Self-assembled, rare earth tantalate pyrochlore nanoparticles for superior flux pinning in YBa2Cu3O7-δ films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harrington, S A; Durrell, J H; Wimbush, S C; Kursumovic, A; MacManus-Driscoll, J L; Maiorov, B; Wang, H; Lee, J H

2009-01-01

Addition of pyrochlore rare earth tantalate phases, RE 3 TaO 7 (RTO, where RE = rare earth, Er, Gd and Yb) to YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO) is shown to vastly improve pinning, without being detrimental to the superconducting transition temperature. The closely lattice matched to RTO phase provides a lower interfacial energy with YBCO than BaZrO 3 (BZO) and produces very fine (∼5 nm) particles with high linearity in their self-assembly along c. Critical current densities of 0.86, 0.38 MA cm -2 at 1 and 3 T (for fields) parallel to the c axis were recorded at 77 K in 0.5-1.0 μm thick films and a transition temperature of 92 K was observed even in the highest level doped sample (8 mol%). (rapid communication)

George E. Valley, Jr. Prize Talk: Quantum Frustrated Magnetism and its Expression in the Ground State Selection of Pyrochlore Magnets

Science.gov (United States)

Ross, Kate

In the search for novel quantum states of matter, such as highly entangled Quantum Spin Liquids, ``geometrically frustrated'' magnetic lattices are essential for suppressing conventional magnetic order. In three dimensions, the pyrochlore lattice is the canonical frustrated geometry. Magnetic materials with pyrochlore structures have the potential to realize unusual phases such as ``quantum spin ice'', which is predicted to host emergent magnetic monopoles, electrons, and photons as its fundamental excitations. Even in pyrochlores that form long range ordered phases, this often occurs through unusual routes such as ``order by disorder'', in which the fluctuation spectrum dictates the preferred ordered state. The rare earth-based pyrochlore series R2Ti2O7 provides a fascinating variety of magnetic ground states. I will introduce the general anisotropic interaction Hamiltonian that has been successfully used to describe several materials in this series. Using inelastic neutron scattering, the relevant anisotropic interaction strengths can be extracted quantitatively. I will discuss this approach, and its application to two rare earth pyrochlore materials, Er2Ti2O7 and Yb2Ti<2O7, whose ground state properties have long been enigmatic. From these studies, ErTi2O7 and Yb2Ti2O7 have been suggested to be realizations of "quantum order by disorder" and "quantum spin ice", respectively. This research was supported by NSERC of Canada and the National Science Foundation.

Quantum Spin Ice under a [111] Magnetic Field: From Pyrochlore to Kagome.

Science.gov (United States)

Bojesen, Troels Arnfred; Onoda, Shigeki

2017-12-01

Quantum spin ice, modeled for magnetic rare-earth pyrochlores, has attracted great interest for hosting a U(1) quantum spin liquid, which involves spin-ice monopoles as gapped deconfined spinons, as well as gapless excitations analogous to photons. However, the global phase diagram under a [111] magnetic field remains open. Here we uncover by means of unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations that a supersolid of monopoles, showing both a superfluidity and a partial ionization, intervenes the kagome spin ice and a fully ionized monopole insulator, in contrast to classical spin ice where a direct discontinuous phase transition takes place. We also show that on cooling, kagome spin ice evolves towards a valence-bond solid similar to what appears in the associated kagome lattice model [S. V. Isakov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 147202 (2006)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.97.147202]. Possible relevance to experiments is discussed.

Incorporation of uranium in pyrochlore oxides and pressure-induced phase transitions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, F.X., E-mail: zhangfx@umich.edu [Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (United States); Lang, M.; Tracy, C.; Ewing, R.C. [Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (United States); Gregg, D.J.; Lumpkin, G.R. [Institute of Materials Engineering, ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC 2232, NSW (Australia)

