detail discussed.
The spontaneous precipitation of calcium sulfate in supersaturated solutions over the temperature range between 25.0 and 80.0 C was investigated by monitoring the solution specific conductivity during desupersaturation. From measurements of the induction times preceding the onset of precipitation the surface energy of the forming solid, identified as gypsum, was found between ca. 12 and 25 mJ/m{sup 2} for the temperature range between 80.0 and 25.0 C, respectively. Kinetics analysis showed that over 50 C it is possible that anhydrous calcium sulfate is forming as a transient phase converting into the more stable calcium sulfate dihydrate. The linear dependence of the rates of precipitation on the relative solution supersaturation suggested a mechanism according to which the growth units are integrated into the active sites of the supercritical nuclei by surface diffusion. According to the morphological examination of the ...
TlGaSe_2 compound belongs to group of layered semiconductors of A"3B"3C_2"6-type. Photoelectric and optical properties of TlGaSe_2 single crystals were investigated in detail. Influence of gamma-, electron and neutron radiation on photoelectric properties of TlGaSe_2 single crystals is investigated too. The present work deals with experimental results relative to X-ray dosimetric characteristics of TlGaSe_2 crystals at 300 K. X-ray conductivity and X-ray dosimetric characteristic measurements are carried out in low load resistance regime. The source of X-ray radiation is the installation of X-ray diffraction analysis (URS-55a) with the BCV-2(Cu). Intensity of X-ray radiation (E) is regulated by measurement with current variation in tube at each given value of X-ray radiation dose E (R/min) are measured by crystal dosimeter DRGZ-02. X-ray conductivity coefficients K_#sigma# characterising X-ray ...
Comparative patterns of equilibrium adsorption of argon on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black (GCB) and the inhomogeneous surfaces of nongraphitized carbon black and silica at 77 and 87.3 K were considered. It was shown that argon acquires the properties of a special phase with a layered structure and exhibits two-dimensional phase transitions with the formation of crystal-like layers near the homogeneous surface of GCB even at a temperature exceeding the triple point. However, already at a distance of three-four molecular diameters from the surface, adsorbed argon behaves as a bulk phase in a weak external field. The defect surface of nongraphitized carbon black and the amorphous surface structure of silica destroy the longrange order of adsorbed argon and lower its solidification temperature. Therefore, argon adsorbed at a ...
Measurements of the Kapitza conductance to liquid helium II across the (100) surface of single crystals of copper are presented. The temperature range of these measurements was 1.6-- 2.1 K. The sample surfaces were subjected to several different treatments. Some surfaces were cleaned by low-energy argon ion bombardment, annealed in an ultrahigh-vacuum system, and preserved under vacuum until purified liquid helium was admitted. Other surfaces were intentionally damaged by machining and/or exposure to the atmosphere. The conductance after these latter treatments was found to be about a factor of three higher than that of the more ideally cleaned and annealed surfaces, and a significant difference in the temperature dependence of the conductance was also observed. Conductances were reproducible for similarly treated surfaces and correlated ...
The crystallization dynamics of Nylon 66/Nylon 48 blends, the crystalline/crystalline polymer blend, was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under isothermal conditions. The equilibrium melting temperature (T{sub m}{sup 0}), crystal growth rate (G) and the nucleation rate (N) depended on both the degree of supercooling ({delta}T) and the blend fraction (phi). The {delta}T/T{sub m}{sup 0} values obtained at the fixed G, which corresponded to the chemical potential different between molecules in the liquid and the crystal states, and the surface free energy parameters evaluated from G and N depended on phi for blends. The results suggested that Nylon 66/Nylon 48 blends are miscible in all blend fractions. The result agrees with the intermolecular interaction parameter ({chi}) obtained from T{sub m}{sup 0} depression. Infrared spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction data indicated that the ...
The glasses with the composition of 37.5Li2O?(25?x)Fe2O3?xNb2O5?37.5P2O5 (mol%) (x=5,10,15) are prepared, and it is found that the addition of Nb2O5 is effective for the glass formation in the lithium iron phosphate system. The glass?ceramics consisting of Nasicon-type Li3Fe2(PO4)3 crystals with an orthorhombic structure are developed through conventional crystallization in an electric furnace, showing electrical conductivities of 3?10?6?Scm?1 at room temperature and the activation energies of 0.48?eV (x=5) and 0.51?eV (x=10) for Li+ ion conduction in the temperature range of 30?200??C. A continuous wave Nd:YAG laser (wavelength: 1064?nm) with powers of 0.14?0.30?W and a scanning speed of 10??m/s is irradiated onto the surface of the glasses, and the formation of Li3Fe2(PO4)3 crystals is c...
The present paper deals with the fouling process of calcium sulfate dehydrate on heat-transfer surfaces. The crystallization of calcium sulfate showed typical asymptotic fouling curves, the asymptotic value of which was greatly influenced by the surface temperature and fluid velocity. The fouling mechanism was discussed with a generalized fouling model and proved to be surface process controlled, where the activation energy was 6.2 {times} 10{sup 4} J/mol. The availability of mechanical cleaning against the formed scale was quantitatively evaluated by applying the particle abrasion method. The removal test verified that the removing rate per unit particle concentration decreased in an inverse proportion to the overall particle load, to the power of 0.8, and that it was affected by the fluid velocity. The observed final residual fouling resistance decreased asymptotically with an increase in particle ...
This paper proposes a model to explain tritium release behavior of an irradiated Li_4SiO_4 sample made by Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. The release curves were obtained in a series of experiments carried out using out-pile temperature programmed desorption techniques in the Kyoto University Reactor (KUR). Tritium release curves obtained for different purge gas compositions (N_2, N_2 + H_2, N_2 + H_2O) were compared for selection of suitable conditions to determine the apparent diffusivity of tritium in a crystal grain of Li_4SiO_4.In the model formation, some mass transfer steps in the bulk of the crystal grain and those on the surface of the grain were taken into account, which were diffusion of tritium in the grain, adsorption and desorption of water on the surface of the grain, two types of isotope exchange reactions, and water formation reaction by the addition of hydrogen to the purge ...
The high-temperature scanning borehole inspection system is currently being developed jointly by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Westfalische Berggewerkschaftskasse (WBK) of West Germany. The downhole instrument is a digital televiewer that utilized a microprocessor to digitize, process and transmit the acoustic information to the surface acquisition and control system. The primary operation of the downhole acoustic assembly uses a piezoelectric crystal acting as a receiver-transmitter which is mounted on the rotating head. The crystal emits a burst of acoustic energy that propagates through the borehole fluid with a portion of the energy reflected by the borehole wall back to the crystal. The time of travel and the amplitude of the reflected signal are conditioned by the microprocessor and transmitted along with other pertinent data to the surface data processing ...
A LiF crystal analyzer has been used to measure phonon creation events when a low energy He beam scatters from a Cu(001) surface at low temperature (16 "0K). As only phonon creation events were observed, the inelastic scattering was subspecular. Atom parallel momentum gain and loss events were observed and both bulk and surface modes contributed to the inelastic scattering. An elastic component of scattering was observed over a wide angular range.
We demonstrate the possibility to fabricate arrays of pores oriented perpendicular and parallel to the top surface of the ZnSe nanotemplate. The control of material conductivity allows one to produce porous ZnSe samples with the mean pore diameter and characteristic skeleton wall thickness from several hundreds of nanometers to about 15 nm. In addition, electrochemical treatment of ZnSe single crystals using photoresist masks allows one to prepare buried porous structures with pores directed parallel to the top template surface, which is especially important for photonic applications.
TiO{sub 2} is a vital material in several technologies including, photocatalysis, gas sensing, biomaterials and optical coatings. Among the several crystal structures of this oxide, rutile has the highest density and microhardness, the highest index of refraction and the highest temperature stability. The processing of dense polycrystalline materials often includes the addition of a liquid-forming phase at higher temperatures. This technique is known as liquid-phase sintering and has been studied extensively. Rutile boundaries containing an amorphous phase have been used to study boundary migration and grain-boundary grooving. Visible-light (VLM), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in addition to electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and a focused-ion beam (FIB) tool were used to characterize boundary migration in rutile. EBSD analysis was carried out on a Philips XL30 FEG SEM equipped with a DigiView 1612 high-resolution, ...
The solid state reaction between a Pd thin film and a Si substrate produces a single new phase, Pd/sub 2/Si, for temperatures <700/sup 0/C. When the substrate is a single crystal of (111) surface orientation, this process is particularly interesting because the silicide grows epitaxially. Growth of epitaxial interfacial Pd/sub 2/Si was the focus of this study using X-ray diffraction techniques.
Symplectic integrators designed for simulating soft matter at constant temperature and constant pressure (or constant surface tension) are presented. In addition to the well-known merits of symplectic integrators, such as long time stability, these methods allow the estimation of thermal heat production/absorption and thus entropy differences through a simple function of the time scaling factor ?. The relative entropy estimation around crystal-liquid phase transition is given for systems with soft core repulsive potential.
The authors have determined quantitative characteristics for oxide films forming on (111) surfaces of cadmium telluride single crystals on anodic oxidation in 0.1 M KOH: the constants in the Guenterschulze-Betz equation and the film growth constant, which is 2.4 nm/V, from which the activation energy for cadmium telluride electrooxidation has been calculated.
Clays and zeolites are among the most important of natural dusts by virtue of their occurrence through out the world on the earth`s surface and their important industrial uses. (The 1:1 layer silicates, including the serpentine and kaolin minerals, are not addressed in this chapter.) This chapter provides basic information on a variety of important aspects of each mineral, including crystal structure diagrams of each and references to more detailed discussions. 110 refs., 20 figs.
A tobermorite/hydroxyapatite composite was prepared by hydrothermal treatment using diatomaceous earth, ?-tricalcium phosphate and slaked lime starting materials. The XRD patterns of the composite confirmed that tobermorite and hydroxyapatite were formed after the hydrothermal process. The bending strength of the composite reached a level higher than 9?MPa after the hydrothermal process. The development of the bending strength was due to the formation of tobermorite and hydroxyapatite during the hydrothermal process. The composite had a high specific surface area due to these newly formed crystals.
The leached glass is subject to leachant attack and results in surface layer alteration which greatly affects the corrosion progress of glass forms. This work studied the composition change, precipitation, pitting corrosion as well as surface layer break and spallation of the leached glass forms. 6 conclusions can be made: 1. The extent of surface layer alteration is related to many factors such as temperature, pH, leachant chemistry, flow rate and leach duration, etc. 2. The alkali element Na is seriously depleted and the elements like U.Ti,Fe, Ca and Mg are enriched in the surface layer. The influence of media has such order: Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} > Na-bentonite > Zeolite. 3. The precipitate formed in leach test for 56 days at 90 {infinity}C is mostly amorphous, but after 91 days has crystallized. There is K - Ca - Al - Si crystal,the amount of Al, K ...
This work is a theoretical investigation on the physical properties of semiconductor-based two-dimensional photonic crystals, in particular for what concerns systems embedded in planar dielectric waveguides (GaAs/AlGaAs, GaInAsP/InP heterostructures, and self-standing membranes) or based on macro-porous silicon. The photonic-band structure of photonic crystals and photonic-crystal slabs is numerically computed and the associated light-line problem is discussed, which points to the issue of intrinsic out-of-lane diffraction losses for the photonic bands lying above the light line. The photonic states are then classified by the group theory formalism: each mode is related to an irreducible representation of the corresponding small point group. The optical properties are investigated by means of the scattering matrix method, which numerically implements a variable-angle-reflectance experiment; comparison with experiments is ...
Full text: It is known that the ion implantation of germanium single crystals at room temperature results in drastic alteration of the germanium surface and the formation of cellular relief. Voids were found into the near-surface damage layer. The intersection of these voids with the germanium surface, as result of sputter etching, forms cellular relief. However, exact mechanism responsible for formation of the voids is not known. A 10 and 30 keV Ga"+ irradiation of Ge #left brace#100#right brace# crystal at room temperature was carried out using a focused ion beam (FIB) system with a dose in the range 0.5x10"1"2 to 1.5x10"1"4 ion/cm"2. The topology of the modified germanium surface and the structure of the radiation damage was studied using imaging facilities of the FIB systems and transmission electron microscopy. The strong cellular structure of Ge was ...
In this study two surface sensitive methods, i.e. quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and ellipsometry, were used for erosion measurements of a rosin-based marine antifouling paint binder. Thin films of the binder were applied on sensor surfaces by the means of spin-coating and the effect of water velocity over the paint film, water temperature or ionic strength on erosion was investigated. Both the acoustic QCM-D model and the optical ellipsometry model gave comparable erosion results. The initial 2-50nm rapid erosion of the top layer was followed by steady-state erosion rate until end of experiment. For example, the steady-state erosion rate was 12nm/24h in artificial seawater at 23degreeC and with a flow of 200ml/min over the paint surface as measured with QC...
A number of different theoretical approaches have been used to model to atomic structure and properties of solid-liquid interfaces. Most calculations indicate that ordering occurs in the first several layers of the liquid, adjacent to the crystalsurface. In contrast to the numerous theoretical investigations, there have been no direct experimental observations of the atomic structure of a solid-liquid interface for comparison. Saka et al. examined solid-liquid interfaces in In and In-Sb at lattice-fringe resolution in the TEM, but their data do not reveal information about the atomic structure of the liquid phase. The purpose of this study is to determine the atomic structure of a solid-liquid interface using a highly viscous supercooled liquid, i.e., a crystal-amorphous interface.
Nanoscale islands of Cu2O have been synthesized on single-crystal SrTiO3 (100) substrates using oxygen plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (OPA-MBE). Island growth location has been controlled by using an ex-situ Ga+ focused ion beam (FIB) to modify the growth surface in discrete locations prior to island synthesis. Analysis of Cu2O dot growth on unmodified substrate regions revealed an evolution of dot size and array density. Atomic force microscopy studies show that certain FIB substrate modification and MBE growth condition combinations lead to directed self-assembly of islands. Islands initially formed in the FIB-generated surface topography and filled those features before nucleating on neighboring unmodified surface regions.
From optical point of view and due to the magnetic interaction of the cold neutrons with the unpaired electron shell, magnetic materials hae a neutron spin-dependent refractive index n[sup +] [spin up] and n[sup -] [spin down]. Magnetic media such as Fe, Co and Ni react like birefringent uniaxial crystals in ordinary optica. n[sup +] and n[sup -] are the equivalent of the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices. The specular reflection of spin polarized neutrons which is due to the discontinuity of the magnetic induction at the surface of the ferromagnet is a sensitive probe of surface and interface magnetism. We shall first give the background of the art of polarized neutron optics. Secondly, some recent examples from surface and interface magnetism will be given to illustrate the power of this technique such as the magnetic coupling in thin films and multilayers and flux penetration in ...
Biaxially textured tungsten nanorods (A15 crystal structure) have been grown by oblique angle DC magnetron sputtering using a novel rotation mode called 'two-step rotation'. In this mode, the substrate is given a fast rotation through 1800 at 90 rpm and this is followed by a rest period of 30 s. These nanorods are vertically aligned and have a [100] texture normal to the substrate along with preferential in-plane texture as shown by x-ray pole figure analysis. In contrast, the tungsten nanorods obtained without substrate rotation are slanted at an angle of ?450 and have a [100] texture tilted 160 with respect to the substrate normal. The flux is incident from two diametrically opposite points on the sample at an oblique angle, averaging out the growth into vertical columns that retain the in-plane texture. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the tungsten nanorods have a mixture of {211} and {421} crystal habits; these planes are both ...
The goal of the present work has been to clarify the influence of sulphate ions on the oxide films formed on stainless steel and Ni-based alloys in simulated crack chemistry conditions using different ex situ analytical techniques. The main observations of this work can be summarised as follows: The thickness of the films formed in simulated oxygen-free crack chemistry conditions during an exposure of circa 4 days varies roughly in the range 200..500 nm, which corresponds to observations reported in the literature [2]. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions in simulated crack tip conditions seems to lead to a considerably lower thickness of the oxide films when compared to sulphate-free conditions. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions leads also to considerable changes in the morphology of the oxide crystals on the material samples. In the absence of sulphate the outer oxide layer contains elongated round-edged crystals, while in the ...
A number of properties in steel components are detrimentally influenced when exposed to hydrogen environments. Under these conditions, atomic hydrogen is adsorbed on the steel surface, then absorbed and preferentially transported towards tri-dimensional stressed regions in the crystal lattice and into defects such as interfaces or dislocations. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is strongly influenced by various microstructural parameters including the type of inclusions, steel composition and heat treating conditions. One of the alternatives employed in minimizing hydrogen embrittlement is the use of surface barriers for hydrogen permeation. In particular, the presence of surface nitride layers in steels can be considered as an effective barrier. Nitride steel surface layers can be produced by plasma nitriding with the concomitant benefits of improved ...
We discuss the transient-enhanced diffusion of Sb, As, P, In, Ga, and B in ion-implanted Si, where the near-surface region has been amorphized by the dopant or by a self-implantation process. With Sb, a large transient diffusion enhancement is observed proportional to dopant concentration. For Sb, As, P, and In, the enhancement follows the relative interstitialcy diffusion coefficient. We believe this behavior is caused by stable implantation-induced point defects present in the amorphous surface layer, which decay during thermal processing to release high concentrations of self-interstitials. This process occurs in competition with the solid phase epitaxial (SPE) growth process, and for high dopant concentrations can occur in the amorphous phase ahead of the crystallization front. We believe this may be the origin of the dopant redistribution which can occur during SPE growth, which sets the upper limit to the dopant ...
Nano-sized zinc oxide was synthesized and deposited onto cellulosic fibers using the sol-gel process at ambient temperature. The prepared materials were characterized using several techniques including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction studies of the ZnO-coated fiber indicate formation of the hexagonal crystal phase which was satisfactory crystallized on the fiber surface. The electron micrographs show formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles within 10-15 nm in size which have been homogeneously dispersed on the fiber surface. The prepared materials show significant photocatalytic self-cleaning activity, which was monitored by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoactivity was studied upon measuring the photodegradation of methylene blue and eosin yellowish under UV-Vis ...
We present evidence for the creation of an exchange spring in an antiferromagnet due to exchange coupling to a ferromagnet. X-ray magnetic linear dichroism spectroscopy on single crystal Co/NiO(001) shows that a partial domain wall is wound up at the surface of the antiferromagnet when the adjacent ferromagnet is rotated by a magnetic field. We determine the interface exchange stiffness and the antiferromagnetic domain wall energy from the field dependence of the direction of the antiferromagnetic axis, the antiferromagnetic pendant to a ferromagnetic hysteresis loop. The existence of a planar antiferromagnetic domain wall, proven by our measurement, is a key assumption of most exchange bias models.
This paper is a quarterly report describing the use of a new soil gas collection device which allows the collection of soil gas in the field for later analysis in the laboratory. It describes the installation of this sampling device and the procedure for setting the probe, extraction of soil gas beneath the surface, and sealing of the soil gas for transport. The sites used for initial testing was the top of Yucca Mountain and Crystal Spring in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The results from this initial test showed no volatile matter present in the soil at these locations.
Previous studies have documented dissimilatory growth of bacteria on solid Mn{sup 4+} oxide, but Mn{sup 3+} oxides have not been previously studied; here the authors have demonstrated for the first time the bacterial reduction of manganite. Strain MR-4 of Shewanella putrefaciens was able to grow on and rapidly reduce insoluble needle-shaped crystals of synthetic manganite (MnOOH), converting them to soluble Mn{sup 2+} in the process. The rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction was optimal at pH of 7.0 and 26 C consistent with an enzymatic reaction. In addition the rates of reduction were in proportion to the amount of manganite added, but nearly independent of the cell concentration present (e.g., cell number had only a small effect on the rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction at early stages of growth) suggesting that surface properties were dictating the rates of metal reduction. This thesis was supported by major differences in reduction rates when Mn oxides of ...
The dependence of melting temperature T m on the size and shape of an n -dimensional nanocrystal of elementary single-component substance is studied. The nanocrystal has the form of an n-dimensional parallelepiped with a square base. The ratio of the length of side rib to the length of base rib (which is equal to f) defines the form of the system. It is demonstrated that, if the surface pressure is ignored, the value of T m decreases with isomorphic (f = const) decrease in the size of nanocrystal. In so doing, the more the value of form parameter f deviates from unity, the more appreciable the size dependence of T m will be. However, if the surface pressure (?Laplace pressure??) is taken into account in the case of decrease in size, the value of T m may vary significantly. In so doing, if ...
Creation of new multi-composite materials is an essential issue to attain an innovative improvement of the current nuclear technology. In this paper, some highlights are focused on the research of creation of those materials and the relating subjects in NIRIM. (1) The KOH corrosion test method are expected to be efficiently available in the limited cases instead of Na corrosion test one. (2) The preliminary creation of the multi-composite ceramics were achieved by Y- ion implantation into sapphire and the RF sputtering, of which the specified orientation was realized by the existence of the buffer layer. The importance of the defect control are described with the relation to the corrosion resistance improvement. (3) The ion beam induced phenomena have been investigated on the surface change of silica glass and the crystallization of Cu film on SrTiO{sub 3}. (4) The electronic states of the alkali-metal adsorbed surfaces and ...
Nanometer Ce-W composite materials have been prepared by the method of freeze-drying. Microstructure and surface properties of materials were investigated by SEM and 'in situ' AES and emission characteristics have been determined. It is found that the nanometer materials have relatively small crystal particles with average dimensions in the order of 50 nm. Due to the results of matrix analysis, the cerium in the materials is uniformly distributed on submicron scale, which proves that the diffusion ability of cerium has been increased. Under high temperature, the active layer on the surface thickens simultaneously with the increase of cerium and oxygen. As a result, nanometer Ce-W materials exhibit excellent emission characteristics compared with those of micron-sized Ce-W materials.
Nanoscale islands of Cu_2O have been synthesized on single-crystal SrTiO_3 (100) substrates using oxygen plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). Island growth location has been controlled by using an ex situ Ga"+ focused ion beam (FIB) to modify the growth surface in discrete locations prior to island synthesis. The FIB modifications have generated surface topography with lateral dimensions of 150-200 nm. Ex situ atomic force microscopy study after island growth reveals that certain FIB substrate modification and MBE growth condition combinations lead to directed self-assembly of metal oxide islands at the edges of the FIB modified zones.
Nanoscale islands of Cu?O have been synthesized on single crystal SrTiO? (100) substrates using oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Island growth location has been controlled by using an ex-situ Ga? focused ion beam (FIB) to modify the growth surface in discrete locations prior to island sythesis. The FIB modifications have generated surface topography with lateral dimensions of 150-200 nm. Ex-situ AFM study after island growth reveals that certain FIB substrate modification and MBE growth condition combinations lead to directed self-assembly of metal oxide islands at the edges of the FIB modified zones.
A first-principles quasiparticle approach to the electronic excitation energies in crystals and at surfaces is described. The quasiparticle energies are calculated within the GW approximation for comparison with photoemission and other spectroscopic experiments. Applications of the method to bulk semiconductors and the Si(111)2[times]l, Ge(111)2[times]l. and H/Si(III) surfaces are presented. In both cases, significant self-energy corrections arising from many-electron effects to the excitation energies are found. Using atomic positions from total energy minimization, the calculated excitation energies explain quantitatively the experimental spectra. This approach thus provides an ab initio means for analyzing and predicting results from spectroscopic probes.
Three aspects of the research project ``Surface physics with cold and ultracold neutron reflectometry`` were stressed during the present first year: (1) Setup of the reflectometer facility at the research reactor of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center. The installation provides a narrow ``pencil beam`` analyzed by time of flight using a chopper system. Following beam characterization and a test measurement of the total cross section of copper single crystal first reflectivity measurements are currently performed using a supermirror. (2) Design stud for the ultracold neutron imaging system, with involvement of the relevant industry. Bids are available for several components indicating that it will be very difficult to build the entire system unless further funds become available. (3) Analysis of features of neutron reflection from surfaces with special emphasis on the effect of surface roughness both ...
Three aspects of the research project Surface physics with cold and ultracold neutron reflectometry'' were stressed during the present first year: (1) Setup of the reflectometer facility at the research reactor of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center. The installation provides a narrow pencil beam'' analyzed by time of flight using a chopper system. Following beam characterization and a test measurement of the total cross section of copper single crystal first reflectivity measurements are currently performed using a supermirror. (2) Design stud for the ultracold neutron imaging system, with involvement of the relevant industry. Bids are available for several components indicating that it will be very difficult to build the entire system unless further funds become available. (3) Analysis of features of neutron reflection from surfaces with special emphasis on the effect of ...
Surface scientists argue about the fundamental nature of Schottky barriers, or more precisely what determines the location of the Fermi level at semiconductor surfaces and interfaces. Electrical and materials engineers worry about how to make Schottky barrier diodes and gates to field effect transistors and the control of barrier heights. There is some interesting middle ground in which the location of the surface and interface Fermi level can, for example, determine semiconductor doping characteristics during crystal growth. The authors will discuss several interesting and well known examples of doping characteristics which are still somewhat mysterious. Specifically, they address the following question: (1) why is Ge doped GaAs p type when grown from Ga melts but n type when grown from Au melts (2) why is low resistivity p type ZnSe, AlAs, and AlGaInP hard to make, and more importantly, how can the ...
Field emitter devices are being developed for the gigatron, a high-efficiency, high frequency and high power microwave source. One approach being investigated is porous silicon, where a dense matrix of nanoscopic pores are galvanically etched into a silicon surface. In the present paper pore morphologies were used to characterize these materials. Using of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images of both N-type and P-type porous layers, it is found that pores propagate along the <100> crystallographic direction, perpendicular to the surface of (100) silicon. Distinct morphologies were observed systematically near the surface, in the main bulk and near the bottom of N-type (100) silicon lift-off samples. It is seen that the pores are not cylindrical but exhibit more or less approximately square cross sections. X-ray diffraction spectra and electron diffraction patterns ...
Attempt to form the Schottky barrier on mercury indium telluride (MIT) surface by deposition transparent conducting electrode (TCE) and avoid the negative results by non-rectifier contacts nature, we have investigated the oxidation of clean MIT surfaces to form an insulating layer to overcome this disadvantage by metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photodetectors designing. Oxide film is grown on the MIT surface by plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Previously cleaned MIT wafers were dipped and boiled in solution, which consists of mixture of bromine and an organic solvent in ratio of 1:50. By the way of using these films as intermediate slightly conducting insulator, a fast-response MIT based surface-barrier photodetectors have been developed. Pt films were used as TCE frontal electrode by vacuum magnetron sputtering (VMS). The current-voltage characteristic is described quantitatively ...
It has been reported by the present authors that behavior of tritium release from solid breeder grain is consisted of diffusion in grain, tritium transfer at surface layer and surface reactions on grain surface such as adsorption or isotope exchange reactions. Tritium release curves estimated using the tritium release model gave good agreement with observed tritium release curves from Li{sub 4}SiO{sub 4}, Li{sub 2}ZrO{sub 3} or LiAlO{sub 2}. Tritium release behavior from Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3} under humid purge gas, dry purge gas and dry purge gas with hydrogen conditions is discussed in this study, tritium release curves using the release model that we proposed previously give a good agreements with experimental tritium release curves. Tritium effective diffusivity in the crystal grain of Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3} is also estimated in this study using a curve-fitting method applied to the release curves ...
It has been reported by the present authors that behavior of tritium release from solid breeder grain is consisted of diffusion in grain, tritium transfer at surface layer and surface reactions on grain surface such as adsorption or isotope exchange reactions. Tritium release curves estimated using the tritium release model gave good agreement with observed tritium release curves from Li_4SiO_4, Li_2ZrO_3 or LiAlO_2. Tritium release behavior from Li_2TiO_3 under humid purge gas, dry purge gas and dry purge gas with hydrogen conditions is discussed in this study, tritium release curves using the release model that we proposed previously give a good agreements with experimental tritium release curves. Tritium effective diffusivity in the crystal grain of Li_2TiO_3 is also estimated in this study using a curve-fitting method applied to the release curves obtained under the humid purge gas condition. It is ...