2014-11-15

Uranium-doped gadolinium zirconates with pyrochlore structure were studied at ambient and high-pressure conditions up to 40 GPa. The bonding environment of uranium in the structure was determined by x-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies and x-ray diffraction. The uranium valence for samples prepared in air is mainly U{sup 6+}, but U{sup 4+} is present in pyrochlores fabricated in an argon atmosphere. Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern suggests that uranium ions in pyrochlores are on the 16d site in 6-fold coordination with oxygen. At pressures greater than 22 GPa, the pyrochlore structure transformed to a cotunnite-type phase. The cotunnite high-pressure phase transformed to a defect fluorite structure on the release of pressure. - Graphical abstract: In U-bearing pyrochlore, U ions mainly occupy the 16d site and replace the smaller Zr{sup 4+}, part of the oxygen will occupy the 8b site, which is empty to most pyrochlores. At pressure of 22 GPa, the pyrochlore lattice is not stable and transforms to a cotunnite-type structure. The high-pressure structure is not stable and transform to a fluorite or back to the pyrochlore structure when pressure is released. - Highlights: • We found that U ions mainly occupy the smaller cation site in U-bearing pyrochlore. • Pyrochlore structure is not stable at pressure of more than 20 GPa. • The quenched sample has a pyrochlore or a disordered fluorite structure.

Propagation Velocity of Solid Earth Tides

Science.gov (United States)

Pathak, S.

2017-12-01

One of the significant considerations in most of the geodetic investigations is to take into account the outcome of Solid Earth tides on the location and its consequent impact on the time series of coordinates. In this research work, the propagation velocity resulting from the Solid Earth tides between the Indian stations is computed. Mean daily coordinates for the stations have been computed by applying static precise point positioning technique for a day. The computed coordinates are used as an input for computing the tidal displacements at the stations by Gravity method along three directions at 1-minute interval for 24 hours. Further the baseline distances are computed between four Indian stations. Computation of the propagation velocity for Solid Earth tides can be done by the virtue of study of the concurrent effect of it in-between the stations of identified baseline distance along with the time consumed by the tides for reaching from one station to another. The propagation velocity helps in distinguishing the impact at any station if the consequence at a known station for a specific time-period is known. Thus, with the knowledge of propagation velocity, the spatial and temporal effects of solid earth tides can be estimated with respect to a known station. As theoretically explained, the tides generated are due to the position of celestial bodies rotating about Earth. So the need of study is to observe the correlation of propagation velocity with the rotation speed of the Earth. The propagation velocity of Solid Earth tides comes out to be in the range of 440-470 m/s. This velocity comes out to be in a good agreement with the Earth's rotation speed.

Pyrochlore as nuclear waste form. Actinide uptake and chemical stability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finkeldei, Sarah Charlotte

2015-01-01

Radioactive waste is generated by many different technical and scientific applications. For the past decades, different waste disposal strategies have been considered. Several questions on the waste disposal strategy remain unanswered, particularly regarding the long-term radiotoxicity of minor actinides (Am, Cm, Np), plutonium and uranium. These radionuclides mainly arise from high level nuclear waste (HLW), specific waste streams or dismantled nuclear weapons. Although many countries have opted for the direct disposal of spent fuel, from a scientific and technical point of view it is imperative to pursue alternative waste management strategies. Apart from the vitrification, especially for trivalent actinides and Pu, crystalline ceramic waste forms are considered. In contrast to glasses, crystalline waste forms, which are chemically and physically highly stable, allow the retention of radionuclides on well-defined lattice positions within the crystal structure. Besides polyphase ceramics such as SYNROC, single phase ceramics are considered as tailor made host phases to embed a specific radionuclide or a specific group. Among oxidic single phase ceramics pyrochlores are known to have a high potential for this application. This work examines ZrO 2 based pyrochlores as potential nuclear waste forms, which are known to show a high aqueous stability and a high tolerance towards radiation damage. This work contributes to (1) understand the phase stability field of pyrochlore and consequences of non-stoichiometry which leads to pyrochlores with mixed cationic sites. Mixed cationic occupancies are likely to occur in actinide-bearing pyrochlores. (2) The structural uptake of radionuclides themselves was studied. (3) The chemical stability and the effect of phase transition from pyrochlore to defect fluorite were probed. This phase transition is important, as it is the result of radiation damage in ZrO 2 based pyrochlores. ZrO 2 - Nd 2 O 3 pellets with pyrochlore and defect

Thermodynamic stability of actinide pyrochlore minerals in deep geologic repository environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, YIFENG; Xu, HUIFANG

2000-01-01

Crystalline phases of pyrochlore (e.g., CaPuTi 2 O 7 , CaUTi 2 O 7 ) have been proposed as a durable ceramic waste form for disposal of high level radioactive wastes including surplus weapons-usable plutonium. In this paper, the authors use a linear free energy relationship to predict the Gibbs free energies of formation of pyrochlore phases (CaMTi 2 O 7 ). The Pu-pyrochlore phase is predicted to be stable with respect to PuO 2 , CaTiO 3 , and TiO 2 at room temperatures. Pu-pyrochlore is expected to be stable in a geologic repository where silica and carbonate components are absent or limited. The authors suggest that a repository in a salt formation be an ideal environment for disposal of high level, pyrochlore-based ceramic wastes. In such environment, adding CaO as a backfill will make pyrochlore minerals thermodynamically stable and therefore effectively prevent actinide release from these mineral phases

High-pressure synthesis and characterizations of the R2Pt2O7 pyrochlores.

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Yunqi; Cui, Qi; Cheng, Jinguang; Dun, Zhiling; Zhou, Haidong; Ma, Jie; Cruz, C. Dela; Yan, Jiaqiang; Li, Xiang; Zhou, Jianshi

Pyrochlore R2B2O7 where R3 + stands for rear-earth ion and B4 + for a nonmagnetic cation such as Sn4 +or Ti4 +consist of an important family of geometrically frustrated magnets, which have been the focus of extensive investigations over last decades. To further enlarge the R2B2O7, we have chosen to stabilize the Pt-based cubic pyrochlores under HPHT conditions for two reasons: (1) Pt4 + is in a low-spin state which ionic radius is located in between Ti4 + (0.605\\x85) and Sn4 + (0.69\\x85), and (2) Pt4 + has a spatially much more extended 5d orbitals and thus enhanced Pt 5d-O 2p hybridizations that might modify the local anisotropic exchange interactions. Such an effect has never been taken into account in the previous studies. In this work, we will present the detailed characterizations on the pyrochlores R2Pt2O7 obtained under HPHT conditions. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.11304371, 11574377), part of the work was supported by the CEM, and NSF MRSEC, under Grant DMR-1420451, and Grant No. NSF-DMR-1350002.

Evolution of pyrochlore composition in a carbonatite complex of the Eastern European platform

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nechelyastnov, G.N.; Pozharitskaya, L.K.

1986-01-01

X-ray microanalysis is used to study 29 pyrochlore group mineral samples of the East European platform carbonatite complex. Pyrochlore sequential evolution: frm high in tantalum and uranium, passing uranium poor in tantalum to low in tantalum and uranium and also an increased content of iron, manganese, magnesium and lead, is shown. Calcium, niobium, tantalum non-homogeneous distribution in pyrochlore grains is detected. Peculiarities of pyrochlore group mineral composition reflect the effect of specific geologic-structural position of the East European platform carbonatites high depth of formation and intensive development of deformations) on general evolution for pyrochlore of carbonatite complexes and related to it pyrochlore specific nature, in particular, high uranium and low niobium contents

Pyrochlore as nuclear waste form. Actinide uptake and chemical stability

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Finkeldei, Sarah Charlotte

2015-07-01

Radioactive waste is generated by many different technical and scientific applications. For the past decades, different waste disposal strategies have been considered. Several questions on the waste disposal strategy remain unanswered, particularly regarding the long-term radiotoxicity of minor actinides (Am, Cm, Np), plutonium and uranium. These radionuclides mainly arise from high level nuclear waste (HLW), specific waste streams or dismantled nuclear weapons. Although many countries have opted for the direct disposal of spent fuel, from a scientific and technical point of view it is imperative to pursue alternative waste management strategies. Apart from the vitrification, especially for trivalent actinides and Pu, crystalline ceramic waste forms are considered. In contrast to glasses, crystalline waste forms, which are chemically and physically highly stable, allow the retention of radionuclides on well-defined lattice positions within the crystal structure. Besides polyphase ceramics such as SYNROC, single phase ceramics are considered as tailor made host phases to embed a specific radionuclide or a specific group. Among oxidic single phase ceramics pyrochlores are known to have a high potential for this application. This work examines ZrO{sub 2} based pyrochlores as potential nuclear waste forms, which are known to show a high aqueous stability and a high tolerance towards radiation damage. This work contributes to (1) understand the phase stability field of pyrochlore and consequences of non-stoichiometry which leads to pyrochlores with mixed cationic sites. Mixed cationic occupancies are likely to occur in actinide-bearing pyrochlores. (2) The structural uptake of radionuclides themselves was studied. (3) The chemical stability and the effect of phase transition from pyrochlore to defect fluorite were probed. This phase transition is important, as it is the result of radiation damage in ZrO{sub 2} based pyrochlores. ZrO{sub 2} - Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3} pellets