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ex situ scanning tunneling microscopy measurements have been combined to investigate the thickness, the chemical composition, and the structure of passive films formed in 0.5 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} on Fe-22Cr(110). Aging under polarization at +500 mV/SHE causes a dehydration (anodic) reaction of the outer chromium hydroxide layer of the passive film. This anodic reaction results in a thickening of the inner mixed Cr(III) and Fe(III) oxide layer enriched in Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}. It also causes a coalescence of the oxide nuclei of the passive film and a crystallization of the inner Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}. It also causes a coalescence of the oxide nuclei of the passive film and a crystallization of the inner Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxide layer in epitaxy with the substrate. The epitaxial relationship is {alpha}-Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}(0001) {parallel} Fe-22Cr(110) with three different azimuthal orientations. Aging under polarization ...
As part of a study into the properties of ferroelectric single crystals at nanoscale dimensions, the effects that focused ion beam (FIB) processing can have, in terms of structural damage and ion implantation, on perovskite oxide materials has been examined, and a post-processing procedure developed to remove such effects. Single crystal material of the perovskite ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO_3) has been patterned into thin film lamellae structures using a FIB microscope. Previous work had shown that FIB patterning induced gallium impregnation and associated creation of amorphous layers in a surface region of the single crystal material some 20 nm thick, but that both recrystallization and expulsion of gallium could be achieved through thermal annealing in air. Here we confirm this observation, but find that thermally induced gallium expulsion is associated with the formation of gallium-rich ...
The structure of hydroxylated oxide films (passive films) formed on Cr(110) in 0.5 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} at +0.35, +0.55, and +0.75 V/SHE has been investigated by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Cathodic reduction pretreatments at {minus}0.54, {minus}0.64, and {minus}0.74 V/SHE destroy the well-defined topography of the single-crystal electrode and they have been excluded from the passivation procedure. Two different passive film structures have been observed, depending on the potential and time of passivation. At low potential (+0.35 V/SHE), the passive film, consisting mostly of chromium hydroxide, has a noncrystalline and granular structure whose roughness suggests local variations of thickness of ca. {+-} 0.5 nm. A similar structure is observed at higher potential (+0.55 V/SHE), but only for a short polarization time. For longer polarization at 0.55 V/SHE, and at higher potentials (+0.75 V/SHE), a crystalline structure is formed; the higher the ...
Nanocrystalline zeolites with discrete crystal sizes of less than 100 nm have different properties relative to zeolites with larger crystal sizes. Nanocrystalline zeolites have improved mass transfer properties and very large internal and external surface areas that can be exploited for many different applications. The additional external surface active sites and the improved mass transfer properties of nanocrystalline zeolites offer significant advantages for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysis with ammonia as a reductant in coal-fired power plants relative to current zeolite based SCR catalysts. Nanocrystalline NaY was synthesized with a crystal size of 15-20 nm and was thoroughly characterized using x-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Copper ions were ...
Magnetotactic bacteria contain chains of magnetically interacting crystals (magnetosome crystals), which they use for navigation (magnetotaxis). To improve magnetotaxis efficiency, the magnetosome crystals...Full Text Available
Escherichia coli spheroplast protein y (EcSpy) is a small periplasmic protein that is homologous with CpxP, an inhibitor of the extracytoplasmic stress response. Stress conditions such as spheroplast formation induce the expression of Spy via the Cpx or the Bae two-component systems in E. coli, though the function of Spy is unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of EcSpy, which reveals a long kinked hairpin-like structure of four ?-helices that form an antiparallel dimer. The dimer contains a curved oval shape with a highly positively charged concave surface that may function as a ligand binding site. Sequence analysis reveals that Spy is highly conserved over the Enterobacteriaceae family. Notably, three conserved regions that contain identical residues and two LTxxQ motifs are placed at the horizontal end of the dimer structure, stabilizing the overall fold. CpxP also contains the conserved sequence motifs and has a predicted ...
The crystal structure of outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia burgdorferi contains a single-layer #beta#-sheet connecting the N- and C-terminal globular domains. The central #beta#-sheet consists largely of polar amino acids and it is solvent-exposed on both faces, which so far appears to be unique among known protein structures. We have accomplished nearly complete backbone H, C and N and C";/H"#beta# assignments of OspA (28 kDa) using standard triple resonance techniques without perdeuteration. This was made possible by recording spectra at a high temperature (45 "oC ). The chemical shift index and "1"5N T_1/T_2 ratios show that both the secondary structure and the global conformation of OspA in solution are similar to the crystal structure, suggesting that the unique central #beta#-sheet is fairly rigid.
We report, for the first time to our knowledge, on the active optical planar waveguides in Nd : YAG laser crystals fabricated by O3+ ion implantation at low doses of ?1014 ions cm-2. The reconstructed refractive index profiles based on the measured dark-mode spectroscopy show that an enhanced refractive index well is created in the near-surface region, forming a non-leaky waveguide structure. With thermal annealing treatment at 260 0C for 90 min, the propagation losses of the waveguides could be reduced to ?3 dB cm-1 at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The micro-luminescence investigation reveals that the emission bands of Nd3+ ions are not significantly affected by the waveguide formation processing, which shows promising potentials for efficient waveguide laser operations at near-infrared wavelength bands.
Strong support for the existence of catalytically-active, sub-surface oxygen is proposed. The existence of two types of sub-surface oxygen was determined by thermal-desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The first is termed O{sub {beta}} and is characterized by a board thermal-desorption peak centered at approximately 773 K. The second is referred to as O{sub {gamma}} and is characterized by an unsaturated thermal desorption signal beginning at approximately 873 K. O{sub {gamma}} is assigned to oxygen which is incorporated in the uppermost layers of low-indexed terminating crystal structures such as (111) formed as a result of thermal reordering. O{sub {beta}} diffusion occurs most likely via interstitial jumping and O{sub {gamma}} via interstitialcy diffusion. Both CH{sub 4} conversion and C{sub 2} selectivity improve with time on stream. This improvement in catalytic performance correlates well with surface ...
Recent research has shown that biologically inspired approaches to materials synthesis and self-assembly, hold promise of unprecedented atomic level control of structure and interfaces. In particular, the use of organic molecules to control the production of inorganic technological materials has the potential for controlling grain structure to enhance material strength; controlling facet expression for enhanced catalytic activity; and controlling the shape of nanostructured materials to optimize optical, electrical and magnetic properties. In this work, we use organic molecules to modify silver crystal shapes towards understanding the metal-organic interactions that lead to nanoparticle shape control. Using in situ electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM) as an in situ probe, we study the influence of a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylamminobromide (CTAB) on Ag growth during electrochemical deposition on Ag(100). The results show that the organic surfactant promotes the ...
We present first-time measurements of the Fermi surface and low-energy electronic structure of intermetallic compounds Gd_2PdSi_3 and Tb_2PdSi_3 by means of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES). We show that the Fermi surface in both compounds consists of an electron barrel at the #GAMMA# point surrounded by spindle-shaped electron pockets originating from the same band, with the band bottom of both features lying at 0.5 eV below the Fermi level. From the experimentally measured band structure, we estimate the momentum-dependent RKKY coupling strength and demonstrate that it is peaked at the 1/2#GAMMA# K wave vector. Comparison with neutron diffraction data from the same crystals shows perfect agreement of this vector with the propagation vector of the low-temperature in-plane magnetic order, thereby demonstrating the decisive role of the Fermi surface geometry in explaining the complex ...
We have demonstrated in this work (1) that methane is readily activated at mild conditions (100{degree}C, 1 torr) over a relatively noble metal, Pd. This was observed using a stepped and kinked Pd(679) crystal (1), and other crystal faces are now being investigated to establish whether the cracking of the C-H bond of methane on Pd is structure sensitive or structure insensitive. Oxygen chemisorption is extremely structure sensitive: weakly bonded, highly reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(100) surface (2), while strongly bonded, moderately reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(111) and Pd(679). Reaction of the weakly bonded oxygen with surface carbide gives rise to CO{sub 2} over clean Pd(100) but to CO over halogen-doped Pd(100) (3--5). The effect of halogens is primarily ensemble-controlling, or oxygen-supply restricting, but long range influence of surface Cl on the strength ...
We have demonstrated in this work (1) that methane is readily activated at mild conditions (100[degree]C, 1 torr) over a relatively noble metal, Pd. This was observed using a stepped and kinked Pd(679) crystal (1), and other crystal faces are now being investigated to establish whether the cracking of the C-H bond of methane on Pd is structure sensitive or structure insensitive. Oxygen chemisorption is extremely structure sensitive: weakly bonded, highly reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(100) surface (2), while strongly bonded, moderately reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(111) and Pd(679). Reaction of the weakly bonded oxygen with surface carbide gives rise to CO[sub 2] over clean Pd(100) but to CO over halogen-doped Pd(100) (3--5). The effect of halogens is primarily ensemble-controlling, or oxygen-supply restricting, but long range influence of surface Cl on the strength ...
We describe a new apparatus that combines pulsed laser excitation in a molecular beam with surface-science methods for preparation of clean single-crystalsurfaces and detection of adsorbates to enable state-selected studies of gas-surface reaction dynamics. Reactant molecules are prepared in specific vibrationally excited states via overtone pumping using tunable, narrow-band laser radiation. The collision-free environment of the molecular beam prevents relaxation of the prepared molecules before impact on the target surface and enables complete control over the collision energy and incidence angle. Chemisorption products are detected after a given deposition time by Auger electron spectroscopy. To achieve sufficient beam flux of state-selected reactant molecules for product detection by standard surface-science techniques, we use a high-intensity, short-pulse ...
Most plans for the disposition of surplus nuclear materials involve storage in sealed containers where the evolution of gases from reactions of adsorbed water could present both pressure and flammability hazards[l] . Despite efforts such as calcining the material to minimize the water content prior to packaging, both residual moisture and readsorbed water may be present in the final containers . Given the anticipated temperature excursions during transportation and storage, this water may thermally desorb, increasing the pressure, and/or thermally dissociate to produce H2 gas, increasing flammability hazards . In addition, the radiation from the nuclear material may induce radiolysis of the water with the likely products being water vapor, H2, 02 and H2O2. In order to better understand the relative importance of the thermal- and radiationinduced chemistry, we have studied the interactions of water on single crystals of uranium dioxide .
The characteristics of aerosol generation were studied experimentally in an ammonia-based wet flue gas desulfurization process. Particle size distributions and concentrations, morphologies and compositions before and after desulfurization were measured using an electrical low pressure impactor and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results show that aerosols can be generated between ammonia and sulfur dioxide resulting in gas-phase reaction and the aerosol concentration at the outlet of scrubber is significantly higher than at the inlet. Before desulfurization the particles are primarily silica-alumina minerals including O, Al, Si and C, while after ammonia-based desulfurization aerosol particles have smooth surfaces with regular structures, such as cubic and prismatic crystal...
The influence of selenium dioxide (SeO2) on the microstructure and electrodeposition of manganese coatings obtained from a sulfate based neutral solution was investigated by material characterization methods and electrochemical techniques. The crystal structure and surface morphology of these coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), respectively. The SEM and XRD data showed that SeO2 could effectively accelerate phase transformation, and facilitate leveled and fine grain growth. The electrochemical results indicated that SeO2 could inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction and promote manganese deposition. The action of selenium dioxide in manganese deposition was found to be a reduction and adsorption mechanism. The process cou...
The FLAPW (full-potential linearized-augmented plane-wave) method is one of the most accurate first-principles methods for determining electronic and magnetic properties of crystals and surfaces. Until the present work, the FLAPW method has been limited to systems of less than about one hundred atoms due to a lack of an efficient parallel implementation to exploit the power and memory of parallel computers. In this work we present an efficient parallelization of the method by division among the processors of the plane-wave components for each state. The code is also optimized for RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architectures, such as those found on most parallel computers, making full use of BLAS (basic linear algebra subprograms) wherever possible. Scaling results are presented for systems of up to 686 silicon atoms and 343 palladium atoms per unit cell, running on up to 512 processors on a CRAY T3E parallel computer.
Abstract High-crystallinity hierarchical anatase TiO2 hollow spheres were prepared by a high-temperature (350 C) and non-aqueous solvothermal method in the absence of water, templates, or additives. The hollow structures were assembled from highly crystallized TiO2 nanoparticles and exhibit superior photocatalytic properties relative to those of Degussa P25 TiO2 under irradiation with UV light. The influence of reaction temperature on the crystallinity, morphology, crystallite shape and size, band gap, specific surface area, and pore size distribution of TiO2 has been studied in detail. It is evident that reaction temperature is the most important factor to increase the crystallinity of TiO2 in order to improve its charge transfer and transport properties, which are important in photocatal...
In order to reduce the activation temperature of the TiZrV alloy, thin films of various compositions were produced by three-cathode magnetron sputtering on stainless-steel substrates. For the characterisation of the activation behaviour the surface chemical composition has been monitored by Auger electron spectroscopy during specific in situ thermal cycles. The volume elemental composition of the film has been measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and the morphology (crystal structure and size of the crystallites) has been investigated by X-ray diffraction. The criteria indicating the sample quality and its dependence on film structure and chemical composition are presented and discussed. (13 refs).
The advent of carbon nanotubes, which are graphite layers convoluted in cylinders several nanometers in diameter and several micrometers in length, as well as the experiments on implanting metal atoms in such tubes open the way to producing nanoconductors and other materials with unique properties. For theorists, the basic challenge is interpreting and predicting the structure and properties of these systems. The linearized augmented-plane-wave method (LAPW) is one of the most accurate methods in the theory of the electronic structure of solids. A generalization of this method for quasi-two-dimensional systems, surface electronic states, and layered crystals is known. The LAPW theory for quasi-unidimensional systems, which exhibit translational symmetry in one direction, has been absent thus far. In this paper, the authors suggest a version of such a theory and use this method to calculate the electronic structure of carbyne (a linear chain of ...
A 340-watt CO_2 laser is being used to generate PuO_2-UO_2 condensation aerosol from the surface of a Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) fuel pellet. A wide range of concentrations is achieved by varying the laser power, pulse width, and/or pulse period. The resulting aerosol is composed of branch chain-like aggregates, with the primary particle size ranging between 0.005 and 0.15 #mu#m. X-ray diffraction analyses show that these aerosols condense into a face-centered cubic crystal structure. The activity mean aerodynamic diameter (AMAD), for most power levels, is approximately 0.85 #mu#m with a geometric standard deviation of 1.5.
This paper describes the heat transfer augmentation and the flow situation around a single spacer (a cylindrical rod) on the heated surface of a parallel plate duct in order to examine basically the effects of the spacer in the fuel elements of a high temperature gas-cooled reactor. The ends of the cylindrical rod contact the upper and lower planes. A thermosensitive liquid crystal film is used to indicate the effective area for the heat transfer. The mean Nusselt number, which is estimated within the optional distance from the spacer to the downstream direction, peaks at a dimensionless distance of X/D = 1-3, and after that decreases gradually with the flow direction. The manner in which heat transfer corresponds to the flow situation is also examined. The horseshoe vortex, produced around the spacer, affects the wake and contributes to the increase of the local heat transfer. (author).
Electronic energy bands of LaH"2 and NdH"2 have been calculated by the composite-wave variational version of the augmented plane wave method. Crystal potentials for both the hydrides were constructed by the superposition of the atomic potentials of Herman and Skillman. From the band structure data, density of states, joint density of states, optical absorption spectra and Fermi surfaces of these two hydrides have been calculated. The results of the optical studies have been successfully compared with the experimental results of Weaver et al. From the theoretical point of view the present results for LaH"2 have been satisfactorily compared with the results of Gupta et al. Since no theoretical calculation exists for ndH"2, theoretical comparison, in this case, was not possible for NdH"2. (author).
The article deals with a novel electrochemical method of preparing long-lived silver nanoparticles suspended in aqueous solution as well as silver powders. The method does not involve the use of any chemical stabilising agents. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles obtained was studied using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. Silver nanoparticles suspended in water solution that were produced by the present technique are nearly spherical and their size distribution lies in the range of 2 to 20 nm, the average size being about 7 nm. Silver nanoparticles synthesised by the proposed method were sufficiently stable for more than 7 years even under ambient conditions. Silver crystal growth on the surface of the cathode in the electrochemical process used was shown to result in micron-sized structures consisting of agglomerated silver nanoparticles ...
We report studies of bimetallic nanoparticles with 15%-16% atomic crystal parameters size mismatch. The degree of alloying was probed in a 2-nm Pt core (smallest attainable core size) of Pt-Ag nanoparticles (completely immiscible in bulk) and 20-nm-diameter Pd-Ag nanowires (completely miscible in bulk). Particles were synthesized radiolytically, and depending on the initial parameters, they assume spherical or cylindrical (nanowire) morphologies. In all cases, the metals are seen to follow their bulk alloying characteristics. Pt and Ag segregate in both spherical and wire forms, which indicates that strain due to crystallographic mismatch overcomes the excess surface free energy in the small particles. The Pd-Ag nanowires alloy similar to previously reported spherical Pd-Ag particles of similar diameter and composition.
This paper describes the heat transfer augmentation and flow situation around a single spacer (a circular cylinder) on a heated surface in a parallel plate duct in order to examine basically the effects of the spacer in the fuel elements of a High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor. A thermosensitive liquid crystal film was used to clarify the effective region of the heat transfer. The mean Nusselt number, which was estimated within arbitrary distance from the spacer to the downstream direction, took a peak at the dimensionless distance X/D = 1 #approx# 3, and after that decreased gradually with flow direction. How heat transfer corresponds to the flow situation is also examined. The horseshoe vortex, produced around the spacer, affects the wake and contributes to the increase of the local heat transfer. (author).
In cooling systems, an improved control of scale deposit and corrosion processes is a major challenge and an realistic evaluation tool for water treatments is of the utmost economic importance. In this study, a channel flow cell was used to allow in-situ electrochemical measurements in well defined electrolyte tube flowing conditions. An expression of the mass transfer towards the electrode was established where the diffusion-limited current is a function of Re{sup 1/3} in the laminar regime and was verified experimentally using the redox couples Fe[CN]{sub 6}{sup 4-}/ Fe[CN]{sub 6}{sup 3-} and O{sub 2}/OH{sup -}. This hydrodynamically controlled experimental device was developed to investigate scale deposit processes and to evaluate scale inhibitor efficiency using a electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance. Experiments were performed on three different waters, at various flow rates and temperatures. The efficiency of a well known phosphonate (HEDP) was tested ...
Aqueous solutions of Al/sub 2/(SO/sub 4/)/sub 3/ (1.05 g/100 ml), AlCl/sub 3/ (0.82 g/100 ml) and Ca(OH)/sub 2/ slurry (0.94 g/50 ml) were mixed in various volume ratios and passed through a filter. White cakes left on the filter consisted mainly of ettringite (6CaO.Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/.3SO/sub 3/.32H/sub 2/O). The cakes were then calcined at various temperatures of 300/sup 0/ -- 1000/sup 0/C for 30 and 60 min and pulverized to 80 -- 200 mesh powders. The adsorption capacity of the powders for U(VI) ions dissolved in aqueous solutions was determined by immersing 0.100 g of their powders in 50 ml of the aqueous solution containing 100 ppm of U(VI) ions mainly in the form of (UO/sub 2/(CO/sub 3/)/sub 3/)/sup 4 -/ for 2 hours. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1) Among the powders prepared, those of the oxide compositions, 2.9CaO.Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/.1.4SO/sub 3/ and 2.5CaO.Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/.1.2SO/sub 3/, all fired at 500/sup 0/C or 600/sup 0/C showed high adsorption capacity for ...
Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) family and a strong negative regulator of muscle growth. Here, we present the crystal structure of myostatin in complex with the antagonist follistatin 288 (Fst288). We find that the prehelix region of myostatin very closely resembles that of TGF-{beta} class members and that this region alone can be swapped into activin A to confer signalling through the non-canonical type I receptor Alk5. Furthermore, the N-terminal domain of Fst288 undergoes conformational rearrangements to bind myostatin and likely acts as a site of specificity for the antagonist. In addition, a unique continuous electropositive surface is created when myostatin binds Fst288, which significantly increases the affinity for heparin. This translates into stronger interactions with the cell surface and enhanced myostatin degradation in the presence of either Fst288 or Fst315. ...
In this paper, the state-of-the-art ultrasonic and magnetic measuring techniques developed at Kawasaki Steel and used in the production process of steel sheets are described. Representative examples shown here are as follows: (1) Magnetic flux leakage testing system for the detection of nonmetallic inclusions, (2) Nondestructive orientation measurement for secondary re-crystallized grains in grain-oriented electrical steel by ultrasonic interferometry, (3) Immersion testing method for the detection of nonmetallic inclusions, (4) Surface wave probe for the detection of surface flaws in rolls used in rolling mills. Developments of these techniques and their applications to actual steel sheets production processes have contributed to advance in technologies for quality assurance and control. With the help of these techniques, steel sheet products with advanced and uniform properties are being continuously produced to meet ...
We present computer modeling along with experimental data on the formation of sharp conical tips on silicon-based three-layer structures that consist of a single-crystal Si layer on a 1 {mu}m layer of silica on a bulk Si substrate. The upper Si layers with thicknesses in the range of 0.8-4.1 {mu}m were irradiated by single pulses from a KrF excimer laser focused onto a spot several micrometers in diameter. The computer simulation includes two-dimensional time-dependent heat transfer and phase transformations in Si films that result from the laser irradiation (the Stefan problem). After the laser pulse, the molten material self-cools and resolidifies, forming a sharp conical structure, the height of which can exceed 1 {mu}m depending on the irradiation conditions. We also performed computer simulations for experiments involving single-pulse irradiation of bulk silicon, reported by other groups. We discuss conditions under which different types of structures (cones ...
The possible surface enrichment of chromium and molybdenum during dissolution of Fe18Cr (110) and Fe18Cr3Mo (110) alloys at constant potentials in the passive region is elucidated by taking into account quantitative information on partial dissolution rates of alloy components as measured by #gamma#-spectrometry and on chemical composition of passivating films as measured by ESCA and AES. When combining results from all methods it is found that chromium under all conditions is enriched in the passivating films. An accumulation of chromium in the alloy is also indicated. For molybdenum, an enrichment in the passive film is observed at -0.2 V (SCE), whereas in the potential interval 0.1 - 0.9 V, the molybdenum enrichment as determined by ESCA and AES is hardly significant. On the other hand, #gamma#-spectrometry gives a clear indication of molybdenum enrichment in both potential. (author).
Despite their high medical relevance, the principles of lubrication in natural joints are still unclear. It is generally accepted, that the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of the synovial liquid, plays an important role for the low friction observed. Furthermore, it is assumed that surface active lipids participate in the lubrication. Using a model system of lipid bilayers deposited on a polyelectrolyte (PE) cushion and in contact with HA solution, we started to investigate the effects of pressure and shear forces, as experienced by natural joints, on the internal structure of the SiO{sub 2}/PE/lipid/HA interface and the bulk HA solution by neutron reflectometry (NR), complemented by in situ ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) measurements. Only on positively charged polyelectrolyte surfaces, the successful build-up of the model system could be demonstrated. By NR, the existence of an ...
The behavior of silver and lead azides (scaly and threadlike crystals, and compacted powders) in initiation of explosive decomposition by laser pulsed radiation has been investigated. Initiation energy thresholds in irradiation at wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, 354.7 nm, 266 nm corresponding to four laser radiation harmonics have been measured. Samples both uncovered and covered with a transparent dielectric (a quartz plate) with the compressive force of up to 0.5GPa were initiated. In the transparent spectral region (the first and second laser harmonics) of the heavy metal azide matrix the effect of covering the sample surface with a plate on initiation energy threshold was insignificant, whereas, in the region of bandgap absorption (the fourth harmonic) strong dependence of the initiation threshold on whether the surface under irradiation is uncovered or covered. The results obtained have been considered with the account ...
The electronic structure and surface interactions vapor-deposited Cu on single-crystal and polycrystalline Bi_2Ca/sub 1+//sub x//sub Sr>2-//sub x//sub Cu>2/O/sub 8+//sub y/ were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results are compared to the Cu/YBa_2Cu_3O/sub 7-//sub x/ interface. Changes in the Cu 2p satellite emission indicate that the Cu adatoms do not disrupt Bi_2Ca/sub 1+//sub x/Sr/sub 2-//sub x/Cu_2O/sub 8+//sub y/ as extensively as YBa_2Cu_3O/sub 7-//sub x/. However, deposition of Cu induces changes in the Bi environment in the superconductor, and surface segregation of Bi metal was observed at high coverages. Core-level attenuation results suggests minimal outdiffusion of oxygen, in contrast with what is observed for Cu/YBa_2Cu_3O/sub 7-//sub x/.
Recent investigations of wood plastic composites have revealed a detrimental effect of using lubricant systems in production. This includes nullifying part or all of the mechanical benefit of using a polar compatibilizer, maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP), in the composite formulation. This investigation utilizes lubricants labeled with deuterium in conjunction with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to allow for the separation of individual lubricants from all other material constituents. All of the deuterium labeled lubricants, used without MAPP, revealed their expulsion from the wood interface during crystallization. MAPP coupling agent was found to exist near the wood, but it is unclear if any covalent bonding with the hydroxyl functionality on the wood surface occurred. The addition of zinc stearate lubricants appears to nullify the activity of the anhydride functionality near the wood surface as ...
This paper contains literature from American Power Conference Air Toxics Being Measured Accurately, Controlled Effectively NO{sub x} and SO{sub 2} Emissions Reduced; Surface Condensers Improve Heat Rate; Usable Fuel from Municipal Solid Waste; Cofiring Technology Reduces Gas Turbine Emissions; Trainable, Rugged Microsensor Identifies of Gases; High-Tc Superconductors Fabricated; High-Temperature Superconducting Current Leads; Vitrification of Low-Level Radioactive and Mixed Wastes; Characterization, Demolition, and Disposal of Contaminated Structures; On-Line Plant Diagnostics and Management; Sulfide Ceramic Materials for Improved Batteries; Flywheel Provides Efficient Energy Storage; Battery Systems for Electric Vehicles; Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells for Transportation; Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells for Transportation; Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Monitors Emissions in Real-Time; Advance Alternative-Fueled Automotive Technologies; Thermal & ...
The strain gradient crystal plasticity theory is applied to study the deformation of planar single crystal with a void under a nominally uniaxial tension. The crystal theory assumes elevated strain hardening due to slip gradients and has a constitutive length scale. The effects of the void size with respect to the constitutive length scale on the single crystal deformation are investigated.
This handbook is a unique compendium of knowledge on all aspects of the physics of liquid crystals. In over 500 pages it provides detailed information on the physical properties of liquid crystals as well as the recent theories and results on phase transitions, defects and textures of different types of liquid crystals. An in-depth understanding of the physical fundamentals is a prerequisite for everyone working in the field of liquid crystal research. With this book the experts as well as graduate students entering the field get all the information they need.
Positron annihilation experiments on Fe-Cu model dilute alloys of nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels have been performed after neutron irradiation in JMTR. Nanovoids whose inner surfaces were covered by Cu atoms were clearly observed. The nanovoids transformed to ultrafine Cu precipitates by dissociating their vacancies after annealing at around 400degC. The nanovoids and the ultrafine Cu precipitates are strongly suggested to be responsible for irradiation-induced embrittlement of RPV steels. Effects of Ni, Mn and P addition on the nanovoid and Cu precipitate formations were also studied. The nanovoid formation was enhanced by Ni and P, but suppressed by Mn. The Cu precipitates after annealing around 400degC were almost free from these doping elements and hence were pure Cu in the chemical composition. Furthermore the Fermi surface of the 'embedded' Cu precipitates with a body centered cubic ...