Pyrochlore-type catalysts for the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels

Science.gov (United States)

Berry, David A [Morgantown, WV; Shekhawat, Dushyant [Morgantown, WV; Haynes, Daniel [Morgantown, WV; Smith, Mark [Morgantown, WV; Spivey, James J [Baton Rouge, LA

2012-03-13

A method of catalytically reforming a reactant gas mixture using a pyrochlore catalyst material comprised of one or more pyrochlores having the composition A.sub.2-w-xA'.sub.wA''.sub.xB.sub.2-y-zB'.sub.yB''.sub.zO.sub.7-.DELTA.. Distribution of catalytically active metals throughout the structure at the B site creates an active and well dispersed metal locked into place in the crystal structure. This greatly reduces the metal sintering that typically occurs on supported catalysts used in reforming reactions, and reduces deactivation by sulfur and carbon. Further, oxygen mobility may also be enhanced by elemental exchange of promoters at sites in the pyrochlore. The pyrochlore catalyst material may be utilized in catalytic reforming reactions for the conversion of hydrocarbon fuels into synthesis gas (H.sub.2+CO) for fuel cells, among other uses.

The XPS study of pyrochlore matrixes for the radioactive waste disposal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Teterin Anton Yu.

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Two pyrochlore ceramic samples were studied in this work. The X-ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscopy showed that the ceramics with the calculated composition CaThSn2O7 was formed by the dominating pyrochlore phase with the traces of thorianite and hematite, while the CaThZr2O7 ceramics - by the dominating pyrochlore phase with the minor admixtures of thorianite and perovskite. The real compositions of pyrochlore phases determined by the scaning electron microscopy are Ca0.88Th0.92Sn2O6.72 and Ca0.84Th0.80Zr2O6.44. On the basis of the X-ray photoelectron spectral parameters of the outer and core electrons in the binding energy range of 0-1250 eV it was found that tin, zirconium and thorium in pyrochlore are at least 93%-94% tetravalent. Sn-O and Zr-O interatomic distances in BO6-octahedrons in the pyrochlore were found to be 0.210 nm and 0.220 nm, respectively, and these octahedrons are possible to be tetragonaly distorted.

Thermal annealing of natural, radiation-damaged pyrochlore

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zietlow, Peter; Beirau, Tobias; Mihailova, Boriana; Groat, Lee A.; Chudy, Thomas; Shelyug, Anna; Navrotsky, Alexandra; Ewing, Rodney C.; Schlüter, Jochen; Škoda, Radek; Bismayer, Ulrich

2017-01-01

Radiation damage in minerals is caused by the α-decay of incorporated radionuclides, such as U and Th and their decay products. The effect of thermal annealing (400–1000 K) on radiation-damaged pyrochlores has been investigated by Raman scattering, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and combined differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSC/TG). The analysis of three natural radiation-damaged pyrochlore samples from Miass/Russia [6.4 wt% Th, 23.1·10

Weyl magnons in pyrochlore antiferromagnets with an all-in-all-out order

Science.gov (United States)

Jian, Shao-Kai; Nie, Wenxing

2018-03-01

We investigate topological magnon band crossings of pyrochlore antiferromagnets with all-in-all-out (AIAO) magnetic order. By general symmetry analysis and spin-wave theory, we show that pyrochlore materials with AIAO orders can host Weyl magnons under external magnetic fields or uniaxial strains. Under a small magnetic field, the magnon bands of the pyrochlore with AIAO background can feature two opposite-charged Weyl points, which is the minimal number of Weyl points realizable in quantum materials, and has not been experimentally observed so far. We further show that breathing pyrochlores with AIAO orders can exhibit Weyl magnons upon uniaxial strains. These findings apply to any pyrochlore material supporting AIAO orders, irrespective of the forms of interactions. Specifically, we show that the Weyl magnons are robust against direct (positive) Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. Because of the ubiquitous AIAO orders in pyrochlore magnets including R2Ir2O7 , and experimentally achievable external strain and magnetic field, our predictions provide a promising arena to witness the Weyl magnons in quantum magnets.

Experimental Insights into Ground-State Selection of Quantum XY Pyrochlores

Science.gov (United States)

Hallas, Alannah M.; Gaudet, Jonathan; Gaulin, Bruce D.

2018-03-01

Extensive experimental investigations of the magnetic structures and excitations in the XY pyrochlores have been carried out over the past decade. Three families of XY pyrochlores have emerged: Yb2B2O7, Er2B2O7, and, most recently, [Formula: see text]Co2F7. In each case, the magnetic cation (either Yb, Er, or Co) exhibits XY anisotropy within the local pyrochlore coordinates, a consequence of crystal field effects. Materials in these families display rich phase behavior and are candidates for exotic ground states, such as quantum spin ice, and exotic ground-state selection via order-by-disorder mechanisms. In this review, we present an experimental summary of the ground-state properties of the XY pyrochlores, including evidence that they are strongly influenced by phase competition. We empirically demonstrate the signatures for phase competition in a frustrated magnet: multiple heat capacity anomalies, suppressed TN or TC, sample- and pressure-dependent ground states, and unconventional spin dynamics.

Properties and recrystallization of radiation damaged pyrochlore and titanite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zietlow, Peter

2016-11-02

Radiation damage in minerals is caused by the alpha-decay of incorporated radionuclides, such as U and Th and their decay products. The effect of thermal annealing (400-1400 K) on radiation-damaged pyrochlores has been investigated by Raman scattering, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and combined differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSC/TG) (Zietlow et al., in print). The analysis of three natural radiation-damaged pyrochlore samples from Miass/Russia (6.4 wt% Th, 23.1.10{sup 18} a-decay events per gram (dpg)), Zlatoust/Russia (6.3 wt% Th, 23.1.10{sup 18} dpg), Panda Hill/Tanzania (1.6 wt% Th, 1.6.10{sup 18} dpg), and Blue River/Canada (10.5 wt% U, 115.4.10{sup 18} dpg), are compared with a crystalline reference pyrochlore from Schelingen (Germany). The type of structural recovery depends on the initial degree of radiation damage (Panda Hill 28 %, Blue River 85 %, Zlatoust and Miass 100 % according to XRD), as the recrystallization temperature increases with increasing degree of amorphization. Raman spectra indicate reordering on the local scale during annealing-induced recrystallization. As Raman modes around 800 cm{sup -1} are sensitive to radiation damage (Vandenborre and Husson 1983, Moll et al. 2011), the degree of local order was deduced from the ratio of the integrated intensities of the sum of the Raman bands between 605 and 680 cm{sup -1} devided by the sum of the integrated intensities of the bands between 810 and 860 cm{sup -1}. The most radiation damaged pyrochlores (Miass and Zlatoust) show an abrupt recovery of both, its short- (Raman) and long-range order (X-ray) between 800 and 850 K. The volume decrease upon recrystallization in Zlatoust pyrochlore was large enough to crack the sample repeatedly. In contrast, the weakly damaged pyrochlore (Panda Hill) begins to recover at considerably lower temperatures (near 500 K), extending over a temperature range of ca. 300 K, up to 800 K (Raman). The pyrochlore from Blue River shows in its

Tunable Magnon Weyl Points in Ferromagnetic Pyrochlores.