Purpose:To report crystal formation as a complication of intravitreal ganciclovir injection.Patients and methods:A 73-year-old female patient with...Full Text Available
We studied the strain introduced in a Si(111) substrate due to MeV ion implantation using extremely asymmetric x-ray diffraction and measured the rocking curves of asymmetrical 113 diffraction for the Si substrates implanted with a 1.5 MeV Au"2"+ ion at fluence values of 1x10"1"3, 5x10"1"3, and 1x10"1"4/cm"2. The measured curves consisted of a bulk peak and accompanying subpeak with an interference fringe. The positional relationship of the bulk peak to the subpeak and the intensity variation of those peaks with respect to the wavelengths of the x rays indicated that crystal lattices near the surface were strained; the lattice spacing of surface normal (111) planes near the surface was larger than that of the bulk. Detailed strain profiles along the depth direction were successfully estimated using a curve-fitting method based on Darwin's dynamical diffraction theory. Comparing the shapes of resultant ...
This report describes the results of a program conducted at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) to identify alternative methods to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. This program examined commercially available devices for measuring the distance to a target. This is a continuation of a program started in FY93. In the first test sequence, tests were performed.on five devices to determine their applicability to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. The devices were the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 872 Radar Gauge, the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 854 Advanced Technology Gauge (ATG), the Stanley Tool Laser Measuring Device, the Robertshaw Inven-Tel{reg_sign} Precision Level Gauge, and the Micro Switch Model 942 Acoustic Sensor. In addition, discussions were held with several manufacturer representatives regarding other potential devices. The results of these tests were documented in a ...
Feasibility of depositing continuous films of nano-porous alumino-silicates, primarily zeolites and MCM-41, on metallic and non-metallic substrates was examined with an aim to develop membranes for separation of gaseous mixtures and also for application as hydrogen storage material. Mesoporous silica was deposited in-side the pores of these nano-porous disks with an aim to develop membranes for selective separations. Our study involves supported zeolite film growth on substrates using in-situ hydrothermal synthesis. Faujasite, Silicalite and Mesoporous silica have been grown on various metallic and non-metallic supports. Metallic substrates used for film growth included anodized titanium, sodium hydroxide treated Titanium, Anodized aluminum, and sintered copper. A non-metallic substrate used was nano-porous aluminum oxide. Zeolite film growth was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (AMRAY 1820) and High Resolution Transmission electron microscope. Silicalite was found to ...
Crystallization procedure is considered to have adaptability to new reprocessing process based on the PUREX process because it has an advantage in recovering rather pure uranium from contaminated uranium solution without reagent. NEXT (New Extraction System for TRU Recovery) process has been developed by JNC, and applying the crystallization process unit to NEXT process has a capability to contribute to an improvement of economical efficiency and reduction of liquid waste in NEXT process. Thus following studies were carried out. In crystallization process unit, UNH (Uranyl Nitrate Hydrate)-crystals are washed by a nitric acid solution to get high decontamination factor, but the data on UNH-crystals dissolution by washing procedure is insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of crystallization process unit. So, in this study, the effect of a nitric acid ...
A comparison of nucleation and crystallization of Li{sub 2}O{sm_bullet}2SiO{sub 2} between microwave and conventional heating was investigated. Standard stereological techniques were used to evaluate the results. Nucleation and crystallization behaviors during microwave heating appeared different from conventional heating. Work is in progress to better understand the effects of microwaves on nucleation and crystallization in glass.
We present a study of the crystal field in PrNiAl, NdNiAl, ErNiAl and ErCuAl intermetallic compounds based on inelastic neutron spectroscopy. These compounds crystallize in the ZrNiAl-type hexagonal structure with an orthorhombic symmetry on rare-earth sites. The results are compared with the specific-heat data, and the lower parts of the crystal-field energy-level schemes are determined. (orig.)
We present a study of the crystal field in PrNiAl, NdNiAl, ErNiAl and ErCuAl intermetallic compounds based on inelastic neutron spectroscopy. These compounds crystallize in the ZrNiAl-type hexagonal structure with an orthorhombic symmetry on rare-earth sites. The results are compared with the specific-heat data, and the lower parts of the crystal-field energy-level schemes are determined. (orig.)
The ErNi{sub 1-} {sub x} Cu {sub x} Al compounds crystallize all in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure. The concentration dependence of lattice constants shows a discontinuity between x=0.5 and 0.6. This structural change has no primary impact on the magnetic order in this series, but influences the crystal field. The lower part of the crystal-field energy-level schemes has been estimated from the specific-heat data.
The ErNi_1_- _x Cu _x Al compounds crystallize all in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure. The concentration dependence of lattice constants shows a discontinuity between x=0.5 and 0.6. This structural change has no primary impact on the magnetic order in this series, but influences the crystal field. The lower part of the crystal-field energy-level schemes has been estimated from the specific-heat data.
Large single crystals of PETN, RDX, and TNT can be grown easily from evaporating ethyl acetate solutions. The crystals all share a similar type of defect that may not be commonly recognized. The defect generates conical faces ideally mosaic crystals, and may account for the polymorphs'' of TNT and detonator grades of PETN. TATB crystals manufactured by the amination of trichlorotrinitrobenzene in dry toluene entrain two forms of ammonium chloride. One of these forms causes worm holes'' in the TATB crystals that may be the reason for its unusually low failure diameters. Strained HMX crystals form mechanical twins that can spontaneously revert back to the untwinned form when the straining force is removed. Large strains or temperatures above 100[degrees]C lock in the mechanical twins.
Large single crystals of PETN, RDX, and TNT can be grown easily from evaporating ethyl acetate solutions. The crystals all share a similar type of defect that may not be commonly recognized. The defect generates conical faces ideally mosaic crystals, and may account for the ``polymorphs`` of TNT and detonator grades of PETN. TATB crystals manufactured by the amination of trichlorotrinitrobenzene in dry toluene entrain two forms of ammonium chloride. One of these forms causes ``worm holes`` in the TATB crystals that may be the reason for its unusually low failure diameters. Strained HMX crystals form mechanical twins that can spontaneously revert back to the untwinned form when the straining force is removed. Large strains or temperatures above 100{degrees}C lock in the mechanical twins.
The energy levels scheme of octahedrally coordinated Ni2+ ion in single crystal, powder nano-single crystal, ceramics and glass-ceramics of MgGa2O4 host matrix, has been calculated in the exchange charge model of crystal field. The parameters of the crystal field acting on the Ni2+ ion are calculated from the crystal structure data, after optimization of the geometry of the system. The energy level schemes have been calculated by diagonalization of the crystal field Hamiltonian of this system. The obtained results were compared with experimental data; a good agreement were demonstrated, which confirm the validity of the model and used method.
A new separation process of saturated fatty acids (lauric acid-myristic acid) using crystallization from an aqueous ethanol solution has been examined. There were two vessels in this separation process: an extraction vessel and a crystallization vessel. The fatty acids in the aqueous phase were first extracted from their organic phase (melt) in the extraction vessel. The fatty acids in the aqueous phase were continuously introduced to the crystallization vessel, and then the fatty acids were crystallized there. The crystals of the fatty acids were collected continuously above the aqueous phase in the crystallization vessel. In this process, the yield and the purity of the crystals over time were measured, and it was found that the purity of lauric acid increased unsteadily up to 0.98 mole fraction of lauric acid with an increase in the yield ...
The principal objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility and economic success of producing oil from abandoned or nearly abandoned fields in the Dundee Formation of Central Michigan using horizontal drilling technology. A site for a horizontal well was selected in Crystal Field, a nearly-abandoned Dundee oil field in Michigan. This field had produced over 8 million barrels of oil, mostly in the 1930`s and 1940`s. At the height of development, Crystal Field produced from 193 wells, but by 1995, only seven producing wells remained, each producing less than 10 bbls/day. A horizontal well was drilled as a field demonstration pilot, funded through this DOE project, and was immensely successful. Core and logs from the Dundee interval were recovered from a vertical borehole at the same surface location. The horizontal well was brought on production at a rate of 100 bbls/day and is probably capable of producing at a ...
Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) with deuteron ion beams has been used to probe for ion implanted nitrogen and carbon with high sensitivity in zinc oxide and silicon single crystals. The ion implanted N was measured using 1.4 MeV deuteron ion beams and was found to be in agreement with calculated values. The limit of detection for N in ZnO is 8x1014 ions cm-2. Raman measurements of the ion implanted samples showed three additional modes at 275, 504, and 644 cm-1 compared to the un-implanted ZnO crystals. The NRA and Raman results provided information on the N concentration, depth distribution, and structural changes that occur in dependence on the nitrogen ion fluences. The deuterium induced 12C(d,p)13C reaction was used to measure the carbon impurity/dose in ion implanted silicon. It was found that the use of a large cold shield (liquid nitrogen trap) in the ion implanter chamber greatly reduces the amount of carbon impurity on the ...
The National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) has utilized the in-house alloy design program to develop a 5{sup th} generation Ni-base single crystal superalloy, TMS-196 with superior high temperature creep, thermo mechanical fatigue (TMF) and oxidation resistance by incorporating further ruthenium (Ru) and chromium (Cr) content over the compositions of 4{sup th} generation superalloys. With Ru additions in advanced superalloys to enhance phase stability, higher content of refractory elements can be accommodated to provide further strengthening; the associated oxidation resistance can be improved by the increase in Cr additions. In present article, TMS-196 has been subjected to cyclic/isothermal oxidation tests at 1100 C and 900 C, creep at conditions between 800 C{proportional_to}1100 C/137MPa{proportional_to}735MPa and TMF cycles. Preliminary studies indicate that the surface of oxidized TMS-196 can exhibit continuous alumina layer ...
ZnO thin films were electrodeposited in aqueous solution on gilded p-type Si wafer substrates. Thermal treatments were carried out on different films in Ar atmosphere at different temperatures, between 200 and 600 {sup 0}C. Surface morphology studies using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy show a smooth surface for an annealing temperature of 400 {sup 0}C with a roughness mean square value of about 15 nm and a precipitation of ZnO microcrystals on the deposit surface at 600 {sup 0}C. X-ray diffraction experiments reveal a decrease in the c-parameter value from 5.223 to 5.206 A after treatment at 600 {sup 0}C, due to the removal of hydrogen from the film. Raman spectroscopy analyses show an improvement in the crystal quality of the film and a decrease in the compressive stress inside the deposit. Photoluminescence observations reveal an important change in the UV emission band ...
The elemental and mineralogical variation in a self-burning coal seam from Coalspur, Alberta, is determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The elemental variation in the coal seam is related to temperatures in the various alteration zones, i.e., oxidation, combustion, or carbonization and nature of elements. Mobilization of elements is greatest for As, Br, Cl, Mo, N, S, and Sb. Some of these elements are released to the atmosphere, as evident by the presence of orthorombic sulfur crystals on the surface or in vents at the top of the burning seam or saturation of oxidation char by volatile matter (tar). Whewellite (CaC{sub 2}O{sub 4}, H{sub 2}O) is the only Ca-bearing mineral found in the cooler area of the coal seam. Decomposition of this mineral, coupled with the presence of SO{sub 2} formed by reaction of organic sulfur with O{sub 2} in combustion, resulted in formation of a relatively high ...
We report the results of characterization of nonlinear refractive index of the composite material produced by MeV Ag ion implantation of LiNbO{sub 3} crystal (z-cut). The material after implantation exhibited a linear optical absorption spectrum with the surface plasmon peak near 430 nm attributed to the colloidal silver nanoclusters. Heat treatment of the material at 500 C caused a shift of the absorption peak to 550 nm. The nonlinear refractive index of the sample after heat treatment was measured in the region of the absorption peak with the Z-scan technique using a tunable picosecond laser source (4.5 ps pulse width). The experimental data were compared against the reference sample made of MeV Cu implanted silica with the absorption peak in the same region. The nonlinear index of the Ag implanted LiNbO{sub 3} sample produced at five times less fluence is on average two times greater than that of the reference. (orig.) 20 refs.
TSS (thermal swing sublimation) method was studied which uses vaporization heat and sensible heat of LNG for solidification and separation of CO2 gas in waste gases of LNG-fired combined cycle power generation system. In experiment, the mixed gas composed of CO2, H2O and N2 was used for simulating waste gas of LNG-fired combined cycle power generation systems, and the growth behavior of ice and dry ice was studied for developing dry ice making technology under low-temperature condition. As the experimental result, the following were clarified: various crystal structures depending on cooling temperature, the effect of gas flow rate on peeling of surface precipitated solids, and solidification characteristics of H2O/CO2 mixed gas. The growth rate of precipitated solid film thickness decreased with an increase in gas flow rate, while increased with CO2 concentration. The shape of a dry ice sublimator similar to that of a fluidized bed heat ...
The ability of residual biomass from the thermotolerant ethanol-producing yeast strain Kluyveromyces marxianus IMB3 to function as a biosorbent for uranium has been examined. It was found that the biomass had an observed maximum biosorption capacity of 120 mg U/g dry weight of biomass. The calculated value for the biosorption maximum, obtained by fitting the data to the Langmuir model was found to be 130 mg U/g dry weight biomass. Maximum biosorption capacities were examined at a number of temperatures and both the observed and calculated values obtained for those capacities increased with increasing temperature. Decreasing the pH of the biosorbate solution resulted in a decrease in uptake capacity. When biosorption reactions were carried out using sea-water as the diluent it was found that the maximum biosorption capacity of the biomass increased significantly. Using transmission electron microscopy, uranium crystals were shown to be concentrated on the outer ...
Electrodeposition of semiconducting iron oxide (Fe_2O_3) thin film was carried out from an alkaline sulphate bath. A 0.1 M ferrous sulphate (FeSO_4#centre dot#7H_2O) was complexed with 0.1 M citric acid. By addition of 1 N NaOH, pH of the solution was made alkaline (pH=9) and deposition of iron oxide (Fe_2O_3) thin films was carried out potentiostatically at room temperature (300 K). From cyclic voltametry (CV), electrochemical studies were carried out for deposition of iron oxide thin films. The XRD studies reveal that Fe_2O_3 with epsilon (#epsilon#) phase having monoclinic crystal structure is formed. By observing scanning electron microscope (SEM), it is seen that iron oxide films were homogeneous, uniform and well covered to surface of the substrate. Grain size was found to be in nanometers range from XRD analysis. The optical band gap of Fe_2O_3 thin film was estimated to be 1.90 eV. Electrical resistivity was order of 10"4 #OMEGA# cm. ...
A set of equations describing a stress-mediated evolution of the nonequilibrium dopant-defect system has been derived and analyzed. Together with coupled diffusion of dopant atoms and point defects, we consider the drift of all mobile species in different charge states, namely vacancies, self-interstitials, and pairs 'dopant atom-point defect', in the field of stress. It has been shown that stresses may affect the diffusion of dopant atoms mainly in two ways: (1) directly, due to the drift of the pairs in the field of stress; (2) indirectly, by the formation of nonuniform defect distribution due to the drift of point defects. On this basis, various features of doping processes, such as phenomena of 'uphill' impurity diffusion near the surface (within the framework of the first or second mechanisms) and the peculiarities of high concentration phosphorus diffusion (due to the second mechanism), can be explained. Numerical ...
A set of equations describing a stress-mediated evolution of the nonequilibrium dopant-defect system has been derived and analyzed. Together with coupled diffusion of dopant atoms and point defects, we consider the drift of all mobile species in different charge states, namely vacancies, self-interstitials, and pairs 'dopant atom-point defect', in the field of stress. It has been shown that stresses may affect the diffusion of dopant atoms mainly in two ways: (1) directly, due to the drift of the pairs in the field of stress; (2) indirectly, by the formation of nonuniform defect distribution due to the drift of point defects. On this basis, various features of doping processes, such as phenomena of 'uphill' impurity diffusion near the surface (within the framework of the first or second mechanisms) and the peculiarities of high concentration phosphorus diffusion (due to the second mechanism), can be explained. Numerical computations of high concentration phosphorus ...
Li{sub 1.3}Al{sub 0.3}Ti{sub 1.7}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} thin films were successfully prepared by the solution deposition using lithium acetate, aluminum nitrate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and titanium butoxide as starting materials. The structure, surface morphology, electrochemical window, and ionic conductivity of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance. The results showed that Li{sub 1.3}Al{sub 0.3}Ti{sub 1.7}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} thin films annealed between 750 deg. C and 900 deg. C prepared by this method were well crystallized, homogenous and crack-free. The electrochemical window was beyond 2.4 V and the ionic conductivity was approximately 1.57x10{sup -5} S/cm at room temperature for the film annealed at 800 deg. C for 30 min.
Li_1_._3Al_0_._3Ti_1_._7(PO_4)_3 thin films were successfully prepared by the solution deposition using lithium acetate, aluminum nitrate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and titanium butoxide as starting materials. The structure, surface morphology, electrochemical window, and ionic conductivity of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance. The results showed that Li_1_._3Al_0_._3Ti_1_._7(PO_4)_3 thin films annealed between 750 deg. C and 900 deg. C prepared by this method were well crystallized, homogenous and crack-free. The electrochemical window was beyond 2.4 V and the ionic conductivity was approximately 1.57x10"-"5 S/cm at room temperature for the film annealed at 800 deg. C for 30 min.
It is thought that iron-based catalysts for coal liquefaction exercise their catalytic activity by forming pyrrhotite (Fe(1-x)S). However, there are still a lot of unknown problems remained concerning the formation and agglomeration behaviors of pyrrhotite. These make a difficulty for improving the activity of iron-based catalysts. In this study, sulfiding behaviors of {alpha}-iron oxyhydroxide ({alpha}-FeOOH) and {gamma}-iron oxyhydroxide ({gamma}-FeOOH) were investigated to reveal the formation and agglomeration behaviors of pyrrhotite. It was found that pyrrhotite was easily converted from ferric oxyhydroxide catalysts having large specific surface areas at the sulfiding temperature below 250{degree}C, and fine crystallites of pyrrhotite were formed at the initial stage of sulfiding. Crystal growth of pyrrhotite at the sulfiding temperature over 350{degree}C depended on the catalyst forms. It was also found that smaller crystallites of ...
Epitaxial metastable (GaSb)/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ alloys with compostions across the pseudobinary phase diagram have been grown on (100) GaAs substrates by multitarget rf sputtering. An essential feature allowing the growth of these metastable materials was low-energy ion bombardment of the growing film during deposition to enhance surface diffusion, promote mixing, and preferentially sputter incipient second-phase precipitates. Annealing experiments indicated that the metastable films exhibit good high-temperature stability and that they transform through a continuous series of GaSb-rich and Ge-rich phases in which the solute concentrations decrease until the equilibrium two-phase alloy is obtained. While the calculated free-energy difference between the single-phase metastable and equilibrium states is approx.18 meV, the measured activation barrier for the transformation is approx.3 eV. All films were p-type with room-temperature hole concentrations varying from ...
Laser glazing, using a KrF excimer laser (> = 248 nm, >a = 22 ns), has been used to improve the corrosion resistance properties of crystallized Fe_4_0Ni_3_8Mo_4B_1_8 (Metglas 2826 MB) and the permanent magnet material Nd_1_5Fe_7_7B_8. The formation of an amorphous layer was confirmed by conversion-electron Mossbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS), and the thickness of the amorphous layer was determined from the attenuation of the x-rays diffracted from the underlying crystalline material. The variation with laser fluence of the amorphous layer thickness on the Metglas were measured. The corrosion properties of the original, crystalline and laser glazed Metglas were measured potentiodynamically in acid electrolyte. Similar voltametric characteristics were obtained for the laser glazed surface and original Metglas, both showing a lower current in the passive region than the crystalline material. Laser glazing of the Nd_1_5Fe_7_7B_8 also produced a ...
Transient-enhanced diffusion (TED) during thermal annealing of ion-implanted B in Si is well established and attributed to the ion-induced, excess interstitials. On the other hand, the mechanism to account for TED of B in preamorphized (PA) Si remains unclear. Enhanced diffusion of the B persists in regrown layers even though the ion-induced interstitial defects responsible for TED in B{sup +}-only implanted Si are eliminated following regrowth. To test the hypothesis that TED in PA Si results from the {open_quotes}excess{close_quotes} interstitial-type defects below the amorphous-crystalline (a-c) interface, a buried PA layer has been recrystallized from the surface inward to the SiO{sub 2} interface of silicon-on-insulator material to eliminate all possible sources of excess interstitials. The effect on B diffusion and the role of the residual interstitial-type defects will be discussed. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}
In the past, organic substance is generally deemed as electrical insulator, but in recent years, molecular crystals and polymers showing electroconductivity like metal were synthesized and even those showing superconductivity have appeared. These materials are called organic metals or synthetic metals and have peculiar solid state physical properties. Examples of real application of organic electroconductive materials are becoming available, but in this article, a chip type aluminum solid electrolytic capacitor using polypyrrole is introduced. There are four kinds of capacitors including ceramic capacitors and aluminum electrolytic capacitors, etc. The aluminum electrolytic capacitor is most retarded than any other type of capacitor in introducing its chip type since its use of electrolytic solution becomes an obstacle. Polypyrrole synthesized by electrolytic polymerization through anode oxidation of pyrrole has good stability and high electroconductivity. ...
10%Pt/C catalysts were prepared by liquid reduction method. PTFE and Pt/ C catalysts were adhered to porous metal and hydrophobic Pt/C/PTFE catalysts were prepared. The structure and size of Pt crystal particles of Pt/C catalysts were analyzed by XRD, and their mean size was 3.1 nm. The dispersion state of Pt/C and PTFE was analyzed by SEM, and they had good dispersion mostly, but PTFE membrane could be observed on local parts of Pt/C/PTFE surface. Because of low hydrophobicity, Pt/C/ PTFE catalysts have low activity when the mass ratio of PTFE and Pt/C is 0.5: 1, and their catalytic activity increases markedly when the ratio is 1:1. When the ratio increases again, more Pt active sites would be covered by PTFE and interior diffusion effect would increase, which result in the decrease of catalytic activity of Pt/C/PTFE. By PTFE pretreatment of porous metal carrier, the activity of Pt/C/PTFE catalysts decreases when the mass ratio of PTFE and ...
A unified physically based ion implantation damage model has been developed which successfully predicts both the impurity profiles and the damage profiles for a wide range of implant conditions for arsenic, phosphorus, BF{sub 2}, and boron implants into single-crystal silicon. In addition, the amorphous layer thicknesses predicted by this new damage model are also in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. This damage model is based on the physics of point defects in silicon, and explicitly simulates the defect production, diffusion, and their interactions which include interstitial-vacancy recombination, clustering of same type of defects, defect-impurity complex formation, emission of mobile defects from clusters, and surface effects for the first time. New computationally efficient algorithms have been developed to overcome the barrier of the excessive computational requirements. In addition, the new model has been incorporated ...
A unified physically based ion implantation damage model has been developed which successfully predicts both the impurity profiles and the damage profiles for a wide range of implant conditions for arsenic, phosphorus, BF_2, and boron implants into single-crystal silicon. In addition, the amorphous layer thicknesses predicted by this new damage model are also in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. This damage model is based on the physics of point defects in silicon, and explicitly simulates the defect production, diffusion, and their interactions which include interstitial-vacancy recombination, clustering of same type of defects, defect-impurity complex formation, emission of mobile defects from clusters, and surface effects for the first time. New computationally efficient algorithms have been developed to overcome the barrier of the excessive computational requirements. In addition, the new model has been incorporated in the ...
Cerium is known to enter substitutionally in trivalent state when doped in alkali halides. Cerium doped NaCl crystals exhibit greatly enhanced thermoluminescence output upon X-irradiation at RT, the intensity of emission being about 10 times that in undoped crystals for similar dosage of irradiation. The cerium doped crystals give upon X-irradiation a very intense glow peak at 145degC with shoulders at 120degC and 210degC. Upon partially bleaching the crystal with F-light, the peak at 120degC becomes prominent probably due to faster bleaching of the glow at 145degC. From further optical bleaching studies, it is concluded that the glow peak at around 120degC is due to cerium centres in the irradiated crystal and the 145degC peak due to F centres. This F centre emission occurs at lower temperature, compared to that in the undoped crystals where it occurs at around ...
Calcined and sulfided Ni-Mo catalysts supported on ultrastable Y zeolite (USY), NaY zeolite, mordenite, and ZSM-5 were studied by high-resolution electron transmission microscopy (HRTEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Ni and Mo oxide aggregates were rarely observed in the USY-supported Ni-Mo catalyst, indicating that most of Ni and Mo may be incorporated into USY, e.g., supercavities and possibly sodalite cages. However, there were a large number of {alpha}-NiMoO{sub 4} aggregates of different particle sizes in NaY-, mordenite-, and ZSM-5-supported catalysts, and the mordenite-supported catalyst also contained MoO{sub 3} crystals. The {alpha}-NiMoO{sub 4} may be attached to the surface of substrates as individual particles or needle aggregates, it may be disseminated into mordenite particles, or it may even form an isolated sphere (in Ni-Mo/NaY) or a needle (in Ni-Mo/ZSM-5) aggregates. ...
Single crystals of ytterbium tartrate trihydrate have been grown by gel method using silica and agar-agar gels as media of growth. The medium of growth influences the morphology of grown crystals, silica gel yielding single and polycrystalline in the form of spherulites whereas agar-agar gel leading to growth of single and twinned crystals. Materials grown as single crystals have been characterized by using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDAX, XRD, FT-IR, CHN and thermogravimetric techniques. The stoichiometry of the grown single crystals is suggested to be Yb(C4H4O6) (C4H5O6).3H2O. The FT-IR spectrum shows the presence of singly as well as doubly ionized tartrate ligands. Results of thermal analysis indicate that the material is thermally stable up to a temperature of 200...
The primary function of the Waste Handling Shaft (WHS) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is to permit the transfer of radioactive waste from the surface waste handling building to the underground storage area. It also serves as an intake shaft for small volumes of air during normal storage operations and as an emergency escape route. Part of the construction was the placement of a concrete liner and steel reinforced key in 1984. During a routine shaft inspection in May 1990, some degradation of the WHS concrete liner was observed between the depths of 800 and 900 feet below the ground surface. Detailed investigations of the liner had been carried out by Sandia National Laboratories and by Westinghouse Electric Corporation Waste Isolation Division (WID) through Lankard Materials Laboratory. Observations, reports, and data support the conclusion that the concrete degradation, resulting from attack by chemically aggressive brine, is a ...
The phenomenon of global warming, its causes and implications for the future, and the relationship between global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer are discussed. The Shindell model of the greenhouse effect, which is responsible for planetary warming, also contributes to the high altitude thinning of the ozone layer. While greenhouse gas emissions contribute to retaining infrared radiation, thus warming the surface of the earth, their effect is reduced at stratospheric altitudes resulting in reduced temperatures in this region. At this altitude temperatures can reach minus 90 degrees C, creating a whirlwind effect, with ice crystals forming at the heart of the vortex, causing the surface to accelerate chemical reactions which in turn leads to destruction of ozone. Although since the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 the industrialized countries have significantly reduced their emissions of refrigerating ...
Two families of CeO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (ACE) catalyst supports, containing 3 and 20 % wt CeO{sub 2} respectively, have been examined and compared with the pure oxides CeO{sub 2} and (transition-phase) Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Structural data indicate that, also in the presence of CeO{sub 2}, the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} support undergoes all phase transitions at the usual temperatures. Electron micrographs show that particles morphology and crystals size are mainly imposed by the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} support. The porosimetric texture indicates a more pronounced meso-porosity in the ACE systems than in pure Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, especially in the case of low CeO{sub 2} loadings. FTIR spectra and volumetric/calorimetric data of the adsorption of CO at {approx}300 K show that the surface Lewis acidity of aluminas is severely modified by the presence of CeO{sub 2}: the overall CO uptake is increased, there is the formation of one additional family of Lewis acid ...
This work covers three distinct aspects of deformation and fracture during indentations. In particular, we develop an approach to verification of nanoindentation induced film fracture in hard film/soft substrate systems; we examine the ability to perform these experiments in harsh environments; we investigate the methods by which the resulting deformation from indentation can be quantified and correlated to computational simulations, and we examine the onset of plasticity during indentation testing. First, nanoindentation was utilized to induce fracture of brittle thin oxide films on compliant substrates. During the indentation, a load is applied and the penetration depth is continuously measured. A sudden discontinuity, indicative of film fracture, was observed upon the loading portion of the load-depth curve. The mechanical properties of thermally grown oxide films on various substrates were calculated using two different numerical methods. The first method utilized a plate bending ...
A curved crystal X-ray spectrographs of reflection type spherical geometry was required based on the Johann scheme. Due to their high efficiency and resolution, X-ray spectrographs of focusing spectrograph spatial resolution are suitable for detecting weak X-ray spectra in spectrometers for laser fusion research. Spherically bent mica crystal with a radius of curvature of 380 mm was used in the spectrometer. The Bragg angle of the crystal analyzer was 51 degree. The image plate was employed to obtain high spatial resolution and a narrow spectral band width, with an effective area of 30 mm x 80 mm. The designed optical path of the X-ray spectrometer beam was 980 mm long from the source to the crystal and the detector. The first experiment was carried out at the 20 J energy laser facility of Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics. X-ray spectra in an absolute intensity scale ...
The resistance to destruction of spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger occluded in crystals of calcium carbonate and exposed to ethylene oxide and moist and dry heat...Full Text Available
Cadmium telluride single crystals were subjected to multiple-energy boron ion implants with total doses up to 1.5 x 10 sq cm. Various diagnostic techniques were used to assess the structural and electronic properties of these crystals in their as-implante...
IntroductionThe murine air pouch is a bursa-like space that resembles the human synovial membrane. Injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the pouch elicits an acute inflammatory...Full Text Available
Single crystals of semi-organic L-histidine hydrobromide have been grown by slow evaporation technique from a mixture of L-histidine and hydrobromic acid in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. From high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis, the crystalline perfection of the grown crystal has been studied. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectral analysis, Thermo-Gravimetry (TG), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and hardness test have been employed to characterize the as-grown crystals. The UV cutoff wavelength of the grown crystal is below 300 nm and has a wide transparency window, which is suitable for second harmonic generation of laser in the blue region. Nonlinear optical characteristics have been studied using Q switched Nd:YAG laser (#lambda#=1064 nm). The second harmonic generation conversion efficiency of the grown ...
The mechanical characteristics of semicrystalline materials are related to the proportion, size and structure of the crystalline phase. Studying isothermal crystallization is the first stage in determining what relations exist between structure and charac...
We compared two insecticidal and eight noninsecticidal soil isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis with regard to the solubility of their proteinaceous crystals at alkaline pH values. The...Full Text Available
Experimental data are reported on the micro-irregularities of resistivity in longitudinal and transverse specimens of germanium 0.5 to 0.8 mm in thickness and 25 to 40 mm in width. These data are correlated with the conditions of growth of the crystals. (16 refs).
This work is concentrated on growth, spectroscopy and laser performance of thulium-doped vanadate crystals. At the beginning the growth techniques are analyzed and then the matrix of vanadates crystal, its structure and physicochemical properties are explained together with the rare earth activators influence. Detailed spectroscopy of the thulium-doped vanadate crystals then follows. On the background of this theoretical analysis and state of the art of the subject the description of thulium vanadate lasers (especially Tm:YVO"4, Tm:GdVO"4, and Tm:LuVO"4) together with their generated output radiation characteristics are presented.
A consistent statistical theory of the crystal-liquid phase transition is developed, being based on a method which takes into account liquidlike fluctuations in crystals and solidlike clusters in liquids. It is shown that degenerate fluidlike droplets have a finite number density at zero temperature, while nondegenerate fluctuations disappear when the temperature goes to zero. The existence of a melting point is proved. This method, which takes into consideration the heterophase fluctuations, provides the possibility of describing metastable states such as a supercooled liquid or an overheated crystal. Conditions for the existence of metastable states are found. The liquid-glass transition can also be described by the method presented here.
We report investigations of enhancement in material conversion efficiency of KDP for SHG applications. The limitation of conventional technique of growing KDP crystal was overcome in the present work by adopting a growth method to grow KDP directly in type-II phase matching direction. The conventional technique results in #approx#30% of the crystal volume usable for SHG applications whereas the present method has resulted in enhancing it to #approx#90%. The orientation of the element was confirmed by frequency conversion experiment using Nd:YAG laser. The UV-vis transmittance obtained was 92%. The interferometric results show that the crystals have excellent optical homogeneity.
... analyzer section for angle resolved measurements, and a thin film evaporator with a quartz crystal microbalance to measure the mass deposition. ...
By the example of CH2Cl2, CF2Cl2, CHF2Cl, C2F6, C2H6, SF6 and C6H12 we have investigated the isobaric thermal conductivity jump at crystal-liquid phase transition. It is shown that the reduction in the thermal conductivity at melting derives from the degree of orientational ordering of the crystals at pre-melting point.
Lead tungstate crystals doped with small fractions of praesodynium or molybdenum have been tested in beams of high-energy electrons. The goal of these tests was to study the effects of such dopants on the capability to separate the signal components deriving from the Cherenkov and scintillation light generated by the beam particles. These studies were carried out in view of the possible application of such crystals in dual-readout calorimeters.
Hydrothermal method for preparing crystal borophosphate with zeolite structure is suggested. To increase absorption capacity and thermal stability of final product, aluminium hydroxide sol, ethylenediamine and ethyl acetate are added to the mixture of crystal boric and concentrated phosphoric acids. Thermal stability of the specimens prepared constitutes 880-950 deg, water absorption capacity is within the limits of 0.30-0.32 cmT/g. 1 table.
Experimental data in the Kondo lattice YbPd_2Si_2 is compared with the results of a hybridization model, based ont he 'large degeneracy expansion' approximation, which takes into account the crystal field level splittings of the Yb ion. We show that satisfactory agreement is obtained with a unique set of crystal field and hybridization parameters. (orig.).
Experimental data in the Kondo lattice YbPd{sub 2}Si{sub 2} is compared with the results of a hybridization model, based ont he 'large degeneracy expansion' approximation, which takes into account the crystal field level splittings of the Yb ion. We show that satisfactory agreement is obtained with a unique set of crystal field and hybridization parameters. (orig.).
The aim of this paper was to describe ability to intercalation of laboratory prepared carbon composites and their constituents. In work the following materials were tested; pinch-based fibres of P-120 and K-1100 manufacturer's designations, carbon matrix and resulting composites. To prepare a matrix of composites, phenol-formaldehyde resin (Z) and pinch-based precursor (PAK) were used. After initial carbonization, the carbon matrix was heated to 2150 "oC i to improve ability to the future intercalation. Three kinds of composites (P/Z, K/Z and K/PAK), with two directional reinforcement (2D), were prepared. All carbon samples were intercalated with copper chloride(II). To study the structure of all materials, before and after intercalation, X-ray diffraction method was used. It enabled to measure microstructure parameters (L_c and L_a), interplanar distance (d_0_0_2) thickness of an intercalation layer (d_i). Before intercalation, graphite fibers are characterized by well developed ...
To improve adherent properties of electrogalvanized steel (EGS) to polymeric topcoats, the surfaces of EGS were modified by polyelectrolyte-modified zinc phosphating solution. The electrochemical reaction between phosphating solution and EGS led to the complete coverage with fully grown hopeite crystals after only 5 sec treatment, thereby improving adhesion to topcoating and providing protection of EGS against corrosion. To evaluate the ability of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polyaryl thermoplastic coatings to protect zinc phosphate (Zn{center_dot}Ph)treated steels from corrosion in a wet, harsh environment ( 1.0 wt % H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, 3.0 wt % NaCl and 96.0 wt % water at temperatures from 25{degrees} to 200{degree}C), we exposed them in an autoclave to attempt heating-cooling cyclic fatigue tests (1 cycle = 12 hr at 200{degrees}C + 12 hr at 25{degrees}C) up to 90 times. The major chemical reaction at the interface between the PPS and Zn in the ...
Surface temperature is measured with an infrared thermometer. Measuring Surface Temperature. Nine sample points are selected with a site of uniform land ...
The evolution of metallic substance atomic structure is studied on temperature variation including crystal heating up to melting points, a crystal- liquid phase transition and initiation of a high-density liquid specific structure. It is marked that heat induced changes of simple metal structure can be described as changes around a natural elementary cell which is common for both a crystal and a liquid and consists of a central atom and Z_1 atoms of the first coordination sphere. On this basis the vacancy model of melting is verified. Concentrations of melting vacancies are determined by coordination numbers in the form of Z_1/(1+Z_1)"2 which are the same for both a crystal and a natural elementary cell. The size of natural elementary cells is in an agreement with that of the coordination sphere featured in the liquid and phase transition statistical theory. Calculated data are given for a number of ...
Based on the corrected phase diagrams proper growth conditions for Li2Zn2(MoO4)3 crystals are selected. Large crystals (up to 100 mm), both impurity-free and activated by transition metal ions (Cu, Cr), are grown by the low-gradient Czochralski method. By the EPR method the charge state and structural position of copper and chromium ions are determined. The performed studies of luminescent properties show that for impurity-free crystals luminescence with ? = 388 nm with a two-exponential luminescence decay with ?1 = 2 ns and ?2 = 6 ns is observed at room temperature. At 77 K for both impurity-free crystals and those activated with transition metal ions luminescence with ? = 560 nm and the luminescence lifetime ? = 100 ns is observed, the intensity of luminescence with ? = 560 nm depending ...
The optical spectroscopy measurements of gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) crystals doped with Yb show evidence of the presence of non-equivalent optical centers with very similar radiative decay rates. The energy level schemes of those centers have been determined on the basis of optical absorption, luminescence and Raman experiments. Crystal field fitting resulted in two sets of slightly different crystal field parameters for two non-equivalent Yb centers. Both sets of parameters describe perfectly the experimentally detected Y b3+ energy levels. Correlation between systematic trends in the experimental energy level schemes and crystal field parameters is discussed.
The absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of [N(n-Bu)_4]"+[(MeCp)_3PrCl]"- dissolved in 2-MeTHF were measured at room and at low temperatures. On the basis of these spectra the crystal field splitting pattern could be derived. The parameters of an empirical Hamiltonian were fitted to the energies of 42 levels to give an r.m.s. deviation of 23 cm"-"1. From the crystal field parameters obtained the crystal field strength of the ligand collective was estimated. Compared with neutral Cp_3Pr circle B complexes the crystal field strength of the anionic [(MeCp)_3PrCl]"- moiety is unusually low. (orig.)
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified with poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (also known as Nylon 66) via a controlled polymer solution crystallization method. A 'nanohybrid shish kebab' (NHSK) structure was found wherein the MWNT resembled the shish while Nylon 66 lamellar crystals formed the kebabs. These Nylon 66-functionalized MWNTs were used as precursors to prepare polymer/MWNT nanocomposites. Excellent dispersion was revealed by optical and electron microscopies. Nitric acid etching of the nanocomposites showed that MWNT formed a robust network in Nylon 66. Non-isothermal DSC results showed multiple melting peaks, which can be attributed to lamellar thickness changes upon heating. The crystallite sizes L{sub 100} and L{sup 010} of Nylon 66, determined by WAXD, decreased with increasing MWNT contents. Isothermal DSC results showed that crystallization kinetics increased first and then ...
Strain-induced crystallization of crosslinked natural rubber (NR) and its synthetic analogue, cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR), both mixed with various amounts of stearic acid (SA), were investigated by time-resolved X-ray diffraction using a powerful synchrotron radiation source and simultaneous mechanical (tensile) measurement. No acceleration or retardation was observed on NR in spite of the increase of SA amount. Even the SA-free IR crystallized upon stretching, and the overall crystallization behavior of IR shifted to the larger strain ratio with increasing SA content. No difference due to the SA was detected in the deformation of crystal lattice by stress for both NR and IR. These results suggested that the extended network chains are effective for the initiation of crystallization upon stretching, while the role of SA is trivial. These behaviors are much different from their ...
The exchange charge model of crystal field theory has been used to analyze systematically the ground state absorption spectra of octahedrally coordinated Ni{sup 2+} ion in isostructural nickel halide crystals NiCl{sub 2}, NiBr{sub 2}, and NiI{sub 2}. The parameters of the crystal field acting on the Ni{sup 2+} ion are calculated from the available crystal structure data. The obtained energy level schemes are compared with experimental absorption spectra; a good agreement with experimental data is demonstrated. Dependencies of the crystal field invariants and covalence effects on the type of ligands are considered. It is shown numerically that the overlap effects between Ni{sup 2+} ion and ligands increase with an increase of the ligands' atomic number resulting in the following order of the degree of covalence: NiI{sub 2}>NiBr{sub 2}>NiCl{sub 2}.
The exchange charge model of crystal field theory has been used to analyze systematically the ground state absorption spectra of octahedrally coordinated Ni"2"+ ion in isostructural nickel halide crystals NiCl_2, NiBr_2, and NiI_2. The parameters of the crystal field acting on the Ni"2"+ ion are calculated from the available crystal structure data. The obtained energy level schemes are compared with experimental absorption spectra; a good agreement with experimental data is demonstrated. Dependencies of the crystal field invariants and covalence effects on the type of ligands are considered. It is shown numerically that the overlap effects between Ni"2"+ ion and ligands increase with an increase of the ligands' atomic number resulting in the following order of the degree of covalence: NiI_2>NiBr_2>NiCl_2.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether sub-ablative pulsed C0{sub 2} laser (1 0,6 {mu}m) irradiation is capable of reducing the susceptibility of the dental enamel to demineralization, and thus achieving a potential caries-protective effect. The crowns of 51 bovine front teeth, embedded in acrylic resin and polished until exposure of flat enamel surface, were used. The samples were cut in cubes of 10x10 mm, and totally coated with acid-resistant nail varnish, except for an enamel exposed window of 16 mm square. Three groups (n=17) were obtained: control group (CG) not irradiated; group laser A (LA) and group laser B (LB) where the samples were irradiated. The conditions were 60 mJ, 100 Hz, 0,3 J/cm{sup 2} for LA and 135 mJ, 10 Hz, 0,7 J/cm{sup 2} for LB. Two samples of each group were submitted to SEM analysis and fifteen to demineralization in 3 ml acetate buffer solution (0,1 mol/L) with pH 4,5 for 24h at 37 deg C, with regular agitation. After the ...
For the advanced fusion reactor FFHR2 (Force Free Helical Reactor) that has been proposed by NIFS, molten salt Flibe (LiF:BeF2=64:36) breeder blanket system is selected because of Flibe's features such as chemical stability, low-pressure operation and low electric conductivity. The Flibe is however high Prandtl number fluid since it has high viscosity and low thermal conductivity. Therefore its heat transfer performance is low compared with liquid Li or Pb-Li. In addition to heat removal of 1MW/m2 on the first wall, electrolysis of molten salt due to MHD effect will take place under high flow rate condition. This indicates that heat transfer enhancement under low flow rate is essential for the Flibe blanket system. In our laboratory, heat transfer characteristics of molten salt HTS (KNO3:NaNO2:NaNO3=53:40:7), have been evaluated, which is used as a simulant fluid of Flibe from the points of view of Be's toxicity and similar Prandtl number. In this paper, we adopt nano-particle layer ...
When a plasma becomes contaminated by foreign particles, generically referred to as dust, the result is called a dusty plasma. At the present time there is a great deal of interest in dusty plasmas because of their roles in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial processes - semiconductor processing, high temperature fusion experiments, stellar formation and the rings of Saturn. This thesis is concerned with the role of dust in processing type plasmas. In the following experiments, artificial dust is introduced into a parallel electrode plasma chamber. Ions and electrons in the plasma charge the dust particles and they become suspended in the plasma due to the balancing of electric and gravitational forces. By illuminating the suspended dust with laser light and using an extremely high speed camera fitted with a macro lens to look at the scattered light, the dust particles are observed directly. Specially written computer software is then able to track and analyse the particles' ...
Under different sintering temperatures(340 degrees C, 440 degrees C, 540 degrees C, 640 degrees C), four TiO2 particles were prepared. The crystal types of all four samples were found to possess anatase structures by XRD. It was obtained by N2 experimental adsorption at low temperature (77K) that their surface areas and average pore size were between 79 and 124 m2/g, 56.8 and 254.8 A respectively. The pore structure of TiO2 particles was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tests of adsorption dynamics for FGD and the performance of SO2 removal were investigated in a fixed-bed system for different samples. The results show that SG540 sample which made at 540 degrees C sintering temperature had the most quality among the four samples. It can adsorb SO2 of 38.9 mg for one gram SG540 sample. Different operating conditions for SG540 such as adsorption temperature, SO2 concentration in flue gas and the superficial velocity of ...
Multicrystalline silicon is a very interesting material for terrestrial solar cells. Its low cost and respectable energy conversion efficiency (12-15%) makes it arguably the most cost competitive material for large-volume solar power generation. However, the solar cell efficiency of this material is severely degraded by regions of high minority carrier recombination which have been shown to possess both dislocations and microdefects. These structural defects are known to increase in recombination activity with transition metal decoration. Therefore, gettering of metal impurities from the material would be expected to greatly enhance solar cell performance. Contrary to this rationale, experiments using frontside phosphorus and/or backside aluminum treatments have been found to improve regions with low recombination activity while having little or no effect on the high recombination regions and in turn only slightly improving the overall cell performance. The goal of this research is to ...
The effects of dilute impurity doping on charge-density wave (CDW) structures and gaps in NbSe{sub 3} 1T-TaS{sub 2} and 2H-NbSe{sub 2} have been studied by using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) operating at 4.2 K. In Fe doped samples of NbSe{sub 3} the STM spectroscopy measurements indicate that the added impurities can significantly shift the CDW energy gaps. In NbSe{sub 3}, Fe reduces both CDW gaps by 25-30%, and produces changes in the conductance structure relative to the pure material. The images of Fe{sub 0.01}NbSe{sub 3} show that all three surface chains in the unit cell still carry a strong CDW modulation with no evident disorder. However, a change in the relative amplitudes of the high and low temperature CDWs is detected. The effects of Co and Ni impurities on the gaps in NbSe{sub 3} have also been studied. While Co increases both by 25-30%, Ni increases only the high temperature gap with the low temperature gap remaining essentially unchanged. In ...
In this work, {beta}-SnS{sub 2} thin films have been prepared on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique using an alcohol solution which contains tin chloride (SnCl{sub 4}) and thiourea (SC(NH{sub 2}){sub 2}) as precursors. The structural study shows that {beta}-SnS{sub 2} thin film prepared using optimal experimental conditions: substrate temperature T{sub s} = 280 deg. C and the concentration ratio of sulfur and tin elements in the spray solution x = [S]/[Sn] = 2.5, crystallizes in the hexagonal phase with a strong (0 0 1) X-ray diffraction line. In the same way, microprobe analyses (EPMA) as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show the presence of undiserable phase of SnO{sub 2}. From the transmission and reflectance spectra, the band gap energy is 2.65 eV. On the other hand, the photothermal properties of such films have been studied, the thermal conductivity was K{sub c} = 0.85 W m{sup -1} K{sup -1} and the thermal diffusivity was D{sub c} ...
In this work, ?-SnS2 thin films have been prepared on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique using an alcohol solution which contains tin chloride (SnCl4) and thiourea (SC(NH2)2) as precursors. The structural study shows that ?-SnS2 thin film prepared using optimal experimental conditions: substrate temperature Ts = 280 deg. C and the concentration ratio of sulfur and tin elements in the spray solution x = [S]/[Sn] = 2.5, crystallizes in the hexagonal phase with a strong (0 0 1) X-ray diffraction line. In the same way, microprobe analyses (EPMA) as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show the presence of undiserable phase of SnO2. From the transmission and reflectance spectra, the band gap energy is 2.65 eV. On the other hand, the photothermal properties of such films have been studied, the thermal conductivity was Kc = 0.85 W m-1 K-1 and the thermal diffusivity was Dc = 14.5 x 10-6 m2 s-1. The analysis of ?-SnS2 thin films via the ...
In the present work, a new kind of myoglobin (Mb)/Au nanoparticles composite film was fabricated on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Oppositely charged chitosan (CS) and silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles were alternately adsorbed on the PG surface by the electrostatic interaction between them, forming {CS/SiO(2)}(5) layer-by-layer films. Mb and HAuCl(4) in solution were then simultaneously loaded into {CS/SiO(2)}(5) films. The loaded Au(III) in the films were electrochemically reduced into Au nanoparticles, forming nanocomposite films, designated as {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au. Various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize the films. Compared with {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb films without Au nanoparticles inside, the {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au films ...
[sup 13]C epitaxial diamond films have been grown on [sup 12]C-type IIb diamond substrates doped with boron, using electron assisted chemical vapor deposition. The relation between etch pits to dislocations in [sup 13]C diamond film and the broadening of the first-order Raman peak was examined. The reactant gas was [sup 13]CH[sub 4] of > 99% purity. The substrate temperature was varied from 943 to 1300 C. The uneven surface morphology was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser microscopy. From 943 to 1030 C, etch pit rows along left angle 100 right angle were observed. At 991 C, the etch pit density on a row was 3300 to 5000 pits/cm. The Ar[sup +] laser beam was focused on a transparent area near the row of etch pits, where the boron impurity of the substrate is less than several 10 ppm. The first-order Raman line of [sup 13]C epitaxial diamond film was broadened to 3.6-4.0 cm[sup -1]. The line broadening was 50-90% compared with that of the [sup ...
This award provided for an automated computer-controlled goniometer/diffractometer/manipulator with hot and cold stages and data acquisition system that was interfaced with the high resolution Scienta ESCA-300 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer at Lehigh University. The automation allows angular dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) data to be accurately and rapidly collected without the very time-consuming and labor-intensive manual method that was previously required. It also provides for automated multi-sample analyses, collecting both wide survey scans and selected binding energy range analyses, with complete computer control and data storage. This allows 24 hour data collection without requiring the continuous presence of operators. The overall result is a greater productivity for the XPS laboratory, approximately doubling the output of the laboratory. While the automated computer-controlled goniometer/manipulator with ...
The structural change of the (100-x)(0.6Li{sub 2}S{center_dot}0.4SiS{sub 2})centre dotxLi{sub 3}PO{sub 4} oxysulfide glassesduring crystallization was analyzed by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The unique tetrahedral units of SiO{sub n}S{sub 4-n} (n=1,2,3) and PO{sub n}S{sub 4-n} (n=1,2,3) present in the glass samples vanished and the SiS{sub 4}, PS{sub 4}, SiO{sub 4} units increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Nonbridging sulfur and oxygen atoms decreased while bridging oxygens and S{sup 2-} increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Large structural difference between the glass and the corresponding crystallized sample explained the high stability against crystallization found in the oxysulfide glass with the composition of X=5. (author)
The structural change of the (100-x)(0.6Li[sub 2]S[center dot]0.4SiS[sub 2])centre dotxLi[sub 3]PO[sub 4] oxysulfide glassesduring crystallization was analyzed by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The unique tetrahedral units of SiO[sub n]S[sub 4-n] (n=1,2,3) and PO[sub n]S[sub 4-n] (n=1,2,3) present in the glass samples vanished and the SiS[sub 4], PS[sub 4], SiO[sub 4] units increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Nonbridging sulfur and oxygen atoms decreased while bridging oxygens and S[sup 2-] increased with proceeding of the crystallization process. Large structural difference between the glass and the corresponding crystallized sample explained the high stability against crystallization found in the oxysulfide glass with the composition of X=5. (author)
The spectral dependences of absorption photoinduced in a pure bismuth titanium oxide crystal by 532-nm laser pulses are studied. It is shown that optical absorption in the crystal in the range from 492 to 840 nm increases with increasing exposure. The photoinduced absorption relaxes in the dark for more than 60 hours. A model of photoinduced absorption is proposed which assumes the population of two trap centres with the normal energy distribution law for the concentrations of electrons photoexcited from donors to the conduction band. This model well describes the spectral dependences of photoinduced absorption by using the average ionisation energies of the traps E{sub 1} = 1.60 eV and E{sub 2} = 2.57 eV. The model is used to estimate the increase in the photorefractive sensitivity of a bismuth titanium oxide crystal in the near IR region, which was earlier observed after exposing the crystal to ...
In culture migrating and interacting amoeboid cells can form nematic liquid crystal phases. A polar nematic liquid crystal is formed if the interaction has a polar symmetry. One type of white blood cells (granulocytes) form clusters where the cells are oriented towards the center. The core of such an orientational defect (disclination) is either a granulocyte forced to be in an isotropic state or another cell type like a monocyte. An apolar nematic liquid crystal is formed if the interaction has an apolar symmetry. Different cell types like human melanocytes (=pigment cells of the skin), human fibroblasts (=connective tissue cells), human osteoblasts (=bone cells), human adipocytes (= fat cells) etc., form an apolar nematic liquid crystal. The orientational elastic energy is derived and the orientational defects (disclination) of nematic liquid crystals are investigated. The ...
To improve organic electronic applications, knowledge about microscopic mechanisms determining the charge carrier mobilities is pivotal. 9,10-Diphenylanthracene (DPA) has been identified as model system to study those correlations due to its high electron and hole mobilities at room temperature and its complex structural phase behaviour. We demonstrate our temperature dependent Time-Of-Flight data on single crystals grown by vapor phase transport (VPT) and by Bridgman growth technique. Both preparation techniques revealed crystals of different morphologies resulting in significant variations of the related bipolar mobilities. As a key result, the charge carrier mobility of {proportional_to}1 cm{sup 2}/Vs at room temperature along the (111)-direction of Bridgman crystals exceeds that along the (001)-direction of VPT grown crystals by about one order of magnitude. The observed differences in the mobility ...
Significant progress has been achieved recently in the growth of Yttrium Calcium Oxyborate (YCOB) crystals. Boules have been grown capable of producing large aperture nonlinear crystal plates suitable for high average power frequency conversion or optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA). With a large aperture (5.5 cm x 8.5 cm) YCOB crystal we have demonstrated a record 227 W of 523.5nm light (22.7 J/pulse, 10 Hz, 14 ns). We have also demonstrated the applicability of YCOB for 1053 nm OPCPA.
The absorption, emission and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of the anionic complex (Cp_3Pr. NCS)"- were measured at room and low temperatures. On the basis of these spectra the electronic structure in the f-f range could be derived. The parameters of an empirical Hamiltonian were fitted to the experimentally determined crystal field splitting pattern. Compared with the previously examined neutral Cp_3 Pr.X complexes the quadratic crystal field parameter B_0"2 is considerably reduced.
Spontaneous emission in photonic crystals with anisotropic three-dimensional dispersion relation is studied. If the upper level is below a characteristic frequency omega(1), or above omega(2), or between omega(1) and omega(2), the radiation is a localized field with a frequency in the band gap, or a propagating field with a frquency in the band, or a diffusion field, respectively. An analytical expression for the Lamb shift is obtained. The Lamb shift for the current case is small compared to that in an ordinary vacuum or in one- or two-dimensional photonic crystals due to lower density of states. PMID:11017227
The color centers, which are generated in yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP):Nd(1 at.%) and YAP:Er(50 at.%) crystals under the influence of ultraviolet and #gamma#-irradiation, have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The generated color centers are both stable and transient at room temperature. It is shown that the transient color centers are mainly responsible for the decrease of laser generation efficiency of Nd:YAP and YAP:Er irradiated crystals, although physical mechanisms leading to efficiency decrease are different in these materials. (orig.)