Science.gov (United States)

Mook, Alexander; Henk, Jürgen; Mertig, Ingrid

2016-10-07

The dispersion relations of magnons in ferromagnetic pyrochlores with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction are shown to possess Weyl points, i. e., pairs of topologically nontrivial crossings of two magnon branches with opposite topological charge. As a consequence of their topological nature, their projections onto a surface are connected by magnon arcs, thereby resembling closely Fermi arcs of electronic Weyl semimetals. On top of this, the positions of the Weyl points in reciprocal space can be tuned widely by an external magnetic field: rotated within the surface plane, the Weyl points and magnon arcs are rotated as well; tilting the magnetic field out of plane shifts the Weyl points toward the center Γ[over ¯] of the surface Brillouin zone. The theory is valid for the class of ferromagnetic pyrochlores, i. e., three-dimensional extensions of topological magnon insulators on kagome lattices. In this Letter, we focus on the (111) surface, identify candidates of established ferromagnetic pyrochlores which apply to the considered spin model, and suggest experiments for the detection of the topological features.

Strain engineered pyrochlore at high pressure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rittman, Dylan R.; Turner, Katlyn M.; Park, Sulgiye; Fuentes, Antonio F.; Park, Changyong; Ewing, Rodney C.; Mao, Wendy L.

2017-05-22

Strain engineering is a promising method for next-generation materials processing techniques. Here, we use mechanical milling and annealing followed by compression in diamond anvil cell to tailor the intrinsic and extrinsic strain in pyrochlore, Dy₂Ti₂O₇ and Dy₂Zr₂O₇. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray pair distribution function analysis, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize atomic order over short-, medium-, and long-range spatial scales, respectively, under ambient conditions. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were further employed to interrogate the material in situ at high pressure. High-pressure behavior is found to depend on the species and concentration of defects in the sample at ambient conditions. Overall, we show that defects can be engineered to lower the phase transformation onset pressure by ~50% in the ordered pyrochlore Dy₂Zr₂O₇, and lower the phase transformation completion pressure by ~20% in the disordered pyrochlore Dy₂Zr₂O₇. These improvements are achieved without significantly sacrificing mechanical integrity, as characterized by bulk modulus.

Large-scale calculation of ferromagnetic spin systems on the pyrochlore lattice

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soldatov, Konstantin, E-mail: soldatov_ks@students.dvfu.ru [School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok (Russian Federation); Nefedev, Konstantin, E-mail: nefedev.kv@dvfu.ru [School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok (Russian Federation); Institute of Applied Mathematics, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science, Vladivostok (Russian Federation); Komura, Yukihiro [CIJ-solutions, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023 (Japan); Okabe, Yutaka, E-mail: okabe@phys.se.tmu.ac.jp [Department of Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397 (Japan)

2017-02-19

We perform the high-performance computation of the ferromagnetic Ising model on the pyrochlore lattice. We determine the critical temperature accurately based on the finite-size scaling of the Binder ratio. Comparing with the data on the simple cubic lattice, we argue the universal finite-size scaling. We also calculate the classical XY model and the classical Heisenberg model on the pyrochlore lattice. - Highlights: • Calculations of the ferromagnetic models on the pyrochlore lattice were performed. • Precise critical temperatures were determined using Binder ratio finite-size scaling. • The universal finite-size scaling was argued.

Aspects of reduction clorination of pyrochlore concentrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gameiro, D.H.; Brocchi, E.A.

1985-01-01

Reduction chlorination experiments were carried out with two different Brazilian pyrochlore concentrates in order to evaluate the effects of some variables on the extent of niobium pentoxide gaseification as well as to compare the behavior of concentrate under the same chlorination conditions. The pyrochlore concentrates from Araxa (MG) and Catalao (GO), Brazil, were submitted to X ray diffraction and X ray fluorescence analysis for determining their chemical compositions. Kinetic curves were obtained with the main variables being temperature and percentage of reducing agent. Analysis of the condensed material in terms of Nb 2 O 5 indicated that chlorination can be used to produce niobium pentoxide. (Author) [pt

Characterization, Microstructure, and Dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore structural ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang

2013-05-01

The (BMN) bulk materials were sintered at 1050°C, 1100°C, 1150°C, 1200°C by the conventional ceramic process, and their microstructure and dielectric properties were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (including the X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry EDS and high resolution transmission electron microscopy HRTEM) and dielectric impedance analyzer. We systematically investigated the structure, dielectric properties and voltage tunable property of the ceramics prepared at different sintering temperatures. The XRD patterns demonstrated that the synthesized BMN solid solutions had cubic phase pyrochlore-type structure when sintered at 1050°C or higher, and the lattice parameter (a) of the unit cell in BMN solid solution was calculated to be about 10.56Å. The vibrational peaks observed in the Raman spectra of BMN solid solutions also confirmed the cubic phase pyrochlore-type structure of the synthesized BMN. According to the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, the grain size increased with increasing sintering temperature. Additionally, it was shown that the densities of the BMN ceramic tablets vary with sintering temperature. The calculated theoretical density for the BMN ceramic tablets sintered at different temperatures is about 6.7521 . The density of the respective measured tablets is usually amounting more than 91% and 5 approaching a maximum value of 96.5% for sintering temperature of 1150°C. The microstructure was investigated by using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Combined with the results obtained from the STEM and XRD, the impact of sintering temperature on the macroscopic and microscopic structure was discussed. The relative dielectric constant ( ) and dielectric loss ( ) of the BMN solid solutions were measured to be 161-200 and (at room temperature and 100Hz-1MHz), respectively. The BMN solid

Atomic disorder in Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, F. X. [State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004 (China); Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 (United States); Lang, M. [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 (United States); Ewing, R. C. [Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 (United States)

2015-05-11

Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore with different degrees of cation disorder were synthesized by isothermal annealing at various temperatures (1100–1550 °C), and the related changes in the structure were investigated by ambient and high pressure x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Unit cell parameters increase almost linearly with increasing treatment temperature. The degree of cation order in pyrochlore also increases with the increase of temperature, but saturates at ∼60%. The compressibility of the pyrochlore structures decreases when the degree of cation order increases. High pressure XRD measurements also indicate that the phase stability of Gd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} is not very sensitive to the degree of atomic disorder in the pyrochlore structure.

Crystal chemistry of pyrochlore from the Mesozoic Panda Hill carbonatite deposit, western Tanzania

Science.gov (United States)

Boniface, Nelson

2017-02-01

The Mesozoic Panda Hill carbonatite deposit in western Tanzania hosts pyrochlore, an ore and source of niobium. This study was conducted to establish the contents of radioactive elements (uranium and thorium) in pyrochlore along with the concentration of niobium in the ore. The pyrochlore is mainly hosted in sövite and is structurally controlled by NW-SE (SW dipping) or NE-SW (NW dipping) magmatic flow bands with dip angles of between 60° and 90°. Higher concentrations of pyrochlore are associated with magnetite, apatite and/or phlogopite rich flow bands. Electron microprobe analyses on single crystals of pyrochlore yield very low UO2 concentrations that range between 0 and 0.09 wt% (equivalent to 0 atoms per formula unit: a.p.f.u.) and ThO2 between 0.55 and 1.05 wt% (equivalent to 0.1 a.p.f.u.). The analyses reveal high concentrations of Nb2O5 (ranging between 57.13 and 65.50 wt%, equivalent to a.p.f.u. ranging between 1.33 and 1.43) and therefore the Panda Hill Nb-oxide is classified as pyrochlore sensu stricto. These data point to a non radioactive pyrochlore and a deposit rich in Nb at Panda Hill. The Panda Hill pyrochlore has low concentrations of REEs as displayed by La2O3 that range between 0.10 and 0.49 wt% (equivalent to a.p.f.u. ranging between 0 and 0.01) and Ce2O3 ranging between 0.86 and 1.80 wt% (equivalent to a.p.f.u. ranging between 0.02 and 0.03), Pr2O3 concentrations range between 0 and 0.23 wt% (equivalent to 0 a.p.f.u.), and Y2O3 is 0 wt% (equivalent to 0 a.p.f.u.). The abundance of the REEs in pyroclore at the Panda Hill Carbonatite deposit is of no economic significance.