The luminescence spectra of trivalent europium ion embedded in various rare earth chromates were analysed. The spectroscopic data in most of chromates are in agreement with the structural determination but for some others the discrepancy between two methods is underlined. Energy level schemes were deducted from the experimental emission spectra and the crystal field simulation has been performed. The maximum splitting of the "7F_1 manifold of the Eu"3"+ ion as a function of N_v, the so-called crystal field strength parameter, is given. This allows us to classify the compounds according to their crystal field extent. (author)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate in large crystal form is produced by maintaining the circulation of the lime containing scrubbing solution in the desulfurization scrubbing of flue gases from a power plant boiler so that it has a residence time of 5 to 25 hours, preferably 15 hours. The crystals are moved by passing a portion of the recirculation through a thinner in which a sludge containing crystals with a mean particle size of which 90% is in excess of 100 microns is removed. This product can be dewatered and treated with sulfuric acid and steam to convert it to the alpha semihydrate and is free from sulfite.
In CsCdBr_3, Tm"3"+ substitutes for Cd"2"+. It predominately forms symmetric dimer centers and single-ion centers, both of trigonal symmetry. The energy level schemes of both centers were determined by EPR and site-selective laser spectroscopy. To describe the spectra term dependent crystal-field parameters were deduced on the basis of a microscopic model taking into account the local lattice deformation induced by the impurity centers and the quasi-resonant virtual scattering of intrinsic lattice excitations by the Tm"3"+ ions. (orig.)
We show that in the Landau gauge of the SU(2) Yang-Mills theory the residual global symmetry supports existence of the topological vortices which resemble disclination defects in the nematic liquid crystals and the Alice (half-quantum) vortices in the superfluid heluim 3 in the A-phase. The theory also possesses half-integer and integer charged monopoles which are analogous to the point-like defects in the nematic crystal and in the liquid helium. We argue that the deconfinement phase transition in the Yang-Mills theory in the Landau gauge is associated with the proliferation of these vortices and/or monopoles. The disorder caused by these defects is suggested to be responsible for the confinement of quarks in the low-temperature phase.
In this project we developed photonic crystal modeling capability and fabrication technology that is scaleable to large area. An intelligent optimization code was developed to find the optimal structure for the desired spectral response. In terms of fabrication, an exhaustive survey of fabrication techniques that would meet the large area requirement was reduced to Deep X-ray Lithography (DXRL) and nano-imprint. Using DXRL, we fabricated a gold logpile photonic crystal in the <100> plane. For the nano-imprint technique, we fabricated a cubic array of gold squares. These two examples also represent two classes of metallic photonic crystal topologies, the connected network and cermet arrangement.
The results of studies of the time-resolved luminescence of self-trapped excitons (STE) with different multiplicity as well as the X-ray emission in oriented BeO crystals under excitation in the vicinity of the 1 s Be photoabsorption edge are presented. The branching of the electronic excitations relaxation depends strongly on the crystal orientation after the inner-shell excitation. The common features between the processes of the STE luminescence and resonantly excited X-ray fluorescence have been discussed.
We consider the radiation of particles (electrons and positrons) undergoing planar channeling in a single crystal of small thickness L. We show that for Lapprox...pi..b/theta/sub L/, where b is the lattice constant and theta/sub L/ is the Lindhard angle, in addition to the principal maxima of spontaneous radiation of channeled particles in the spectrum there are additional interference maxima, and the positions of all maxima of the radiation intensity depend on L. We discuss the dependence of the intensity of radiation at various frequencies on the crystal thickness.
White beam Laue micro-diffraction was performed on directionally solidified, single-crystal Mo pillars in the as-grown state, after focused ion beam (FIB) milling and after pre-straining. The Laue diffraction peaks from the as-grown pillars are very sharp and show no broadening, similar to those from single-crystal Si wafers. Significant broadening and streaking of the peaks occurred after FIB milling and pre-straining, indicative of the damage these treatments induce in the nearly perfect crystal structure of the directionally solidified Mo pillars.
Abstract The creation of chirality on Earth and the development of chiral life have been discussed in this highlight. Convincing evidence for the introduction of chirality on Earth is still fragmentary. We believe that by a combination of chiral crystallization and formation of helical polymers with preferred chiral conformational structure is the key to this question. This concept of macromolecular asymmetry has inspired ideas and resulted in possible rules for how chiral life as we know it, could have been introduced. These investigations needed the understanding of the requirements for chiral crystallization, for the stereochemistry of the initial formation of helical polymers, the measurements of optical activity of solids and their coordination with the fundamentals of chirality. Spac...
The crystal and molecular structures of the anti-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome agent 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) have been determined by x-ray diffraction. There are two crystallographically independent AZT molecules in the crystal asymmetric unit; they have similar conformation and differ primarily in the glycosyl torsion angle. Comparisons with a hydrated thymidylate structure indicate that the azido group does not significantly affect the gross conformational preference of the molecule. The comparisons also suggest possible functional roles for the azido group in enzyme binding.
Lead is known to enter substitutionally in divalent state when doped in alkali halides. When irradiated at room temperature these lead centers (Pb"+"+) act as traps for electrons knocked off from the halogen ions and become Pb"+ and Pb"0 (for large doses of irradiation). These changes could be followed in the optical absorption studies. These lead-doped crystals after X-ray irradiation yield a thermoluminescence output smaller than that observed in 'pure' crystals. However, two new glow peaks are observed in additions to those due to F-centers. In KCl : Pb and Kbr : Pb crystals part of the F-center glow preceds the new glow peaks. The new peaks are attributed to the Pb"+ and Pb"0 centers. The glow peak temperatures and trap depths for these peaks an obtained by total-curve fitting method are reported. (author).
The thermoluminescence (TL) and emission of coloured RbCl and RbCl:Sn crystals are studied in the temperature range 300 to 560 K. The glow peaks responsible for F centres and tin centres in different valence states are identified using optical bleaching studies. The glow peaks are analysed using total curve fitting method and the kinetic parameters are determined. In moderately #gamma#-irradiated tin-doped RbCl crystals, the TL emission bands observed at 4.0, 3.6, and 2.2 eV are attributed to Sn"0, Sn"+, and Sn"- centers, respectively. A comprehensive energy level diagram depicting the various TL processes in these undoped and tin-doped RbCl crystals is proposed. (author).
The SCF approximation is used in a statistical theory of melting based on equality of the chemical potentials. The results for the melting points of the inert gases are close to the observed values.
The thermal conductivity of liquid CHCl3, C6H6, and CCl4 is measured by a steady-state method under saturated vapor pressure in the temperature regions corresponding to pre-crystallization temperatures. The experimental results obtained are used to investigate the isobaric thermal conductivity jump ? ?p at the crystal-liquid phase transition in CHCl3, C6H6, and CCl4. The contributions of the phonon-phonon and phonon-rotational interaction to the total thermal resistance in solid and liquid state are specified using a modified method of reduced coordinates. The decrease in the thermal conductivity at the crystal-liquid phase transition, ? ?p, is explained by a combined effect of variations in positional distribution of molecules and in the form of rotational molecular motion.
The thermal conductivity of liquid CHCl3, C6H6, and CCl4 is measured by a steady-state method under saturated vapor pressure in the temperature regions corresponding to pre-crystallization temperatures. The experimental results obtained are used to investigate the isobaric thermal conductivity jump ??p at the crystal-liquid phase transition in CHCl3, C6H6, and CCl4. The contributions of the phonon-phonon and phonon-rotational interaction to the total thermal resistance in solid and liquid state are specified using a modified method of reduced coordinates. The decrease in the thermal conductivity at the crystal-liquid phase transition, ??p, is explained by a combined effect of variations in positional distribution of molecules and in the form of rotational molecular motion.
The new nonlinear optical crystal Rb3V5O14 has been synthesized by solid state reaction and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal Rb3V5O14 crystallizes in the trigonal system with space P31m (No. 157), a=b=8.7134(12) A, c=5.2807(11) A and ?=90o, ?=90o, ?=120o, Z=1, ?=3.516 g/cm3. It is a layered structure that is very flat and strongly parallel to c. The V5O14 layer structure consists of corner-linked square and triangular pyramids. The layers are separated by Rb+ ions, which fit equally well on the V5O14 layer. The Kurtz powder SHG measurement, using 1064 nm radiation, showed that the second-harmonic generation efficiency of Rb3V5O14 is about two times that of KDP. -- Graphical abstract: The new nonlinear optical crystal Rb3V5O14 has been synthesized by solid state reaction and characterized by ...
Microwave-hydrothermal processing was compared with conventional hydrothermal processing in the crystallization of hematite from 1M ferric nitrate and hydroxyapatite from calcium oxide and phosphoric acid. Microwave-hydrothermal processing led to the crystallization of hematite while convention-hydrothermal process led to the crystallization of a mixture of goethite and hematite under the same temperature conditions. Thus the crystallization of hematite which is the stable iron oxide phase at high temperatures has been catalyzed by microwaves. Microwave-hydrothermal processing also led to highly crystalline hydroxyapatite powders compared to the conventional hydrothermal processing which also points to the catalytic role of microwaves. The microwave induced effects may be attributed to the generation of localized high temperatures at the reaction sites which enhance reaction rates.
Simulations of the x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator are presented that include transverse effects and realistic Bragg crystal properties with the two-dimensional code GINGER. In the present cases considered the radiation divergence is much narrower than the crystal acceptance, and the numerical algorithm can be simplified by ignoring the finite angular bandwidth of the crystal. In this regime GINGER shows that the saturated x-ray pulses have 109 photons and are nearly Fourier-limited with peak powers in excess of 1 MW. Wealso include preliminary results for a four-mirror cavity that can be tuned in wavelength over a few percent, with future plans to incorporate the full transverse response of the Bragg crystals into GINGER to more accurately model this tunable source.
Intrusive degassing and recycling of degassed and dense magma at depth have been proposed for a long time at Stromboli. The brief explosive event that occurred at the summit craters on 9 January 2005 threw out bombs and lapilli that could be good candidates to illustrate recycling of shallow degassed magma at depth. We present an extensive data set on both the textures and the mineral, bulk rock and glassy matrix chemistry of the ?9 Jan? products. The latter have the common shoshonitic?basaltic bulk composition of lavas and scoriae issued from typical strombolian activity. In contrast they differ by the heterogeneous chemistry of their matrix glasses and their crystal textures that testify to crystal dissolution event(s) just prior magma crystallization upon ascent and eruption. Comparison...
The transformation from the as-quenched amorphous to the crystalline state in Fe_7_8B_1_3Si_9 alloy has been investigated using a new-type neutron diffractometer. The time resolved diffraction patterns clearly show that this alloy crystallizes into FeSi alloy and Fe_2B in that order. The time evolution of these crystalline phases can be analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami equation with the exponent of about 2.5 over a wide temperature range. This suggests that the crystallization occurs by the diffusion-controlled growth with a constant nucleation rate. The scaling behavior in the crystallization kinetics is also discussed. (author).
The transformation from the as-quenched amorphous to the crystalline state in Fe/sub 78/B/sub 13/Si/sub 9/ alloy has been investigated using a new-type neutron diffractometer. The time resolved diffraction patterns clearly show that this alloy crystallizes into FeSi alloy and Fe/sub 2/B in that order. The time evolution of these crystalline phases can be analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami equation with the exponent of about 2.5 over a wide temperature range. This suggests that the crystallization occurs by the diffusion-controlled growth with a constant nucleation rate. The scaling behavior in the crystallization kinetics is also discussed.
Results of experimental investigation into radiation electromagnetic effect (REM) in samples of germanium crystals under approximately 40 MeV #alpha#-particle irradiation in a cyclotron are presented. A high level of excitation, volumetric character of generation of non-equilibrium carriers and formation of defects as well as the form of their spatial distribution are shown to result in some peculiarities of the EMF of the REM effect on the particle flux, fluence and sample parameters. Agreement of theoretical calculations, conducted with account of specificity of #alpha#-particle interaction with a crystal, and experimental data is obtained. It is revealed that the REM effect can be applied in obtaining data on spatial distribution of non-equilibrium carrier concentrations along the particle trajectory in the crystal.
Oct 30, 2006 ... Pigment Analysis by HPLC at Horn Point Laboratory. Laurie Van Heukelem. Crystal Thomas. Meg Maddox. University of Maryland Center for ...
A method has been developed to optimize the energy resolution of a horizontally focusing monochromator. The method consists of determining the optimum radius of curvature of the cylindrically bent monochromator crystal by minimizing the total diffracted X-ray flux measured through an X-ray absorption foil. When measured at an absorption edge a global minimum can be identified, which corresponds to the minimum energy band accepted along the entire length of the crystal. Experimental verification of this method has been validated by comparing X-ray fluorescent scans taken for a series of crystal curvatures and by directly measuring the X-ray beam profiles at the corresponding points. The actual optical configuration and asymmetric-cut parameter of the focusing monochromator on beamline X4C at the National Synchrotron Light Source are modeled and ray tracing simulations of the optical system are compared with direct beam ...
A localization criterion for the crystal-liquid phase transition (PT) is suggested, according to which the PT starts when the ratio E d/k B T reaches a boundary value E d(s)/k B T m, above which a solid phase, and below which, a liquid phase is located in the phase diagram. Here, E d is the energy of the delocalization of an atom, k B is the Boltzmann constant, T is the temperature, and E d(s) is the energy of delocalization for the solid phase at the melting point T m. It is shown that this criterion extends the Lindemann criterion of melting to the case of crystallization, and the L?ven criterion of crystallization to the case of melting. It is shown that the localization criterion suggested is applicable both for the normally melting substances and for the substances melting with a decr...
A localization criterion is proposed for the crystal-liquid phase transition (PT). According to this criterion, the PT begins when the E d/k b T ratio reaches a boundary value E d(s)/k b T m such that a solid phase is present above it and a liquid phase is present below it in a phase diagram. Here, E d is the energy of atom delocalization, k b is the Boltzmann constant, T is the temperature, and E d(s) is the delocalization energy for a solid phase at melting point T m. This criterion is shown to generalize the Lindemann criterion of melting to the case of crystallization and the L?ven criterion of crystallization to the case of melting. This localization criterion is found to be applicable for both normally melting substances and substances that melt with a decrease in the specific volume...
The KDP crystal was 10 cm long and cut such that the c-axis was 50.3* to the normal of its input face. We selected for study idler and signal beams ...
LaPO4 single crystals lightly doped with Er3+, and codoped with Er3+ and Yb3+ have been grown by spontaneous nucleation in a lead phosphate flux. Absorption and luminescence spectra have been measured in the visible and near-IR regions and the excited state dynamics has been studied upon pulsed laser excitation. The obtained results have allowed the evaluation of the effective emission cross-sections around 1.5 ?m, that have been found to be similar to important oxide laser crystals doped with Er3+. Efficient visible upconversion has been observed upon excitation at 980 nm in the codoped crystals. This behaviour is attributed to Yb3+-Er3+ energy transfer processes.
Approximately 65% of PSI structures report some type of ligand(s) that is bound in the crystal structure. Here, a description is given of how such ligands are handled and analyzed at the JCSG and a...Full Text Available
Background: Thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies (TSAb) bind to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) extracellular domain, or ectodomain (ECD), comprising a leucine-rich repeat domain (LRD) linked by a hinge region to the transmembrane domain (TMD). The LRD (residues 22???260; signal peptide 1???21) contains two disulfide-bonded loops at its N-terminus. In the crystal structure of the isolated LRD complexed with human TSAb monoclonal antibody (mAb) M22, N-terminal disulfide loop 1 (residues 22???30) could not be determined because of crystal disorder. Nevertheless, present crystal structure data are interpreted to exclude a role for the LRD N-terminal disulfide loops in the TSAb epitope(s), contradicting prior functional evidence of a role for these loops in TSAb function. Materials and Methods: ...
A practical hands-on course encompassing enzyme purification, biochemical characterization, and crystallization that completed the course work of 350 second-year bachelor students enrolled in molecular biology/biochemistry was given at the Universite Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg (France). The experimental part of the practical dealt entirely with the model protein lysozyme isolated from hen egg-white. It was designed as a research project to give students the possibility to practice biochemical methods such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. It also included enzyme activity assay and protein crystal growth that are usually taught in master-level courses. The organization of the practical work and the related experimental procedures are described and discussed.
The electronic structures of the set of molecular clusters of dielectric oxide crystals AWO4 (A = Pb, Cd, Zn), the sizes of which increase sequentially are ab-initio calculated by the Restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) method. The results of calculations of molecular orbitals and energy dependences of partial densities of electronic states of different clusters are compared each to other and to experimental data. It is found that calculated electronic structures of the tungstate groups and cations which are surrounded in cluster by certain number of the nearest neighbor atoms of the crystals quite well represent the experimentally obtained value of the forbidden gap of corresponding AWO4 crystal. (authors)
replacing the KDP crystal, and introducing computer programs for accumulation of an almost unlimited number of frames. The calibration procedure using solar ...
Gaseous Nitrogen Dewar apparatus developed by Dr. Alex McPherson of the University of California, Irvine for use aboard Mir and the International Space ...
Sep 19, 2005 ... within a sealed tube to control the environment to which a sample mounts are better suited to handling the very small crystal is exposed. ...
The rare earth antimonates RE_3Sb_5O_1_2 constitute an isostructural series, where the rare earth site symmetry is S_4. The spectroscopic properties of pure or doped compounds of this family are studied in order to derive their energy level schemes and to simulate them through the crystal field theory, by using the approximated D_2_d potential. The paramagnetic susceptibilities are calculated with the derived wavefunctions and compared to experiment.
Structural relaxation, crystallization and optimisation processes in soft magnetic amorphous alloys based on iron are examined by applying different experimental techniques: X-ray diffraction analysis, high-resolution electron microscopy, measurements of magnetic and electric properties (permeability, after-effect resistivity). The presented results are discussed in terms of annealing out of microvoids, formation of nanocrystalline phase and changes of effective magnetostriction constant. (author)
Optical absorption measurements show that substitutional H"- ions, that is, protons with two electrons on anion sites, are thermally more stable than anion vacancies when thermochemically reduced CaO crystals are annealed in a reducing atmosphere. The H"- ions are identified by the infrared vibrational modes observed at 880 and 911 cm"-"1.
Four inorganic hydrogen-bonded crystals with second-order nonlinear properties have been discovered: K_4LiH_3(SO_4)_4, Na_2SeO_4#centre dot#H_2SeO_3#centre dot#H_2O, Cs_1_,_5Li_1_,_5H(SO_4)_2 and NH_4HSeO_4. (author)
A general account of the properties, growing technology and annealing of lead-tin-telluride single crystals is given. Photoconductors were made for the 8 to 14 micron. spectral range and responsivity, detectivity and spectral response measurements showed satisfactory results. Improvement in the growing and annealing of the single crystals promise good performance in the near future.
Results of experimental researches of impurity level crystals Fe1-xCoxSi are presented in this article. Magnetic properties in a temperature range up to T {<=} 1000 K are analyzed. It was established that with Co impurities increasing origin of magnetic ordering exists at low temperatures. At high temperatures a high temperature maximum of susceptibility of nominally pure iron monosilicide crystal is observed.
The nuclear interaction probability of light charged particles in BaF[sub 2] crystals has been studied as a function of the incident particle energy. Light charged particles were identified in charge and mass by measuring their magnetic rigidity and their time-of-flight. The percentage of particles undergoing nuclear interactions has been measured for particles of charge from Z=1 to Z=6 and the experimental data are compared with the results of a model calculation. (orig.)
Radionuclide (R) sorption from a solution (vapor) by freshly formed crystals with production of substitution solid solutions under different types of self-disordering is studied. Changes of self-defectiveness and macrodefectiveness with time and effect of radiation defects in the presence of P macroquantities are taken into account. An analysis for monodispersed sorbents is performed. It is shown that the achievement of equilibrium within a reasonable time in impurity-solid phase system depends on defectiveness which ensures a required level of the coefficient of impurity diffusion in sorbent crystals.
The results of experimental researches of photoluminescence and X-ray luminescence in crystal ZnSe are presented at the different values of tension of electric-field to samples. Observed, that the electric field changes both intensity of stationary luminescence and form of bars in the spectrums of luminescence. At the saliatory change of difference of potentials on the electrodes of crystal in luminescence there are of long duration relaxation processes character of which substantially depends on the type of excitation of standard.
The theoretical treatment of the relation between the critical angle of planar channeling and the characteristics of crystal lattice defects is carried out. The predictions are made about some typical forms of the critical angle dependence on the mean-square static displacement produced by defects, and then these predictions are detailed for the cases of homogeneous disordering, spherical clusters of point defects and dislocation loops. Analytical results are supported by the exact computer calculations for the defects in the intermetallic A-15 compounds.
In scattering of channeled particles by point defects and in emission of gamma rays in the spontaneous-radiation spectral region conditions are attained where the momentum transferred to the defect is taken up by the crystal as a whole. This leads to coherent and interference effects in the radiation from the crystal defects. When the longitudinal momentum transferred is zero, an induced radiation effect appears in the transitions between the states of transverse motion.
The present communication deals with the synthesis, single crystal growth and characterization of a new nonlinear optical material L-proline strontium chloride monohydrate (L-PSCM). Single crystals have been grown using the slow solvent evaporation technique. Single crystal XRD analysis confirmed that the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic structure with lattice parameter a=6.6966(3) A, b=12.4530(5) A, c=15.2432(5) A and space group P2_12_12_1. Presence of various functional groups in L-PSCM and protonation of the ions were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The melting point of the single crystal was found to be 126 "oC using DSC. Ultraviolet-visible spectral analyses showed that the crystal has low UV cut-off at 226 nm combined with very good transparency of 90% in a wide range. The optical band gap was estimated to be 5.82 ...
We derive the expression for spontaneous emission rate in finite one-dimensional photonic crystal with arbitrary defects using the effective resonator model to describe electromagnetic field distributions in the structure. We obtain explicit formulas for contributions of different types of modes, i.e. radiation, substrate and guided modes. Formal calculations are illustrated with a few numerical examples, which demonstrate that the application of effective resonator model simplifies interpretation of results.
We present a comparative study on the acoustic tunneling through artificial periodical composites, from phononic crystals to acoustic metamaterials. We find that the features of the acoustic tunneling are closely related with the origins of band gaps. In particular, the band gap associated with the negative effective material parameter in the metamaterial results in a better analog of the tunneling effect to the quantum system.
When a highly collimated beam of particles is aimed along the atomic rows of an aligned single crystal, the averaging effect of high speed motion results, to the lowest order of approximation, in crystal electric fields which are transverse to the atomic rows. The enormous magnitude of the crystal transverse electric fields is unsurpassed by any other known earth-bound macroscopic sources. For example, the field strengths along the <100> axis of tungsten at 77 K approach 9{center dot}10{sup 13}V/m. Thus quantum electrodynamic (QED) processes in strong fields which are thought to occur only in the extra-terrestrial environment can now be investigated in the laboratory. Here we review the results of measurements performed at the SPS facility in CERN using highly collimated beams of electrons, positrons and photons in the 20-200 GeV range, and germanium crystals cooled to 77 K with thicknesses ...
We point out that electromagnetic one-way edge modes analogous to quantum Hall edge states, originally predicted by Raghu and Haldane in 2D gyroelectric photonic crystals possessing Dirac point-derived bandgaps, can appear in more general settings. In particular, we show that the TM modes in a gyromagnetic photonic crystal can be formally mapped to electronic wavefunctions in a periodic electromagnetic field, so that the only requirement for the existence of one-way edge modes is that the Chern number for all bands below a gap is non-zero. In a square-lattice gyromagnetic Yttrium-Iron-Garnet photonic crystal operating at microwave frequencies, which lacks Dirac points, time-reversal breaking is strong enough that the effect should be easily observable. For realistic material parameters, the edge modes occupy a 10% band gap. Numerical simulations of a one-way waveguide incorporating this crystal show ...
New alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2 (where x ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.75) and CuIn.sub.y Ga.sub.(1-y) Se.sub.2 (where y ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.90) in the form of single crystals with enhanced structure perfection, which crystals are substantially free of fissures are disclosed. Processes are disclosed for preparing the new alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2. The process includes placing stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, Ag, In, and Se reaction mixture or stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, In, Ga, and Se reaction mixture in a refractory crucible in such a manner that the reaction mixture is surrounded by B.sub.2 O.sub.3, placing the thus loaded crucible in a chamber under a high pressure atmosphere of inert gas to confine the volatile Se to the crucible, and heating the reaction mixture to its melting point. The melt can then be cooled slowly to form, ...
Work continued on the correlations of catalytic activity of metals and surface structure. Work is described in the following areas: CO oxidation on a Cu/Rh(100) Bimetallic catalysts; electronic properties of bimetallic surfaces; and reflection absorption spectroscopy of bimetallic surfaces. 5 figs. (CBS)
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Development of a Comprehensive Decontamination Database and an Absorption-Electrochemical Metal Surface Decontamination Technique Combining Chemical and Electrochemical Process
Complete text of publication follows. Baikal is an ancient unique lake. The sweet water of Baikal is crystal clean; it concentrates oxygen and contains scarce silicon. This feature is provoked very particular interest for scientists and poses some awkward questions concerning the preservation of Baikal's ecosystem. A profound investigation of fish otholiths, animal teeth, sponges, valves of mollusks and diatom algae provides chronological information, possibility to reconstruct the events proceeding in the environment based on variations of their chemical composition. Because these study objects are small-sized, and some of them are micron-size, application of the electron-probe microanalysis turns to be quite productive. The goal of this study is to disclose performance capabilities of this method while investigating the Baikal flora and fauna. Investigations were performed by devices JCXA-733 and JXA-8200 using the electron microscope and x-ray microprobe modes. ...
Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x single crystals (where x=0; 0.001; 0.005; 0.01 and 0.015) were grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Obtained single crystals were crystallized in monoclinic structure. The present paper deals with experimental results relative to X-ray dosimetric characteristics of the Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x solid solutions at 300 K. Installation URS-55a was the source of radiation. X-ray radiation dose (E) falling on the crystals is measured by the crystalline X-ray dosimeter DRGZ-02. The value of X-ray conductivity coefficient K_#sigma# characterising X-ray sensitivity is defined as K_#sigma#= (#sigma#_E-#sigma#_0)/E#sigma#_0. where #sigma#_E is conductivity under the effect of X-ray radiation by intensity E, #sigma#_0 is conductivity in the lack of radiation. Comparing X-ray dosimetric characteristics of TlInS_2 and Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x crystals notes that ...
An attempt has been made to grow L-tartaric acid nicotinamide (LTN); a complex of tartaric acid, by employing a modified unidirectional method. The crystalline structure and quality are investigated by single crystal XRD and rocking curve studies. The linear and nonlinear optical properties are studied by UV-vis-NIR spectral analysis, SHG test, phase matching and laser induced damage threshold measurement. For comparison, parallel growth of the crystal was carried out by conventional method and the properties of the LTN samples grown by the conventional and unidirectional methods are investigated. The mechanical, photoconductivity and dielectric behavior of LTN crystals are also investigated.
Cadmium telluride single crystals were grown heavily doped with chloride by the THM method. The resulting crystals were n-type with free carrier concentrations of the order of 10('12)/cm at room temperature. Hall effect studies revealed room temperature mobilities between 30 and 350 cm('2)/v-sec and resistivites between 2 x 10('3) and 10('4) ohm-cm. Studies were made of the gamma and alpha counting characteristics of these crystals with metal, metal-semiconductor, and metal-insulator electrodes. It was found that the MIS and MSS structures resulted in significant improvement over the MS structures in counting, signal-to-noise and energy resolution.
The preparation, crystal structure, and the electrical properties of the compound (ET)/sub 3/Ag/sub x/I/sub 8/ where x = approx. 6.4 and ET is bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene, C/sub 10/S/sub 8/H/sub 8/, are described. The compound possesses a truly two-dimensional polymeric anion, one which combines the structural features of both an organic electronic conductor and an inorganic solid electrolyte. The crystal structure consists of alternating anion and cation donor layers. The compound exhibits high electronic conductivity dominated by the electronic contribution, at least near room temperature.
Continuous freestanding SiC(Al) films were fabricated by melt spinning the aluminum-containing polycarbosilane (A-PCS) precursor. The results showed that the films contained #beta#-SiC crystals, #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals, C clusters and small amount of Al_4O_4C and Al_4SiC_4. The Al atoms in the films played important roles as both sintering aids and grain growth inhibitor. The PL spectrum showed a wide luminescence band from 320 nm to 440 nm, and the origin of PL centered at 385 nm might be related to the #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals using quantum size effects. The obtained films are expected to have important applications in MEMS for the environment of high temperature and optoelectronic devices.
The luminescence spectra of trivalent europium ion embedded in various rare earth chromates were analysed. The spectroscopic data in most of chromates are in agreement with the structural determination but for some others the discrepancy between two methods is underlined. Energy level schemes were deducted from the experimental emission spectra and the crystal field simulation has been performed. The maximum splitting of the {sup 7}F{sub 1} manifold of the Eu{sup 3+} ion as a function of N{sub v}, the so-called crystal field strength parameter, is given. This allows us to classify the compounds according to their crystal field extent. (author) 11 refs, 8 figs, 2 tabs
This paper attempts to explain the peculiarities of the radial-distribution function of metal glasses without involving ideas of the amorphous structure. On a computer, the radial atomic density for a spherical eutectic single crystal of the composition Fe/sub 84/C/sub 16/ of radius 15 A formed by alternating small crystals of e-Fe and Fe/sub 3/C of cubic form with the edge of the cube ca 10 A. For the sake of clarity, the diagram of such a quasisingle crystal is shown and has been given a cubic boundary. The change in the relationship between the heights of the subpeaks of the second maximum of the radial distribution function of atoms in the Fe-B glasses with a change in the concentration of boron can be explained by the change in the space group of the Fe/sub 3/B metastable boride which is formed in this system.
Various chemical, physical, and mechanical methods to prevent unwanted deposition of mineral scale are described. The suitability of the different methods, which largely depends on the specific features and requirements of the system involved, is discussed. Special emphasis is placed upon the threshold treatment, where the growth process is retarded by the addition of trace amounts of growth inhibitors. Growth experiments have been performed on barium sulfate and calcium sulfate dihydrate seed crystals, suspended in a supersaturated solution with and without organic bisphosphonates as inhibitors. Two methods are selected for the analysis of the growth data. A degree of inhibition is defined to obtain a quantitative description of the influence of a growth inhibitor on the growth rate of the crystals. In addition the influence of the molecular structure of various bisphosphonates with different substituents is shown. The effect of a ...
A novel continuous laminar shear structuring crystallizer with a suitable cooling system was designed and built. This is a new method to continuously crystallize edible fat in the desirable polymorphic form from the melt while being uniformly sheared.The machine consists of four main sections: Feed unit, shearing mechanism, cooling system and power unit. In each of these sections specific design considerations are taken into account which makes the process controllable and continuous. The shearing unit is made of two concentric cylinders. The internal cylinder is stationary and has a cooling system inside for temperature control. The outer cylinder rotates to produce a uniform shear in the sample fluid placed in the 1.5mm gap between the cylinders. The sample's feed rate is controlled whil...
Two approaches are used to analyse X-ray or neutron scattering by crystals with different dislocation ensembles. Analogy between the above concepts is discussed. The microscopical approach takes into account the detailed displacement field due to different types of dislocation arrangement in the crystal. Frequently a phenomenological concept operating with the ideas of displacements, strains and stresses arising in the materials under deformation is applied. Unfortunately, the phenomenological concept cannot take into account that similar stress distributions may have significantly different microscopic reasons. The comparison of the results obtained by both phenomenological and microscopic descriptions of scattering enables us to understand the connection between different types of strains and stresses in the crystal with the type of the defects in it. (orig.)
High molecular weight samples of the novel biodegradable polyester poly(ethylene sebacate) (PESeb) were synthesized. Miscible poly(ethylene sebacate)/poly(4-vinyl phenol) semicrystalline/amorphous blends were prepared by applying the solvent casting method. Miscibility was proved by the single composition dependent glass transition temperature over the entire composition range observed in DSC traces of the quenched blend samples and also by the melting point depression. The Flory-Huggins interaction parameter was found to be x12 = -1.3. Also, FTIR spectra supported the hypothesis of intermolecular interactions due to hydrogen bonding. The crystallization of PESeb in blends was studied. As expected, isothermal crystallization rates decreased in the blends with increasing the PVPh content. T...
Modifications of the structure and mechanical properties in LiF crystals irradiated with MeV-energy Au ions have been studied using nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy and optical spectroscopy. The nanostructuring of crystals under a high-fluence irradiation (above 1013 ions/cm2)?was?observed. Nanoindentation tests show a strong ion-induced increase of hardness (up?to 150?200%), which is related to the high volume concentration of complex color centers, defect aggregates, dislocation loops and grain boundaries acting as strong barriers for dislocations. From the?depth profiling of the hardness and energy loss it follows that both nuclear and electronic stopping mechanisms of MeV Au ions contribute to the creation of damage and hardening. Whereas the electronic stopping is dominating i...
Measurements are made on the principal magnetic susceptibilities and anisotropies of praseodymium selenate octahydrate single crystals in the temperature range 90 to 300 K. Although the effective magnetic moment is close to the free ion value, the anisotropy is quite high at room temperature. A least sequares fit of the Curie-Weiss law to the observed average susceptibility yields -36.5 K as the paramagnetic Curie temperature. An analysis of the results with a crystal field (CF) of D_4 symmetry, explains the observed results quite well. The CF and the spin-orbit interaction matrix is block diagonalized in the complete 33 dimensional basis of the "3H term in order to obtain the Stark energies and their eigenstates. Intermediate coupling effects are also considered. The ground state being a singlet, the g-factors are absent. Some predictions on the electronic heat capacity and the electronic quadrupole splitting are made in the light of the ...
The magnetic pyrochlore Er{sub 2}Ru{sub 2}O{sub 7} has been studied with neutron scattering and susceptibility measurements down to a base temperature of 270 mK. For the low temperature phase in which the Er sublattice orders, new magnetic Bragg peaks are reported which can be indexed with integer (hkl) for a face centered cubic cell. Inelastic measurements reveal a wealth of crystal field levels of the Er ion and a copious amount of magnetic scattering below 15 meV. The three lowest groups of crystal field levels are at 6.7, 9.1 and 18.5 meV.
The preparation and luminescence properties of crystal phosphors based on alkali metal iodide and calcium oxide substrates were studied. The highest luminescence intensities were achieved with iodide substrates at 200/sup 0/ and with the calcium oxide substrate at 800/sup 0/. The calibration graphs were linear in the thallium concentration ranges 0.03-5.0 and 0.1-2.0 mu g using sodium and potassium oxides, respectively, and in the range 0.05-5 mu g using cesium iodide and calcium oxide. A method is proposed for the determination of down to 3 x 10/sup -4/% thallium in rocks, using a crystal phosphor with sodium iodide substrate.
In CsCdBr{sub 3}, Tm{sup 3+} substitutes for Cd{sup 2+}. It predominately forms symmetric dimer centers and single-ion centers, both of trigonal symmetry. The energy level schemes of both centers were determined by EPR and site-selective laser spectroscopy. To describe the spectra term dependent crystal-field parameters were deduced on the basis of a microscopic model taking into account the local lattice deformation induced by the impurity centers and the quasi-resonant virtual scattering of intrinsic lattice excitations by the Tm{sup 3+} ions. (orig.) 22 refs.
The n3 and n4 vibrational transitions of CH3 and CD3 isolated in solid parahydrogen were studied by high-resolution infrared spectroscopy. The radicals were produced by in situ UV photolysis of methyl iodides trapped in solid parahydrogen. The observed spectra showed clear rotational fine structures, which were subjected to further splitting due to the electrostatic field of solid parahydrogen. The molecular constants and crystal field parameters of the radicals in solid parahydrogen were determined by analyzing the spectral structures of the n3 and n4 transitions of CD3 by the crystal field theory. The rotational constants of the CD3 radical were found to be only a few percent smaller than those in the gas phase. The determined crystal field parameters indicated significant quantum effect...
Counting characteristics of X-ray detectors fabricated from indium-doped, gallium-doped, and chlorine-doped CdTe have been investigated. The detectors fabricated from indium-doped and gallium-doped crystals showed radiation-induced polarization, namely, a progressive decrease of count rate with an increase of photon fluence in the high-photon-fluence region, while the detectors fabricated from chlorine-doped crystals did not. Results from current-voltage characteristics of the detectors indicated that the different counting characteristics of these detectors originated from the difference in internal electric fields in each detector.
The absorption spectra of an unoriented single crystal of the title compound (1) have been measured at room and at low temperatures. Assuming a similar sequence of crystal field (CF) levels as for the previously analyzed Nd[N(SiMe_3)_2]_3 (2) a truncated CF splitting pattern is derived from the spectra obtained. The parameters of an empirical Hamiltonian are fitted to the energies of 71 levels to give an r.m.s. deviation of 24.2 cm"-"1. The parameters obtained are compared with those of 2 and Nd[N(SiMe_3)_2]_3(CNC_6H_1_1)_2 (3). The observed trends of CF parameters are consistent with the results of simple model calculations in the framework of the angular overlap model. (orig.)
The energy dispersive beamline X6A at the National Synchrotron Light Source employs a curved crystal monochromator (polychromator) which focuses a range ([similar to]1 keV) of x-ray energies into a narrow (100--120 [mu]m) line image. Although this beamline was constructed primarily for time-dependent EXAFS experiments, we have begun to explore the use of this instrument for energy dispersive diffraction experiments with different types of sample including macromolecular crystals. The tunability ([ital E]=6.5 to 21 keV) and flexibility ([Delta][ital E]=100--1000 eV) of the instrument makes the beamline ideal as a test bed for the application of polychromatic single-crystal diffraction techniques to different chemical or biological materials.
The magnetic scattering spectra of RAgSb_2 (R = Ho, Er, Tm) intermetallic compounds are measured and their crystal electric field parameters are determined using inelastic neutron scattering. It is revealed that the ground state is a nonmagnetic singlet for the HoAgSb_2 compound, a Kramers doublet with a strongly anisotropic g factor for the ErAgSb_2 compound, and a quasi-doublet (random doublet) characterized by an extremely anisotropic g factor for the TmAgSb_2 compound. The exchange interaction is estimated in the molecular field approximation. The magnetic properties of the RAgSb_2 compounds are analyzed in terms of the energy level schemes and eigenfunctions determined in this study. The calculated anisotropic magnetic susceptibilities for all compounds are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained for single crystals.
Precipitation-hardened single crystals of a beta (bcc) Ti--40 at. percent V--1.0 at. percent Si alloy were deformed in compression at 77 and 298"0K. The dependence of the yield stress upon aging time at 843"0K for solution-treated crystals shows two maxima which are caused by silicide precipitates. The orientation dependence of the yield stress and of the active macroscopic slip plane were determined as a function of aging time. The solution-treated as well as aged crystals exhibit an asymmetry of both the yield stress and the plane of slip, the degree of asymmetry being larger at 77 than at 298"0K. The asymmetry of slip and yielding is not affected by the presence of precipitation hardening. Results indicate that the effect of the dislocation core structure on dislocation motion is independent of the presence of precipitates. (auth).
Mono-layers of stearic and behenic acids deposited with the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, were used as aligning films in nematic liquid crystal cells. During the filling process the liquid crystal adopts a deformed quasi-planar alignment with splay-bend deformation and preferred orientation along the filling direction. This state is metastable and transforms with time into homeotropic once the flow has ceased. The transition is accompanied by formation of disclination lines which nucleate at the edges of the cell. The lifetime of the metastable splay-bend state was found to depend on the cell thickness. On heating, anchoring transition from quasi-homeotropic to degenerate tilted alignment in form of circular domains takes place near the transition to the isotropic phase. The anchoring transition is reversible with a small hysteresis.
Radial sonic crystals (RSC) are fluidlike structures infinitely periodic along the radial direction that verify the Bloch theorem and are possible only if certain specially designed acoustic metamaterials with mass density anisotropy can be engineered (see Torrent and Sanchez-Dehesa 2009 Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 064301). A comprehensive analysis of two-dimensional (2D) RSC shells is reported here. A given shell is in fact a circular slab with a central cavity. These finite crystal structures contain Fabry-Perot-like resonances and modes strongly localized at the central cavity. Semi-analytical expressions are developed to obtain the quality factors of the different resonances, their symmetry features and their excitation properties. The results reported here are completely general and can be extended to equivalent 3D spherical shells and to their photonic counterparts.
A diffusion criterion of the crystal-liquid phase transition (PT) is proposed according to which the PT begins when the E d/ k b ratio reaches a threshold value of E d( s)/ k b T m, where E d is the self-diffusion energy, k B is the Boltzmann constant, T is the absolute temperature, and E d( s) is the self-diffusion energy in the solid phase at the melting temperature T m. It is shown that this criterion is a generalization of the Lindemann criterion and is applicable both to solids exhibiting normal melting and to those melting with a decrease in the specific volume. Based on the new criterion, it is possible to explain the relation T N < T m, where T N, is the crystallization onset temperature. The results of calculations of the T N/ T m ratio well coincide with experimental data.
The paper presents experimental investigations of main features of plasma surface interaction and energy transfer to the material surface in dependence on plasma heat loads. The experiments were performed with QSPA repetitive plasma pulses of the duration of 0.25 ms and the energy density up to 2.5 MJ/m2. Surface morphology of the targets exposed to QSPA plasma screams is analyzed. Relative contribution of the Lorentz force and plasma pressure gradient to the resulting surface profile is discussed. development of cracking on the tungsten surface and swelling of the surface are found to be in strong dependence on initial temperature of the target.
The temperature dependence of the dislocation mobility threshold is investigated on the basis of a dislocation model suggested by Frenkel-Kontorova. The critical value is obtained for the stress/temperature, corresponding to the dislocation depinning from its equilibrium position. The universal behaviour of a barrier height at finite stress and temperature is revealed and investigated.
Post-transcriptional nucleoside modifications fine-tune the biophysical and biochemical properties of transfer RNA (tRNA) so that it is optimized for participation in cellular processes. Here we report...Full Text Available
The ice cover in high mountain lakes breaks up and disappears in about an hour, in part because it has been divided into fragile vertical spindles, which are individual crystals. Contributing to this...Full Text Available
Following studies on fiber and sheet texture of hexagonal crystal system in 1988, work has been extended to tube texture. Using the zircaloy-4 fuel cladding of Wolsung-type reactor as specimen, six pole figures for different crystallographic planes were m...
Zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) single crystals were grown for the first time by the Czochralski method and their luminescence was measured under X ray excitation in the temperature range 85-400 K. Properties of ZnMoO4 crystal as cryogenic low temperature scintillator were checked for the first time. Radioactive contamination of the ZnMoO4 crystal was estimated as <0.3 mBq/kg (228-Th) and 8 mBq/kg (226-Ra). Thanks to the simultaneous measurement of the scintillation light and the phonon signal, the alpha particles can be discriminated from the gamma/beta interactions, making this compound extremely promising for the search of neutrinoless Double Beta Decay of 100-Mo. We also report on the ability to discriminate the alpha-induced background without the light measurement, thanks to a different shape of the thermal signal that characterizes gamma/beta and alpha particle interactions.
Optical absorptance spectra of A-15 compounds were taken using a calorimetric technique in the range 0.2 eV to 4.0 eV. Thermomodulation spectra were taken on several A-15 sputtered films.
Optical absorptance spectra of A-15 compounds were taken using a calorimetric technique in the range 0.2 eV to 4.0 eV. Thermomodulation spectra were taken on several A-15 sputtered films.
DC resistivity, dc magnetization, and specific heat of eight Sc{sub 5}Co{sub 4}Ge{sub 10}-type crystal-structure compounds R{sub 5}T{sub 4}Ge{sub 10} for R = Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and T = Rh and Ir are presented. The resistivity, single-crystal magnetization, and specific-heat results show that in all those compounds, the magnetic moments order antiferromagnetically in the c direction at low temperature. However, in the Er and Tm compounds, the magnetizations along x-y hard directions do not show any anomalies above 2.0 K. This suggests that the ordered Er and Tm ions, which have positive quadrupole coefficients, interact with a crystal field that has an electronic potential valley along the c axis. The fitting of the hard axis magnetizations to Curie-Weiss law suggests that the resulting antiferromagnetic-like {theta} reflects the strength of the crystal-field torque on the magnetic moments rather than the ...
DC resistivity, dc magnetization, and specific heat of eight Sc/sub 5/Co/sub 4/Ge/sub 10/-type crystal structure compounds R/sub 5/T/sub 4/Ge/sub 10/ for R = Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and T = Rh and Ir are presented. The resistivity, single crystal magnetization, and specific heat results show that in all those compounds, the magnetic moments order antiferromagnetically in the c direction at low temperature. However, in the Er and Tm compounds, the magnetizations along x-y hard directions do not show any anomalies above 2.0 K. This suggests that the ordered Er and Tm ions, which have positive quadrupole coefficients ..cap alpha../sub j/, interact with a crystal field that has an electronic potential valley along the c axis. The fitting of the hard axis magnetizations to Curie-Weiss law suggests that the resulting antiferromagnetic-like theta reflects the strength of the crystal field torque on the magnetic ...
A liquid crystal display panel (LCD) has come into use as a display device for a stationary telephone set. This LCD driving IC requires high functionality and miniaturization. At Fuji Electric Co.,Ltd., in accordance with the demand, an LCD controller driver IC was developed which incorporates an icon display circuit and a voltage generating circuit for liquid crystal. The main features are as follows. In addition to 5 x 8 (dot), 16 digits, 2 line character display, the IC is equipped with independently controllable 32 kinds of icon displays. The power supply voltage operating range is 2.4-5.5V. Additional external parts are unnecessary because of a built-in CR oscillation circuit, power supply circuit for liquid crystal, and a boosting circuit. The IC is provided with a gold bump electrode structure mountable with COG (Chip On Glass) and TAB (Tape Automated Bonding). (NEDO)
Calculations, drawing principally on developments at AERE Harwell, of the relaxation about lattice defects are reviewed with emphasis on the techniques required for such calculations. The principles of defect modelling are outlined and various programs developed for defect simulations are discussed. Particular calculations for metals, ionic crystals and oxides, are considered. (UK).
Enolase is a multifunctional enzyme that plays important roles in many biological and disease processes. α-Enolase from human liver (hENO1) was expressed as a soluble protein and purified by...Full Text Available
The three-dimensional structure of the human adenovirus-2 proteinase complexed with its 11 amino acid cofactor, pVIc, was determined at 2.6 A resolution by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The fold...Full Text Available
Crystals of a new ternary samarium rhenium oxide, Sm{sub 3}ReO{sub 7} were obtained by subsolidus reaction of samariumsesquioxide and rheniumdioxide (ratio 1.5:1) in sealed Pt-10Rh-tubes at 1673 K. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Sm{sub 3}ReO{sub 7} crystallizes in the orthorohombic system with unit cell dimensions a = 10.736(5), b = 7.392(3), and c = 7.519(3) in space group Cmcm (No. 63) with Z = 4. The structure consists of ReO{sub 6} octahedra, distorted SmO{sub 6} octahedra, and SmO{sub 8} prisms that are interconnected to each other to form a three-dimensional network. Rhenium has the formal oxidation state of +5 but no metal-metal bond is observed in this compound. The observed magnetization in the temperature range 4 K < T < 52 K is explained by a Curie-Weiss law modified by a temperature independent Van Vleck paramagnetism of samarium (3+).
The synthesis of an extracellular ribbon of cellulose in the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum takes place from linearly arranged, membrane-localized, cellulose-synthesizing and extrusion complexes that...Full Text Available
BackgroundAs the first pathway-specific enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, phytoene synthase (PSY) is a prime regulatory target. This includes a number of biotechnological approaches...Full Text Available
Like other halophytic chenopods, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) can accumulate high betaine levels in shoots and roots. N,N,N-trimethylglycine impedes sucrose crystallization...Full Text Available
The frequency dependence of the lasing power of a He-Ne laser was studied using the electrooptic effect in a KDP crystal. The gain profile of the power curve was found to differ noticeably between the high-frequency and low-frequency edges. (AIP). (AIP)
We report the experimental and theoretical results on the anisotropies in the magnetic properties and x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4. A mean-field theory is developed to explain the observed strong anisotropies in Lande g-factor, paramagnetic Curie temperature, and effective moment for LiFePO4 single crystals. The values of the in-plane nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor spin exchange (J1 and J2), interplane spin exchange (J{perpendicular}), and single-ion anisotropy (D), obtained recently from neutron scattering measurements, are used for calculating the Curie temperatures with the formulas derived from the mean-field Hamiltonian. It is found that the calculated Curie temperatures match well with that obtained by fitting the magnetic susceptibility curves to the modified Curie-Weiss law. For the polarized Fe K-edge x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4, a different feature assignment for ...
The acid site distribution over large ZSM-5 crystals was analyzed using FTIR microscopy. Results of the analysis of the OH-stretching vibrations and of vibrations of pyridine adsorbed on Bronsted and Lewis acid sites were found to be in good agreement. The resolution which can be obtained using this novel technique is about 10-20 [mu]m. This limits the application to large crystals as analyzed in this study. Comparison of the results of IR microscopy with aluminum distributions obtained by electron microprobe analysis revealed that IR microscopy cannot resolve inhomogeneities on a scale smaller than the above-state limits. The results of both methods on a larger scale, however, are in very good agreement. Using a combination of both techniques, it is possible to obtain a clearer picture of the distribution of acid sites in large zeolite crystals, where electron microprobing gives the higher resolution, and IR microscopy ...
BackgroundBacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium known for producing protein crystals with insecticidal properties. These toxins are widely sought after for controlling...Full Text Available
The mechanism of chemical poisoning of model heterogeneously catalyzed reactions on transition metal surfaces is studied. Clean Mo(001) surfaces were characterized; results suggest a first-layer contraction of 10% of the bulk interlayer spacing. Characterization of clean Co(0001) surfaces is underway. Decomposition of formic acid on Mo(001) surfaces is being studied. (DLC)
The rare earth antimonates RE{sub 3}Sb{sub 5}O{sub 12} constitute an isostructural series, where the rare earth site symmetry is S{sub 4}. The spectroscopic properties of pure or doped compounds of this family are studied in order to derive their energy level schemes and to simulate them through the crystal field theory, by using the approximated D{sub 2d} potential. The paramagnetic susceptibilities are calculated with the derived wavefunctions and compared to experiment.
In this paper we discuss recent work at the Advanced Technology Centre of BAE Systems on photonic technology, in particular photonic crystal fibres, applied to infra-red and electro-optic countermeasure systems. The use of Photonic Crystal fibres or holey fibres in countermeasure systems could significantly simplify platform integration by enabling remote location of laser sources, the generation of multiple wavelengths or continuum generation from a single pump source .The paper will describe the development of these fibres, drawing examples from recent civil collaborative research projects such as PFIDEL and LAMPS.
With the help of self-assembly, thermal sintering, selective etching techniques and sol-gel process, the non-close packed (ncp) face-centered cubic (fcc) photonic crystals of titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow spheres connected by TiO2 cylindrical tubes have been fabricated using silica template. The photonic bandgap calculations indicate that the ncp structure of TiO2 hollow spheres was easier to open the pseudogaps than close packed system at the lowest energy. PMID:17097102
Double-crystal high-resolution x-ray fluorescence spectrometry was applied to the state analysis of sulfur in coal and related fly ash. For total sulfur, a proportional relationship exists between fluorescence intensities and the analytical values obtained by the oxygen-combustion method. Two oxidation states of sulfur were identified by a least square curve fitting method, by assuming that the spectrum profile is identical for each sulfur state but the intensity and position are different. The chemical state of sulfur in coal and remaining in fly ash is discussed.
This paper reports on hydrolysis of 10 metal salt aqueous solutions of 6 metal oxides that was conducted in supercritical water. Continuous and rapid production of metal oxide fine particles was achieved by mixing a metal salt aqueous solution with preheated water fed from another line. The reaction time required was less than 2 min. Particle size, morphology, and crystal structure of the obtained metal (hydrous) oxides were examined. Particle size (20 to 600 nm) was different among the system but the size range was relatively narrow in all the cases.
A practical method to determine the ionic diffusion coefficient and activation energy by using quasielastic light scattering (QELS) is presented. It is shown that a temperature dependence curve of the QELS intensity at a fixed frequency can be well fitted by Jonscher's formula and that the diffusion parameters can be obtained from this curve fitting. This method is successfully applied not only to crystals with high optical quality, as reported earlier, but also to opaque ceramics, which are more important than the crystals from a practical point of view. The composition dependence of the ionic diffusion coefficient is studied in sintered YbSZ to show the usefulness of this method.
We discuss how magnetic phenomena affect superconductivity in simple metals, transition metals and alloys thereof, and dilute Rare-Earth alloys. It is shown both qualitatively and quantitatively that superconductors are sensitive probes for studying itinerant spin excitations, local spin excitations associated with nearly magnetic impurities, the effect of the atomic environment on the stability of local magnetic moments, and the nature of the spin order in Rare-Earth alloys. Also, we discuss how magnetic impurities can be used to study the electronic configuration which is responsible for superconductivity in Laves-phase crystals like A-15 compounds and ..beta..-W crystals, for example.
A finite three-dimensional layer-by-layer photonic crystal with planar defects in a layer is shown to drastically modify the spontaneous emission rate of an embedded dipole. Finite-difference time-domain calculations with one quarter symmetric boundary condition and perfectly matched layer demonstrate the strong enhancement effects induced by the cavity resonance of defect modes and band-edge resonant modes. Simulation shows that the emission spectra are quite different when the position or polarization of the dipole is changed. Moreover, the extraction efficiency is calculated to observe the percentage of light leakage through a substrate.
Low cycle fatigue (LCF) of a fourth-generation single-crystal (SC) Ni-base superalloy TMS-138 was studied by comparison with a typical third-generation (TMS-75) and a second-generation (CMSX-4) Ni-base SC superalloys. TMS-138 exhibits improved LCF behaviour under a condition of the R ratio of 0 at temperatures of 1073 K and 1173 K. The addition of refractory elements resulted in a remarkable improvement of the LCF properties compared to those of the reference superalloys due to the different microstructure developed in TMS-138. (orig.)
Experimental data in the hybridised compound YbPd{sub 2}Si{sub 2} is compared with the results obtained with a recently proposed hybridisation model, based on the ''large-degeneracy expansion'' approximation, which takes into account the crystal field splittings of the rare earth ion energy levels. With a unique set of parameters, satisfactory agreement is simultaneously obtained for the thermal variation of the electronic specific heat, of the magnetic susceptibility and of the electric field gradient at the Yb site, as well as for the field variation of the low temperature magnetisation. (orig.).
Fractal dimensional analysis was employed to obtain a quantitative measure of the morphology of polymer networks formed by UV irradiation induced polymerization of photo-reactive mesogenic monomers dissolved in a liquid crystal host medium. The fractal dimensions obtained, may be interpreted by polymer network growth following a percolation-like model for monomer concentrations well below the solubility limit. On passing the solubility limit, the polymerization process changes from a (radical chain) solution polymerization to a dispersion polymerization, with fractal dimensions decreasing and suggesting a cluster-cluster aggregation process for monomer concentrations above the solubility limit, similar to the aggregation of colloidal particles.
Several experiments showed that the classical Kolmogorov power spectral density of the refractive-index sometimes does not properly describe the statistics of the atmosphere. In this paper we show an experimental testbed able to generate non-classical Kolmogorov turbulence by using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The testbed is used at Naval Postgraduate School for laboratory investigation of laser beam propagation in maritime environment where a power law different from classical Kolmogorov, 11/ 3, could be present. Applications of this testbed are ship to-ship free space optical communication, imaging and high energy laser weapons.
The electromagnetic properties of a prototype gravitational wave detector, based on two coupled superconducting microwave cavities, were tested. The radio-frequency (rf) detection system was carefully analysed. With the use of piezoelectric crystals small harmonic displacements of the cavity walls were induced and the parametric conversion of the electromagnetic field inside the cavities explored. Experimental results of bandwidth and sensitivity of the parametric converter versus stored energy and voltage applied to the piezoelectric crystal are reported. A rf control loop, developed to stabilize phase changes on signal paths, gave a 125 dBc rejection of the drive mode on a time scale of 1 h.
A passive integrating radon dosemeter is described. The radon dosemeter is based on radon adsorption on activated charcoal. By placing TLD crystals inside an open charcoal container, the beta radiation from radon daughters, produced by the decay of adsorbed radon, is detected continuously during the exposure time. After closing the container, radiation will still be detected by the TLD crystal. Calibration procedures are reported and the suitability of the dosemeter is discussed. The dosemeter proved to be suitable for measurements during periods from a few days to two weeks both in domestic and mine atmospheres.
A complete electron paramagnetic resonance power pattern characterization of Fe"3"+ in cubic sites in presented. A one-to-one correspondence among the peaks appearing in the powder pattern and the outer fine-structure transitions (Mnot = 1/2 ) observed in the single crystal along the , , and directions is shown. It is shown that the process of mechanically grinding the single crystal to a powder (particle size approx.1--10 #mu#) does not remove the cubic symmetry sites. No axial or lower symmetry sites which may be induced by lattice distortion of the crystallites due to strain have been observed.
The freezing of liquid in the form of a granule on a cooled substrate is considered. On the basis of a hypothesis regarding the form of the isotherms in the granule, an analytical solution of the Stefan problem is obtained for two limiting cases: when a/sub d/ >> a/sub s/ and a/sub d/ << a/sub s/, where a/sub s/ and a/sub d/ are the thermal conductivity of the substrate and drop, respectively. The results of calculating the crystallization times of the granules as a function of their dimensions (height and diameter) and the substrate temperature, and also the dynamics of temperature variation at the base of the granule in the course of crystallization, are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Crystal structure of monoclinic telluric acid ammonium phosphate (TAAP) has been studied by an X-ray diffraction method in the paraelectric phase at 333 K and in the ferroelectric phase at room temperature. It is confirmed that the space group in the paraelectric phase is P2/n. Comparison of the results between the two temperatures suggests that the plane which is made by the PO{sub 4} tetrahedron linked by hydrogen bonds has an important role for the ferroelectric phase transition. This plane is almost parallel to the direction of spontaneous polarization.
The crystal field splitting of the "3H_4 ground state of the Pr ion in PrFeO_3 and PrGaO_3 has been investigated by inelastic scattering of the thermal neutrons. At several temperatures the transitions have been measured by TAS and TOF methods for polycrystalline PrFeO_3 and by the TOF method for polycrystalline PrGaO_3. Energy level schemes which are different for these materials are given. (author).
This was a project to investigate the crystal chemistry of OH and H{sub 2}O substitution in silicate minerals by use of X-ray and neutron diffraction methods combined with IR spectroscopy and to interpret and generalize the results using an electrostatic model for these mineral structures. Using these data together with published H position data electrostatic parameters for H sites were calculated from a simple electrostatic model. The data were then used to refine the model for incorporation of H into the wadsleyite structure. This has led to recent work on the synthesis and characterization of hydrous wadsleyites.
Transformation optics is used to design a gateway that can block electromagnetic waves but allows the passage of other entities. Our conceptual device has the advantage that it can be realized with simple materials and structural parameters and can have a reasonably wide bandwidth. In particular, we show that our system can be implemented by using a magnetic photonic crystal structure that employs a square ray of ferrite rods, and as the field response of ferrites can be tuned by external magnetic fields, we end up with an electromagnetic gateway that can be open or shut using external fields. The functionality is also robust against the positional disorder of the rods that made up the photonic crystal.
The nine title compounds were prepared from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent heat treatment in resistance and high-frequency furnaces. The crystal structure of these isotypic compounds was determined for YPdSi from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Pmmn, a = 430.8(1) pm, b = 1391.2(1) pm, c = 743.1(1) pm, Z = 8, R = 0.024 for 417 structure factors and 40 variable parameters. The crystal structures of the isotypic compounds GdPdSi and ErPdSi were also refined from single-crystal data. The structure is of a new type. It consists of condensed, six-membered rings of alternating palladium and silicon atoms with Pd-Si bond distances varying between 249.6 and 258.8 pm. These two-dimensionally infinite nets are connected to each other via weak Pd-Si and Si-Si bonds with bond distances of 276.3 and 259.5 pm. The rare earth atoms are situated above and below the six-membered palladium-silicon ...
This project has been concerned with the understanding of certain key physical and physical chemical properties of polymeric systems which are related to their use as working substances in mechanochemical systems. Since the crystal-liquid phase transition is involved in the process of interest, attention has been focused on this transition and on the properties of semi-crystalline polymers. Two kinds of behavior and properties have been studied in this program. One of these is concerned with melting-crystallization under an applied external force. Here the primary matters of concern are the equilibrium melting temperature-stress relations and the associated problem of crystallization kinetics under an applied external stress. The other area of study involves mechanical properties, with particular emphasis on the influence of the morphological and structural variables which describe the semi-crystalline state. We have taken ...
From the crystal field analysis of optical absorption spectra on monoclinic S.G. P2{sub 1}/c MgNd(BO{sub 2}){sub 5}, where Nd{sup 3+} occupies a single crystallographic position with no symmetry elements, energy level schemes and an expression of the associated wavefunctions for the 4f{sup 3} configuration of Nd{sup 3+} have been derived, considering approximate C{sub 2v} and C{sub s} (C{sub 2}) symmetries. Despite of the low symmetry of Nd{sup 3+}, resulting rms deviations between calculated and experimental levels are very satisfactory. The composition of the crystal field wavefunctions from both sets of phenomenological free-ion and crystal field parameters has been checked through a calculation of the thermal evolution of the paramagnetic susceptibility {chi}, according to the Van Vleck formula. The same simulation was performed with crystal field parameters (CFPs) resulting from the ab initio ...
The paper generalizes some results of the United States/Moldova program on advanced composite organic and semiconductor light emitters. High density exciton system bound to N impurity superlattice grown by modern technologies and GaP:N, GaP:N:Sm nanocrystals distributed in transparent fluorine-containing polymers will be used as the base elements for new generation of optoelectronic devices. The work seeks to expand further the applications of GaP itself through the formation of nanocomposites. Classic and new methods are applied for preparation of GaP:N nanoparticles with the controlled dimensions developed clear quantum confinement effect. The long-term ordered bulk GaP crystals as well as their nanoparticles have been investigated by TEM, XRD, Raman scattering, and luminescent methods. The evolution of the Raman Light Scattering and luminescence spectra is reported from pure and doped GaP single crystals grown over 40 years ago and evaluated ...
The exchange charge model (ECM) of crystal field is utilized to provide the theoretical explanation of the ground state absorption and the excited state absorption observed for the octahedrally coordinated Ni{sup 2+} ions in the spinel MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}. The ECM enables modeling of the crystal field parameters (CFPs) for the impurity ions based on the crystal structure data of the host lattice. To ensure the reliability of the CFPs, the convergence of the CFP values with the increasing number of the coordination spheres taken into account in the ECM calculations is considered. The trigonal CFPs B{sub 2}{sup 0},B{sub 4}{sup 0}andB{sub 4}{sup -3} determined by the ECM, together with the appropriate Racah parameters B and C, serve as input to two crystal field analysis computer packages, which compute the energy level schemes within the whole 3d{sup 8} configuration. The cubic approximation utilizing ...
Substitution of various rare earths R within the class of R2PdSi3 single crystals with hexagonal AlB2-type crystallographic structure reveals the systematic dependence of anisotropic magnetic properties governed by the interplay of crystal-electric field effects and magnetic two-ion interactions. Here we compare the floating zone (FZ) crystal growth with radiation heating of compounds with R = Tb, Tm, Pr, and Gd. The congruent melting behavior enabled moderate growth velocities of 3 to 5 mmh-1. The preferred growth directions are close to the basal plane of the hexagonal unit cell. The composition of the crystals, except of Tb2PdSi3, is slightly Pd-depleted with respect to the nominal composition 16.7 at.% Pd. Thin precipitates of RSi secondary phases were detected in the crystal matrix. Their phase fraction can be diminished by growth from Pd-rich melt compositions and annealing ...
For several decades most of the efforts to develop new scintillator materials have concentrated on high-light-yield inorganic single-crystals while polycrystalline ceramic scintillators, since their inception in the early 1980 s, have received relatively little attention. Nevertheless, transparent ceramics offer a promising approach to the fabrication of relatively inexpensive scintillators via a simple mechanical compaction and annealing process that eliminates single-crystal growth. Until recently, commonly accepted concepts restricted the polycrystalline ceramic approach to materials exhibiting a cubic crystal structure. Here, we report our results on the development of two novel ceramic scintillators based on the non-cubic crystalline materials: Lu SiO:Ce (LSO:Ce) and LaBr:Ce. While no evidence for texturing has been found in their ceramic microstructures, our LSO:Ce ceramics exhibit a surprisingly high level of ...
In this paper we investigate the effects of surface mediation on the adsorption behavior of argon at different temperatures on homogeneous graphitized thermal carbon black and on heterogeneous nongraphitized carbon black surface. The grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation is used to study the adsorption, and its performance is tested against a number of experimental data on graphitized thermal carbon black (which is known to be highly homogeneous) that are available in the literature. The surface-mediation effect is shown to be essential in the correct description of the adsorption isotherm because without accounting for that effect the GCMC simulation results are always greater than the experimental data in the region where the monolayer is being completed. This is due to the overestimation of the fluid-fluid interaction between particles in the first layer close to the solid surface. It is the ...
Determination of the specific surface of uranium oxides: UO_2 and U_3O_8 using a simplified equation derived from the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller theory. The method is suitable for samples having a surface between 6 to 50 m"2.
A compact heat exchanger pedestal array for augmenting heat transfer in a machine is disclosed. The compact heat exchanger pedestal array includes a wall having first and second surfaces. The first surface faces a heated flow path and the second surface p...
Cleaning and disinfection of open surfaces in food industry premises leave some microorganisms behind; these microorganisms build up a resident flora on the surfaces. Our goal was to explore the phenomena...Full Text Available
In the present work, we describe application of binary pseudo-random gratings (BPRG) and arrays (BPRA) as effective 1D and 2D test surfaces suitable for calibration of different surface profilometers, including a number of interferometric microscopes and scatterometers.
BackgroundHip surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA) can be an alternative for total hip arthroplasty. The short and long-term outcome of hip surface replacement arthroplasty mainly...Full Text Available
Engine flow simulation was provided by four separately mounted air ejectors connected to a high-pressure air supply. The engine nacelle center lines were ...
The variation of surface composition and sintering of the binary Pd{sub 7}Ag{sub 3} nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction were studied. The composition of the as-prepared Pd{sub 7}Ag{sub 3} nanoparticles across the diameter is inhomogeneous due to different reduction potentials of Pd and Ag. Upon heating, Ag will migrate to the surface because of its lower surface energy. Surface modification results in variation of surface composition during the sintering process. Stearic acid acts as a grain growth inhibitor. The migration of Ag to the surface is suppressed and the sintering is retarded. Modification by polyethylene glycol leads to more migration of Ag atoms from the core to the surface. This makes the nanoparticles easier to sinter.
The variation of surface composition and sintering of the binary Pd_7Ag_3 nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction were studied. The composition of the as-prepared Pd_7Ag_3 nanoparticles across the diameter is inhomogeneous due to different reduction potentials of Pd and Ag. Upon heating, Ag will migrate to the surface because of its lower surface energy. Surface modification results in variation of surface composition during the sintering process. Stearic acid acts as a grain growth inhibitor. The migration of Ag to the surface is suppressed and the sintering is retarded. Modification by polyethylene glycol leads to more migration of Ag atoms from the core to the surface. This makes the nanoparticles easier to sinter.
Cooling water is sprayed on the outer surface of an upper portion of a container, and a pool is formed by the cooling water flowing down while cooling the container. Further, the cooling water stored in the cooling water pool is recycled by a pump for spraying the cooling water on the outer surface of the upper portion of the container. Sufficient amount of cooling water is supplied for spraying the cooling water to the outer surface of the upper portion of the container so that the outer surface of the container is free from drying and a liquid membrane is formed on the entire surface. The amount of the cooling water is made greater than that of the cooling water evaporated when the entire amount of the heat generate in the reactor core of the reactor is transferred to the cooling water. Since the liquid membrane is formed on the entire surface of the container ...
The in-plane resistivity, in-plane absolute thermopower, and upper critical field measurements are reported for single-crystal samples of YNi_2B_2C and LuNi_2B_2C superconductors. The in-plane resistivity shows metallic behavior and varies approximately linearly with temperature near room temperature (RT) but shows nearly quadratic behavior in temperature at low temperatures. The YNi_2B_2C and LuNi_2B_2C single-crystal samples exhibit large transverse magnetoresistance (#approx#6 8% at 45 kOe) in the ab plane. The absolute thermopower S(T) is negative from RT to the superconducting transition temperature T_c. Its magnitude at RT is a few times of the value for a typical good metal. S(T) is approximately linear in temperature between #approx#150 K and RT. Extrapolation to T=0 gives large intercepts (few #mu#V/K) for both samples suggesting the presence of a much larger knee than would be expected from electron-phonon interaction renormalization ...
Single phase amorphous Al_xHf_1_0_0_-_x alloys with a wide amorphization range (33#<=#x#<=#75) were synthesized by the solid-state interdiffusion of pure polycrystalline Al and Hf powders at room temperature using a rod-milling technique. The mechanisms of metallic glass formation and competing crystallization processes in the mechanically deformed composite powders were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The numerous intimate layered composite particles of the diffusion couples that formed during the first and intermediate stages of milling (0-173 ks) are intermixed to form amorphous phase(s) upon heating to about 980 K by so-called thermally assisted solid-state amorphization (TASSA). The amorphization heat formation for the binary Al_xHf_1_0_0_-_x system via TASSA, #DELTA#H"T"A"S"S"A_a, was measured directly as a function of the milling time. ...
We summarize the results of point-contact Andreev-reflection (PCAR) spectroscopy in MgB{sub 2} doped by chemical substitutions, either magnetic (Mn) or non-magnetic (Al,C), obtained by us and by other groups in the last four years. Despite the variety of samples used (crystals and polycrystals of various origin) and some minor differences in the experimental techniques, these measurements have directly provided a complete and consistent picture of the effects of chemical substitutions on the gaps of MgB{sub 2} shedding light on other relevant parameters (scattering rates, DOSs) affected by doping. In Al-doped crystals and polycrystals, the gap amplitudes {delta}{sub {sigma}} and {delta}{sub {pi}} - obtained through a two-band Blonder-Tinkham-Klapwijk (BTK) fit of the Andreev-reflection conductance curves - decrease on increasing the Al content x (i.e. on decreasing the critical temperature of the contacts T{sub c}{sup A}), but remain clearly ...
During Phase 2 of our study of the CIXS conceptual design we have tackled additional important issues that are unique to the ITER environment. These include the thermal control of the crystal and detector enclosures located in an environment with a 100-250 C ambient temperature, tritium containment, and the range of crystal and detector movement based on the need for spectral adjustments and the desire to make measurements of colder plasmas. In addressing these issues we have selected a ''Dewar''-type enclosure for the crystals and detectors. Applying realistic view factors for radiant heat and making allowance for conduction we have made engineering studies of this enclosure and showed that the cooling requirements can be solved and the temperature can be kept sufficiently constant without compromising the specification parameters of the CIXS. We have chosen a minimum 3 mm combined thickness of the six beryllium windows ...
X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) was used to probe the existence of induced magnetic moments in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films in which yttrium is partly substituted with lanthanum, lutetium or bismuth. Spin polarization of the 4d states of yttrium and of the 5d states of lanthanum or lutetium was clearly demonstrated. Angular momentum resolved d-DOS of yttrium and lanthanun was shown to be split by the crystal field, the two resolved substructures having opposite magnetic polarization. The existence of a weak orbital moment involving the 6p states of bismuth was definitely established with the detection of a small XMCD signal at the Bi M{sub 1}-edge. Difference spectra also enhanced the visibility of subtle changes in the Fe K-edge XMCD spectra of YIG and {l_brace}Y, Bi{r_brace}IG films. Weak natural X-ray linear dichroism signatures were systematically observed with all iron garnet films and with a bulk YIG single crystal cut ...
An analysis of the energy level structure of Cr{sup 3+} ions in Cs{sub 2}NaAlF{sub 6} crystal is performed using the exchange charge model (ECM) together with the crystal field analysis/microscopic spin Hamiltonian (CFA/MSH) computer package. Utilizing the crystal structure data, our approach enables modelling of the crystal field parameters (CFPs) and thus the energy level structure for Cr{sup 3+} ions at the two crystallographically inequivalent sites in Cs{sub 2}NaAlF{sub 6}. Using the ECM initial adjustment procedure, the CFPs are calculated in the crystallographic axis system centred at the Cr{sup 3+} ion at each site. Additionally the CFPs are also calculated using the superposition model (SPM). The ECM and SPM predicted CFP values match very well. Consideration of the symmetry aspects for the so-obtained CFP datasets reveals that the latter axis system matches the symmetry-adapted axis system ...
An analysis of the energy level structure of Cr3+ ions in Cs2NaAlF6 crystal is performed using the exchange charge model (ECM) together with the crystal field analysis/microscopic spin Hamiltonian (CFA/MSH) computer package. Utilizing the crystal structure data, our approach enables modelling of the crystal field parameters (CFPs) and thus the energy level structure for Cr3+ ions at the two crystallographically inequivalent sites in Cs2NaAlF6. Using the ECM initial adjustment procedure, the CFPs are calculated in the crystallographic axis system centred at the Cr3+ ion at each site. Additionally the CFPs are also calculated using the superposition model (SPM). The ECM and SPM predicted CFP values match very well. Consideration of the symmetry aspects for the so-obtained CFP datasets reveals that the latter axis system matches the symmetry-adapted axis system related directly to the six Cr-F bonds well. ...
A systematic study of structure-mechanical properties relation is reported for MoSi{sub 2}-SiC nanolayer composites. Alternating layers of MoSi{sub 2} and SiC were synthesized by DC magnetron and rf-diode sputtering, respectively. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy was used to examine three distinct reactions in the specimens when exposed to different annealing conditions: Crystallization and phase transformation of MoSi{sub 2}, crystallization of SiC, and spheroidization of the layer structures. Nanoindentation was employed to characterize the mechanical response as a function of structural changes. As-sputtered material exhibits amorphous structures in both types of layers and has a hardness of 11 GPa and a modulus of 217GPa. Subsequent heat treatment induces crystallization of MoSi{sub 2} to form the C40 structure at 500C and SiC to form the a structure at 700C. The crystallization ...
The surface properties of copper-refractory metal (CU-RF) alloy bodies are modified by heat treatments which cause the refractory metal to form a coating on the exterior surfaces of the alloy body. The alloys have a copper matrix with particles or dendrites of the refractory metal dispersed therein, which may be niobium, vanadium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, or tungsten. The surface properties of the bodies are changed from those of copper to that of the refractory metal.
Results of self-consistent local-spin-density-functional calculations are reported for the first time for the Ni(110) surface, represented by one-, three-, and five-layer slabs. Calculations for one- and five-layer slabs of Ni(100) are also reported. The behavior of the surface magnetization with varying slab thickness elucidates the nature and origin of the surface magnetic moment. We predict a 13% enhancement of the Ni(110) surface magnetic moment compared to the bulk value. For the Ni(100) surface, we find a smaller surface enhancement about 7%, compared to bulk, which agrees with the results of Jepsen et al. The enhancement of surface magnetic moments on Ni(100) and Ni(110) surfaces is attributed to s-d dehybridization at the surface and to the presence of electrostatic shifts required to ...
In a reactor environment, the surface of a limiter or wall is primarily determined by the mechanism of erosion and deposition of surface material. It should be possible to use pellet injection to reduce net erosion to zero everywhere if low-Z materials are used for the surface. Erosion rates can, in general, be minimized by large area limiters and high plasma temperatures, which transmit power to the walls with less sputtering. Under ideal steady state conditions the wall surface is dominated by metallurgical effects in the wall.
Means for increasing heat transfer characteristics between the surface of a solid and a boiling liquid are described in which the solid is immersed is comprised of a solid with passages which extend therethrough to the surface for the circulation of liquid through the passages for emergence from the surface to eliminate at least a portion of the unstable vapor film otherwise formed on the surface.
This report measured the rate of isothermal deposition of sub-micron particles of magnetite onto the surface of Alloy 800 at pH of 4.2-9.3 at Re=10,000 and a fluid temperature of 25C. Deposition is modelled as a two-step process, the transport of particles to the surface region followed by attachment to the surface.
Inorganic nanoparticles are indispensable for science and technology as materials, pigments and cosmetics products. Improving the dispersion stability of nanoparticles in various liquids is essential for those applications. In this review, we discuss why it is difficult to control the stability of nanoparticles in liquids. We also overview the role of surface interaction between nanoparticles in their dispersion and characterization, e.g. by colloid probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). Two types of surface modification concepts, post-synthesis and in situ modification, were investigated in many previous studies. Here, we focus on post-synthesis modification using adsorption of various kinds of polymer dispersants and surfactants on the particle surface, as well as surface chemical reactions of silane coupling agents. We discuss CP-AFM as a technique to analyze the surface ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positiond in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts ...
In this paper, the effects of surface mediation on the adsorption isotherm and isosteric heat of adsorption on a graphite surface were investigated, as the surface mediation is known to affect the intermolecular interaction of adsorbed molecules close to the surface. Kim and Steele (Phys. Rev. B 45 (11) (1992) 6226-6233) and others have assumed that the surface mediation is confined only to the first layer. This will be tested in this paper with a combined experimental and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation of adsorption of argon on graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB) over a range of temperatures (77-95.25K). By matching the simulation results against the experimental data, we have found that the surface mediation is extended up to the fourth layer, rather than only the firs...
The sedimentary geometry is determined by several types of stratigraphic surfaces: transgressive surfaces (TS), maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) and downward shift surfaces (DS). They are organized hierarchically into major and minor surfaces from the facies stacking-pattern. These surfaces which are observable on well logs and cores structure the sedimentary architecture and are, therefore, the best candidates to form major seismic reflectors. The well (logs and cores) to seismic (surface seismic) passage involves inherently a change of observation scale. That is from a high resolution sequence stratigraphy (metric to pluri-metric) to a sequence stratigraphy s.l. (decametric to pluri-decametric). This passage is composed of two phases. The first phase consists of the validation of density and sonic logs whose product corresponds to the ...
With an objective to learn reactivity of coal at its surface, surfaces of oxidized coal samples were investigated. Miike coal was oxidized by using {sup 18}O2 in a closed loop system. As the reaction progresses, proportion of CO2 including isotopes increased rapidly as a result of oxidation of CO sites existing in the coal and the newly generated C{sup 18}O sites. The oxidizing reaction progressed via oxygen adsorbing sites generated near the surface, and oxygen containing groups. An FT-IR analysis estimated the depth of the oxidized layer to be 10{mu}m or less from particle surface. The oxidized coal was pulverized to see its surface condition. Functional groups introduced by the oxidation enter into the vicinity of the surface in a form to desorb as CO. CO2 is trapped in inner pores. The coal surface was observed by using an atomic force ...
Excimer laser processing enables both thermally-driven transformations and the incorporation of solutes into the surface of materials through melting and diffusional mixing. We have examined the effect of excimer laser processing on the microstructure and surface mechanical properties of titanium alloys. Changes in the surface hardness due to laser processing were studied using a Nanoindenter [trademark]. Alloying experiments using both mixing of evaporated surface layers of boron and laser gas alloying in air and in nitrogen all result in changes in the surface hardness of the material. Alloying with boron results in an amorphous surface which is somewhat harder than the as polished surface. Laser processing in air and pure nitrogen results in incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen and the development of fine ([approximately] 50 nm) ...
Using the slow electrons spectrometer one can get information on the surface structure, its element composition, chemical bonds, adsorption phenomena, electron state density and surface oscillation. We have developed the methods and created the apparatus that makes it possible to investigate the electron backscattering by solid surface. We have studied the electron scattering by the polycrystalline and monocrystalline. GaAs surface in the energy range of 0 to 9 eV. The FWHM of electron energy distribution function was 70 meV. (author).
There is investigated the role of polymer layers on the metal surface of a fine filler in the formation of a PVC system with electrophysical properties. It is shown that a physicochemical polymer modification takes place under the surface active center influence. Thus, the surface layer properties (density and geometrical characteristics) differ from the PVC ones. The correlation between the electrophysical properties of the PVC composite and the surface layer in the range of the fine copper fraction of 0?11.3 vol % at E ? 106 V m?1 and a frequency response of 20?2 ? 105 Hz is determined. An explanation of the investigated relation is presented.
Surface quality is one of the most important criteria for establishing the optimum cutting parameters needed to perform a machining process. Usually, the evaluation of the degree of the surface finishing requires to apply metrological techniques which involve times out in the production. As a consequence of this, a loss in both the economy of the process and the fiability of the tests reproducibility can be produced. In this work a relation between cutting force and surface roughness has been studied for the turning process of an Al-Cu alloy. From this relation, the surface quality of the machined samples can be evaluated by using the cutting forces values acquired during the cutting process. (Author) 8 refs.
The dispersion curves E(k-bar) have been calculated for bound and resonant (110) surface states of AlSb, AlAs, and AlP. AlSb is predicted to have no surface states within the bulk fundamental band gap, but AlAs and AlP are predicted to have surface state band minima which are very near the conduction band edge, and could lie either within the gap or immediately above the edge.
Effect of low-frequency pulsating magnetic field on the microstructure and magnetic properties of amorphous alloy Fe_7_8Si_9B_1_3 were investigated. The temperature rise induced by the treatment was measured by a non-contact infrared thermometer. The crystallization behavior and microstructure of specimens were studied by Moessbauer spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Magnetic properties of the specimens were investigated by alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM). The results show that the low-frequency pulsating magnetic field can promote the single-phase crystallization of amorphous alloy Fe_7_8Si_9B_1_3. The frequency, f of applied field is from 10 to 40 Hz, magnetic field, H is from 0.02 to 0.04 T and treatment duration, t is from 180-300 s. The volume fraction of crystallization phase (#alpha#-Fe(Si), the grain size, 2-10 nm) is 3-7%. The temperature rise less than 7 deg. C. Magnetic properties of ...
To investigate the dependence of the local texture of parts of an YBaCuO specimen on the distance of the seed crystal from the position of the part of the specimen, a very good textured YBaCuO specimen was cut into 9 rectangular pieces and into 12 boundary pieces of the cylindric original specimen. From the individual parts of the YBaCuO specimen the texture was measured by neutron diffraction at the Geesthacht reactor with an equal area raster. The grid width was 1 up to 10 deviation from the cylinder axis of the original YBaCuO cylinder and 2 from 10 deviation until 20 deviation. From the sum of the counted neutrons on small circles on the pole sphere the individual values of the distributions of the angular deviations of the c-axes of the crystalline domains from the cylinder axis have been calculated. The mean deviation of the c-axes from the axis of the original cylinder increases from the inner part with the seed crystal to the boundary ...
The crystal structure of the compound Sm_4Pd_4Si_3 was determined by the single-crystal method (KM-4 automatic diffractometer, Mo K#alpha# radiation). Sm_4Pd_4Si_3 has the monoclinic Nd_4Rh_4Ge_3 type structure: space group C2/c, mC44 (No. 15), a=20.693(6), b=5.584(1), c=7.699(2) A, #beta#=109.48(3) , V=838 A"3, Z=4, #mu#=36.23 mm"-"1, R_F=0.0537, R_W=0.0435 for 1652 unique reflections. The coordination numbers of samarium atoms are 17 and 18. For palladium and silicon atoms icosahedra and trigonal prisms with additional atoms are typical as coordination polyhedra. The structure of Sm_4Pd_4Si_3 is composed of fragments of the YPd_2Si and Y_3Rh_2Si_2 structure in a ratio 1:1. (orig.).
In this work, new LaSi3N5:Ce3+ phosphors have been synthesized by solid-state reaction. Rietveld refinement of the crystal structure of La1-xCexSi3N5 reveals that Ce atoms substituted for La atoms occupy 4a crystallographic positions. Broad emission and excitation bands observed were attributed to the transitions between the doublet ground state of the 4f1 configuration and the crystal field components of the 5d1 excited state. At 77 K, the centroid and crystal field splitting ?cfs of the 5d levels of Ce3+ in LaSi3N5:Ce3+ compounds were valuated at 33.4x103 and 11.3x103 cm-1, respectively. The zero-phonon line and the Stokes shift were measured to be 26.0x103 and 5.0x103 cm-1, respectively.
A discussion is given concerning the transformation in acid medium of curite into copper-, nickel- and cobalt-uranylphosphate. From chemical, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, the crystal-chemical formula are calculated as: Cu(UO/sub 2//PO/sub 4/)/sub 2/.8H/sub 2/O, Ni(UO/sub 2//PO/sub 4/)/sub 2/.7H/sub 2/O and Co(UO/sub 2//PO/sub 4/)/sub 2/.7H/sub 2/O. The two last compounds crystallize in the triclinic system with space group P1 or P1(overscore) and the first one crystallizes in the tetragonal system with space group P4/nmm. The cell parameters are calculated. From solubility data, the solubility products are computed as 10sup(-12.8), 10sup(-9.5) and 10sup(-9.9) for the copper-, nickel- and colbalt-compound respectively. The electrokinetic properties of the three species are closely similar to those of natural meta-torbernite: the zeta-potential is negative and the point of zero charge be reached cannot ...
A discussion is given concerning the transformation in acid medium of curite into copper-, nickel- and cobalt-uranylphosphate. From chemical, differentiel thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, the crystal-chemical formula are calculated as: Cu(UO_2/PO_4)_2.8H_2O, Ni(UO_2/PO_4)_2.7H_2O and Co(UO_2/PO_4)_2.7H_2O. The two last compounds crystallize in the triclinic system with space group P1 or P1(overscore) and the first one crystallizes in the tetragonal system with space group P4/nmm. The cell parameters are calculated. From solubility data, the solubility products are computed as 10sup(-12.8), 10sup(-9.5) and 10sup(-9.9) for the copper-, nickel- and colbalt-compound respectively. The electrokinetic properties of the three species are closely similar to those of natural meta-torbernite: the zeta-potential is negative and the point of zero charge be reached cannot in the pH-range 2 to 9.
Schiff-base condensation of a equimolar proportion of diacetyl-monoxime monohydrazone and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxaldehyde in methanol gives rise to the imidazole azine, 3-(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methylenehydrazonobutan-2-one oxime(HL). Reaction of 1:1 stoichiometric proportion of HL with copper(II)perchlorate hexahydrate in methanol yields a dimeric oximato bridged copper compound, [Cu2L2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1). The compound is characterized by C, H and N analyses, FT-IR, ESI?MS, conductivity measurement, UV?Vis spectra and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The title compound (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a?=?6.8533 (8), b?=?18.413 (2), c?=?11.7399 (14) ?, ??=?93.685 (2)?, V?=?1478.4 (3) ?3 and Z?=?2. The geometry around each copper center is distorted square pyram...
In situ fracture studies on thin-film NiTi intermetallic compounds have been carried out in the high-voltage electron microscope at Argonne National Laboratory. Local stress-induced amorphization of regions directly in front of moving crack tips has been observed under tensile loading conditions. The stress-induced amorphization at crack tips exhibits a temperature dependence similar to that of ion-induced amorphization of NiTi. The upper limiting temperature for stress-induced amorphization is the same as that for ion-induced amorphization of crystalline NiTi and for amorphous phase formation during ion-beam mixing of Ni and Ti multilayer specimens. This upper limiting temperature of 600K is also the lowest temperature at which stress-induced amorphous phase crystallizes during isothermal annealing. This isothermal crystallization temperature is nearly 200K less than the kinetic crystallization temperature during heating ...
The high resolution absorption, luminescence and excitation spectra of the orthorhombic potassium lanthanum praseodymium ternary chloride, K_2La_1_-_xPr_xCl_5, (0.02 #<=# x #<=# 0.15) single crystals were recorded at 4, 77 and 293 K with different excitation sources. The experimental 4f"2 energy level scheme of the Pr"3"+ ion in K_2LaCl_5 derived from the absorption and emission spectra consisted of 86 (out of 91) Stark components. This energy level scheme was simulated by using a phenomenological crystal field (cf) model which included eight free ion and nine cf parameters according to the C_2_v symmetry. Despite the approximate C_2_v point symmetry instead of the real C_s one, the simulation yielded a very satisfactory rms deviation of 17 cm"-"1 between the experimental and calculated energy level schemes. The results, especially the weak cf strength, are discussed taking into account the bonding characteristics in K_2LaCl_5.
Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd_4NiTe_2, and Er_5M_2Te_2 (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R_3M, and R_2Te_3 (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd_4NiTe_2 is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), c=11.7521(15)A. Er_5Ni_2Te_2 and Er_5Co_2Te_2 are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), c=14.709(4)A, and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), c=14.889(3)A, respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.
We present device results from polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs) fabricated at a maximum temperature of 100&hthinsp;{degree}C on polyester substrates. Critical to our success has been the development of a processing cluster tool containing chambers dedicated to laser crystallization, dopant deposition, and gate oxidation. Our TFT fabrication process integrates multiple steps in this tool, and uses the laser to crystallize deposited amorphous silicon as well as create heavily doped TFT source/drain regions. By combining laser crystallization and doping, a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiO{sub 2} layer for the gate dielectric, and postfabrication annealing at 150&hthinsp;{degree}C, we have succeeded in fabricating TFTs with I{sub ON}/I{sub OFF} ratios {gt}5{times}10{sup 5} and electron mobilities {gt}40 cm{sup 2}/V&hthinsp;s on polyester substrates. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Vacuum ...
In this review, the most important inorganic natural gels are presented: opal, aluminosilicate (allophanes) and hydrous iron oxides and silicates. It is demonstrated that natural gels are ordered at the atomic scale. In allophanes, Al is distributed between octahedral and tetrahedral sites. The amount of Al increases as Al/Si ratio decreases. Si-rich allophane have a local structure around Al and Si very different of that is known in kaolinite or halloysite. Transformation of Si-rich allophanes to crystallized minerals implies dissolution-recrystallization processes. On the contrary, in iron silicate with Fe/Si = 0.72, Si and Fe environments are close to those found in nontronite. The gel transformation to Fe-smectite may occur by long range ordering during ageing. In ferric silicate gels, the similarity of local structure around Fe in poorly ordered precursors and what is known in crystallized minerals suggests a solid transformation during ...
In the present study, Fe_4_1Co_4_1 B_1_0Zr_7Cu_1 alloy has been investigated in order to evaluate its thermal stability and structure after heat treatment, as well as the impact of heat treatment on magnetic properties. X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, chemical composition microanalysis, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic hysteresis loop measurement techniques were employed. The crystallization temperature of the as-quenched alloy is 490"oC (continuous heating at 5 "oC/min). The melt spun ribbon having 27 #mu#m in thickness was annealed for 1 hour at temperatures from 400 to 700 "oC. The alloy after treatment at about 550"oC underwent primary crystallization, with the average size of crystals under 20 nm. This specimen shows the coercive field of 38 A/m, as compared to about 160 A/m reported for a similar alloy (Fe_4_4Co_4_4B_4Zr_7Cu_1) with a similar structure, annealed at 600"oC. ...
The magnetic properties of a single crystal of SmNiSn with the orthorhombic {epsilon}-TiNiSi-type crystal structure have been investigated by magnetic susceptibility, magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements from 1.5 K to room temperature. Two anomalies have been found in the magnetic susceptibility, indicating an antiferromagnetic phase transition at T{sub N}=9.4 K and a second transition at 4.4 K. A large magnetic anisotropy has been found at low temperatures in the temperature and field dependencies of magnetic susceptibility and magnetization. Below 80 K, the easy axis of the magnetization is the c-axis. At T=2.0 K, the c-axis magnetization curve exhibits metamagnetic-like behavior at H{sub c}=42 kOe and reaches 0.54 emu/g at H=55 kOe, whereas for the a- and b-axis the magnetization is linear and smaller. The paramagnetic susceptibilities do not follow the Curie-Weiss law suggesting a large van Vleck contribution of the Sm ...
Ternary R_2TSi_3 intermetallic compounds (R=Rare Earth, T=Transition Metal) with hexagonal AlB_2-type crystallographic structure are known because of their interesting physical properties. Pr_2PdSi_3 single crystals were grown by a vertical floating zone method. The compound exhibits congruent melting behavior at a liquidus temperature of about 1770 C. Single crystalline samples show a huge anisotropy at low temperatures due to the crystal electric field effect and order antiferromagnetically below the Neel temperature T_N=2.17 K. This value approximately obeys the linear de Gennes scaling for this class of compounds. The [001] orientation was identified as the magnetic easy axis at room temperature. At lower temperature (#approx#20 K) magnetic easy and hard axes interchange with each other. Two additional magnetic phase transitions were observed at temperatures below 1 K.
We have studied photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (PL and TL) in CaGa2Se4:Eu crystals in the temperature range 77-400 K. We have established that broadband photoluminescence with maximum at 571 nm is due to intracenter transitions 4f6 5d-4f7 (8S7/2) of the Eu2+ ions. From the temperature dependence of the intensity (log I-103/T), we determined the activation energy (Ea = 0.04 eV) for thermal quenching of photoluminescence. From the thermoluminescence spectra, we determined the trap depths: 0.31, 0.44, 0.53, 0.59 eV. The lifetime of the excited state 4f6 5d of the Eu2+ ions in the CaGa2Se4 crystal found from the luminescence decay kinetics is 3.8 ?sec. (authors)
Photorefractives, in general, are among the most promising materials solutions to real time optical correlation. Applications include military target recognition and civilian robotic vision. Crystals of sillenite structure photorefractives, Bi12XO20, where X equals Si, Ge, or Ti, have been grown by melt techniques and in the case of bismuth silicon oxide (BSO) and bismuth titanium oxide (BTO) by the hydrothermal method of high-temperature/high-pressure solution growth. The two growth methods are discussed and crystals grown by the two methods are compared in this paper. Optical absorption and TSC studies show that hydrothermal BSO is essentially free of the native antisite Bi defect which usually acts as a donor. These studies also show that the trap density is greatly reduced in hydrothermal material. Preliminary experiments show that hydrothermal BTO crystals have improved properties over melt grown samples. Al and P act ...
In order to employ molecular dynamics (MD) methods, commonly used in condensed matter physics, we have derived the equations of motion for a beam of charged particles in the rotating rest frame of the reference particle. We include in the formalism that the particles are confined by the guiding and focusing magnetic fields, and that they are confined in a conducting vacuum pipe while interacting with each other via a Coulomb force. Numerical simulations using MD methods has been performed to obtain the equilibrium crystalline beam structure. The effect of the shearing force, centrifugal force, and azimuthal variation of the focusing strength are investigated. It is found that a constant gradient storage ring can not give a crystalline beam, but that an alternating-gradient (AG) structure can. In such a machine the ground state is, except for one-dimensional (1-D) crystals, time dependent. The ground state is a zero entropy state, despite the time-dependent, ...
A phenomenological simulation was carried out for 41 experimental crystal-field (CF) levels within the {sup 4}I{sub 9/2-15/2}, {sup 4}F{sub 3/2-9/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} and {sup 2}H{sub 9/2} J manifolds, including the available infrared (IR) data up to {approx}15 000 cm{sup -1} for the Nd{sup 3+} ions in the Nd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} single crystals. The CF Hamiltonian for the tetragonal C{sub 4v} symmetry was diagonalized together with the free-ion Hamiltonian in a basis that spans the entire 4f{sup 3} configuration. A rms error of 9 cm{sup -1} between the calculated and experimental energy level schemes was obtained. A comparison of the spectra in the visible region between the insulating Nd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} and the metallic Nd{sub 2-x}Ce{sub x}CuO{sub 4}, allowed identifying the absorption bands associated with the development of the charge-doping induced local structural distortions in the superconducting regime.
A phenomenological simulation was carried out for 41 experimental crystal-field (CF) levels within the "4I_9_/_2_-_1_5_/_2, "4F_3_/_2_-_9_/_2, "4S_3_/_2 and "2H_9_/_2 J manifolds, including the available infrared (IR) data up to #approx#15 000 cm"-"1 for the Nd"3"+ ions in the Nd_2CuO_4 single crystals. The CF Hamiltonian for the tetragonal C_4_v symmetry was diagonalized together with the free-ion Hamiltonian in a basis that spans the entire 4f"3 configuration. A rms error of 9 cm"-"1 between the calculated and experimental energy level schemes was obtained. A comparison of the spectra in the visible region between the insulating Nd_2CuO_4 and the metallic Nd_2_-_xCe_xCuO_4, allowed identifying the absorption bands associated with the development of the charge-doping induced local structural distortions in the superconducting regime.
NaCl doped MgCl_2.nEtOH adducts were prepared by ball-milling MgCl_2.2.5EtOH with NaCl. Both the ball-milled MgCl_2.nEtOH/NaCl mixture and pure MgCl_2.2.5EtOH adducts were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and differencial scanning calorimetry (DSC). A simple MgCl_2.nEtOH/NaCl mixture without ball-milling treatment was also studied for comparison. Two kinds of mixed crystals, Na_2MgCl_4 and NaMgCl_3, were found to be formed in a ball-milled mixture that contained 16 mol.% NaCl. TG and DSC analysis of the samples also provided indirect evidences supporting the presence of the mixed crystals in the ball-milled mixture. Adding certain amounts of NaCl in MgCl_2.2.5EtOH adduct, either by co-milling or by simple mixing, greatly increased the thermal stability of the adduct, but thermal decomposition behaviour of the ball-milled mixture was still different from that of a simple mixture.
Crystal field calculation and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) have been performed on zircon-type materials Nd:YMO{sub 4} (M=V, As, P). Simulation of the energy level schemes has been carried out and the wave functions composition and g tensor principal values associated to the first sub-level of the {sup 4}I{sub 9/2} manifold were calculated. A rather good correlation is obtained between crystal field calculations and the EPR measurements. Furthermore, some extra lines observed by optical spectroscopy (absorption and emission) also appear on the EPR spectra and a correlation between the two spectroscopies indicates that Nd{sup 3+}-Nd{sup 3+} exchange and dipolar interactions occur in the zircon family, even at very low doping content (less than 8 x 10{sup 19} Nd{sup 3+} ions cm{sup -3}). Nd{sup 3+}-Nd{sup 3+} pairs at distances 3.9, 5.9 and 6.3 A have been identified. (orig.) 13 refs.
Crystal field calculation and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) have been performed on zircon-type materials Nd:YMO_4 (M=V, As, P). Simulation of the energy level schemes has been carried out and the wave functions composition and g tensor principal values associated to the first sub-level of the "4I_9_/_2 manifold were calculated. A rather good correlation is obtained between crystal field calculations and the EPR measurements. Furthermore, some extra lines observed by optical spectroscopy (absorption and emission) also appear on the EPR spectra and a correlation between the two spectroscopies indicates that Nd"3"+-Nd"3"+ exchange and dipolar interactions occur in the zircon family, even at very low doping content (less than 8 x 10"1"9 Nd"3"+ ions cm"-"3). Nd"3"+-Nd"3"+ pairs at distances 3.9, 5.9 and 6.3 A have been identified. (orig.)
A method that employs simultaneous neutron and #gamma#-ray diffraction techniques is proposed for accurate measurements of strains with or without an applied electric field (0-100 kV m"-"1). Instead of an absolute determination of the position of the neutron Bragg peak, a relative measurement of the neutron and #gamma# peak positions is used and allows a determination of the lattice-parameter changes with an accuracy of within 2 x 10"-"6. This technique avoids systematic errors originating in sample rotations by taking advantage of a reference directly related to the crystal lattice. The method appears to be particularly important for crystals that exhibit structural phase transitions, as demonstrated by the measurement of the strain U_x_x in KH_2PO_4 crystals as a function of temperature and applied electric field. In this case the errors would amount to #+-#20%. The results demonstrate the need to re-examine the theory ...
The primary concern of this work is to study the emission characteristics of a series of chiral nematic liquid crystal lasers doped with different laser dyes (DCM, pyrromethene 580, and pyrromethene 597) at varying concentrations by weight (0.5-2 wt %) when optically pumped at 532 nm. Long-wavelength photonic band-edge laser emission is characterized in terms of threshold energy and slope efficiency. At every dye concentration investigated, the pyrromethene 597-doped lasers exhibit the highest slope efficiency (ranging from 15% to 32%) and the DCM-doped lasers the lowest (ranging from 5% to 13%). Similarly, the threshold was found to be, in general, higher for the DCM-doped laser samples in comparison to the pyrromethene-doped laser samples. These results are then compared with the spectral properties, quantum efficiencies and, where possible, fluorescence lifetimes of the dyes dispersed in a common nematic host. In accordance with the low thresholds and high slope ...
A novel sodium lead pentaborate, NaPbB5O9, has been successfully synthesized by standard solid-state reaction. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis showed that NaPbB5O9 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=6.5324(10) A, b=13.0234(2) A, c=8.5838(10) A, ?=104.971(10)o, and Z=4. The crystal structure is composed of double ring [B5O9]3- units, [PbO7] and [NaO7] polyhedra. [B5O9]3- groups connect with each other forming two-dimensional infinite ?[B5O9]3- layers, while [PbO7] and [NaO7] polyhedra are located between the layers. [PbO7] polyhedra linked together via corner-sharing O atom forming novel infinite ?[PbO6] chains along the c axis. The thermal behavior, IR spectrum and the optical diffuse reflectance spectrum of NaPbB5O9 were reported. -- Graphical abstract: A new phase, NaPbB5O9, has been discovered in the ternary M2O-PbO-B2O3 (M=alkali-metal) system. The crystal structure ...
A novel difunctional acylhydrazone has been synthesized by the reaction of 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboyl hydrazine with benzaldehyde and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. The obtained results demonstrate the crystal belongs to triclinic, space group Formula Not Shown . Moreover, the spectroscopic properties were evaluated through density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT) calculations. The results reveal that UV-Vis absorption peaks at 194, 217.5 and 290.5nm are mainly attributed to (p, p)p*, partly (p, p)p* and partly pp*, and predominantly pp*, respectively, with intraligand charge-transfer transition (ILCT) character. The fluorescence emission peak at 485.96nm should be assigned to ILCT. In addition, the results of antibact...
Generally the photonic band gap (PBG) is a multi-variable function of several parameters related to the shape and size of the dielectric columns of photonic crystals (PhCs), and a time-consuming step-by-step scanning process for each parameter has to be used to find their best combination yielding maximum PBG. In this letter, the widely used Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm is introduced to optimize these parameters simultaneously to find a larger PBG for a new kind of two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal GaAs-Air PhC. This structure can be conveniently produced by the single-exposure holographic lithography, and the specific holographic design is also systematically investigated. This study reveals that the band gaps of PhCs made by holographic lithography may be widened by introducing irregularity of the columns and lowering the symmetry of the structure.
We investigate two routes to obtain negative group velocity bands in two-dimensional phononic crystal structures. The negative dispersion originates from the resonances of sub-wavelength building blocks and as such, the system should be regarded as acoustic metamaterials. The first kind of acoustic metamaterial exhibits effectively negative bulk modulus and negative mass density simultaneously. Monopolar and dipolar Mie resonances are combined to achieve an effective medium with negative refractive index. In particular, we present a double negative metamaterial for airborne sonic waves. We then show that we can obtain negative group velocity from quadrupole resonances, and the result is explained using the quasi-static approximation. The negative dispersion in quadrupole bands cannot be de...
High-resolution electron microscope observations confirm the presence of small crystallites in thin TbFeCo films protected by Si_3N_4 overcoats. Selected area electron diffraction patterns in top-view projection indicate that the crystals have a face-centered-cubic structure. Microscope analysis reveals grain growth following annealing of these protected thin films at 200 degree C in vacuum, and Kerr measurements yield large reductions in coercivity relative to the room-temperature value. The typical grain size visible in top-view observations increases from about 3 nm in the as-deposited samples to about 30 nm after annealing at 200 degree C for 36 h while the static coercivity, H_c, drops by about 40%. The fcc structure of the crystals is retained after annealing.
A series of sputtered tungsten-carbon multilayer structures with periods ranging from 2 to 12 nm in the as-prepared state and after annealing at 500 degrees C for 4 hours has been studied with high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The evolution with annealing of the microstructure of these multilayers depends on their period.As-prepared structures appear predominantly amorphous from TEM imaging and diffraction. Annealing results in crystallization of the W-rich layers into WC in the larger period samples, and less complete or no crystallization in the smaller period samples. X-ray scattering reveals that annealing expands the period in a systematic way. The layers remain remarkably well-defined after annealing under these conditions.
The feasibility of continuous production of gallium arsenide ribbon single crystals, by passage of a molten zone through boron-oxide encapsulated GaAs feedstock, is being investigated. Polycrystalline GaAs ribbons have been grown in graphite boats by passage of a wide zone through B2O3-encapsulated feed-stock, confined by a quartz cover plate. Failure to remove the encapsulant above its glass transition temperature, however, resulted in cracking of the ribbons on cooling to room temperature. In order to study the crucial zone melting step in isolation from the encapsulation steps of the continuous process, a constrained-zone melting apparatus has been constructed in which the boron oxide serves only as a sealant to suppress arsenic vaporization. Large grained polycrystalline samples have been produced with this apparatus.
The performance of scanning driver circuits fabricated with self-aligned aluminum gate polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) is demonstrated. After the gate electrode patterning, the fabrication process temperature is kept below 400degC to enable the use of aluminum gate electrodes. The low-temperature crystallization phenomenon, which occurs when protons are implanted simultaneously with boron or phosphorus dopants, is employed to eliminate the 600degC activation-annealing process. A maximum clock frequency of about 2.0 MHz is achieved when the driver operating voltage is 24 V and the TFT channel length is 12 [mu]m. (author).
The performance of scanning driver circuits fabricated with self-aligned aluminum gate polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFT's) is demonstrated. After the gate electrode patterning, the fabrication process temperature is kept below 400degC to enable the use of aluminum gate electrodes. The low-temperature crystallization phenomenon, which occurs when protons are implanted simultaneously with boron or phosphorus dopants, is employed to eliminate the 600degC activation-annealing process. A maximum clock frequency of about 2.0 MHz is achieved when the driver operating voltage is 24 V and the TFT channel length is 12 #mu#m. (author).
Dielectric and thermal characteristics of gel grown single crystals of ytterbium tartrate trihydrate have been carried out. The dielectric constant has been measured as a function of frequency in the range 2?kHz?1?MHz and temperature range 30?300??C. The dielectric constant increases with temperature, attains a peak near 215??C, and then decreases as the temperature exceeds 215??C. The dielectric anomaly at 215??C is suggested to be due to phase transition brought about in the material. The dielectric behaviour of the material is correlated with the results on thermal analysis. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis have been used to study the thermal characteristics of the material. The experimental results show that the material is thermally stable up to 200??C. The decompos...
A galactose-specific seed lectin was purified from the legume Spatholobus parviflorus and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion technique. Thecrystals belonged to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 60.998, b=60.792, c = 78.179-, = 101.32, = 91.38, = 104.32. X-ray diffraction data were collected under cryoconditions (100-K) to a resolution of 2.04- using a MAR image-plate detector system mounted on a rotating-anode X-ray (Cu-K) generator. Molecular replacement using legume-lectin coordinates as a search model gave a tetrameric structure.
In eukaryotes, accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis is coordinated by kinetochores, which are unique chromosomal sites for microtubule attachment. Centromeres specify the kinetochore formation sites on individual chromosomes, and are epigenetically marked by the assembly of nucleosomes containing the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A. Although the underlying mechanism is unclear, centromere inheritance is probably dictated by the architecture of the centromeric nucleosome. Here we report the crystal structure of the human centromeric nucleosome containing CENP-A and its cognate ?-satellite DNA derivative (147 base pairs). In the human CENP-A nucleosome, the DNA is wrapped around the histone octamer, consisting of two each of histones H2A, H2B, H4 and CENP...
Mono-layers of stearic and behenic acids and mixtures of them in different proportions, deposited with the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, were used to study the alignment and the alignment dynamics in nematic liquid crystal cells. A relaxation process from a splay-bend flow induced metastable orientation to the homeotropic one occurs. The lifetime of the metastable state was found to depend on the mono-layer composition. The transition between the homeotropic and the conical anchoring was found to be irreversible in the case of the mixed aligning mono-layers: on cooling from the isotropic phase a quasi-planar nematic state (schlieren texture) appears. It is stable in a range of a few degrees below the clearing point and, on decreasing the temperature, relaxes to the homeotropic state in form of expanding domains.
This work proposes an acoustic structure feasible to engineer that accomplishes the requirements of acoustic cloaking design recently introduced by Cummer and Schurig (2007 New J. Phys. 9 45). The structure, which consists of a multilayered composite made of two types of isotropic acoustic metamaterials, exactly matches the conditions for the acoustic cloaking. It is also shown that the isotropic metamaterials needed can be made of sonic crystals containing two types of material cylinders, whose elastic parameters should be properly chosen in order to satisfy (in the homogenization limit) the acoustic properties under request. In contrast to electromagnetic cloaking, the structure here proposed verifies the acoustic cloaking in a wide range of wavelengths; its performance is guaranteed for any wavelength above a certain cutoff defined by the homogenization limit of the sonic crystal employed in its fabrication.
This work proposes an acoustic structure feasible to engineer that accomplishes the requirements of acoustic cloaking design recently introduced by Cummer and Schurig (2007 New J. Phys. 9 45). The structure, which consists of a multilayered composite made of two types of isotropic acoustic metamaterials, exactly matches the conditions for the acoustic cloaking. It is also shown that the isotropic metamaterials needed can be made of sonic crystals containing two types of material cylinders, whose elastic parameters should be properly chosen in order to satisfy (in the homogenization limit) the acoustic properties under request. In contrast to electromagnetic cloaking, the structure here proposed verifies the acoustic cloaking in a wide range of wavelengths; its performance is guaranteed for any wavelength above a certain cutoff defined by the homogenization limit of the sonic crystal employed in its fabrication.