Quantum Magnetism Applied to the Iron-Pnictides and Rare Earth Pyrochlores

Science.gov (United States)

Applegate, Ryan

This dissertation presents computational studies of two families of magnetic materials of significant current interest. The iron pnictides are new high temperature superconductors with interesting parent compound antiferromagnetism. The rare earth pyrochlore material Yb2Ti2O7 is a candidate quantum spin ice. The magnetic and structural phases of individual iron pnictides have both many common features and material specific differences. In an attempt to unify these behaviors as instances of a larger theoretical picture, we use Monte Carlo simulations of a two-dimensional Hamiltonian with coupled Heisenberg-spin and Ising-orbital degrees of freedom. We introduce spin-space and single-ion anisotropies and study the finite temperature transitions in our model. We develop a phase diagram and propose that the interplay of spin and orbital physics in the presence of anisotropy could explain how material details affect the transitions of the pnictide materials. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can study magnetic materials via the hyperfine interaction and the coupling between the nuclear moment and the field produced by the samples local moment environment. Recent measurements suggest that Zn doped BaFe2As2 may have quantum fluctuations about the striped phase that produce a distribution of fields at As nuclear sites. The non-magnetic ion Zn replaces Fe and can be treated as an impurity which can be studied by a zero-temperature Ising Series expansion method. We propose a Heisenberg-like J1a-J 1b-J2 model which has small ferromagnetic exchanges along the b axis and strong antiferromagnetic exchanges along the a axis. In our impurity model we find that the magnetic moments are everywhere reduced by quantum fluctuations, except on the nearest neighbor site in the AFM direction. We suggest that the presented impurity model may provide an explanation for the experimental measurements. Based on a recently proposed quantum spin ice model, we use numerical linked cluster (NLC

Order-disorder phase transformations in quaternary pyrochlore oxide system: Investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopic techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radhakrishnan, A.N.; Prabhakar Rao, P.; Sibi, K.S.; Deepa, M.; Koshy, Peter

2009-01-01

Order-disorder transformations in a quaternary pyrochlore oxide system, Ca-Y-Zr-Ta-O, were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and FT-NIR Raman spectroscopic techniques. The solid solutions in different ratios, 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, of CaTaO 3.5 and YZrO 3.5 were prepared by the conventional high temperature ceramic route. The XRD results and Rietveld analysis revealed that the crystal structure changed from an ordered pyrochlore structure to a disordered defect fluorite structure as the ratios of the solid solutions of CaTaO 3.5 and YZrO 3.5 were changed from 4:1 to 1:4. This structural transformation in the present system is attributed to the lowering of the average cation radius ratio, r A /r B as a result of progressive and simultaneous substitution of larger cation Ca 2+ for Y 3+ at A sites and smaller cation Ta 5+ for Zr 4+ at B sites. Raman spectroscopy and TEM analysis corroborated the XRD results. - Graphical abstract: Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns showed highly ordered diffraction maxima with characteristic superlattice weak diffraction spots of the pyrochlore structure for (a) Ca 0.6 7Y 1.33 Zr 1.33 Ta 0.33 O 7 (C2YZT2) and bright diffraction maxima arranged in a ring pattern of the fluorite structure for (b) Ca 0.29 7Y 1.71 Zr 1.71 Ta 0.29 O 7 (CY6Z6T).

Weyl magnons in breathing pyrochlore antiferromagnets

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Fei-Ye; Li, Yao-Dong; Kim, Yong Baek; Balents, Leon; Yu, Yue; Chen, Gang

2016-01-01

Frustrated quantum magnets not only provide exotic ground states and unusual magnetic structures, but also support unconventional excitations in many cases. Using a physically relevant spin model for a breathing pyrochlore lattice, we discuss the presence of topological linear band crossings of magnons in antiferromagnets. These are the analogues of Weyl fermions in electronic systems, which we dub Weyl magnons. The bulk Weyl magnon implies the presence of chiral magnon surface states forming arcs at finite energy. We argue that such antiferromagnets present a unique example, in which Weyl points can be manipulated in situ in the laboratory by applied fields. We discuss their appearance specifically in the breathing pyrochlore lattice, and give some general discussion of conditions to find Weyl magnons, and how they may be probed experimentally. Our work may inspire a re-examination of the magnetic excitations in many magnetically ordered systems. PMID:27650053

Structural disorder and transport in ternary oxides with the pyrochlore structure. Final report; FINAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tuller, Harry L.

2001-01-01

This research program has focused on the structure-electrical property relations in families of pyrochlore compounds which exhibit, on the one hand, controlled levels of structural disorder and on the other, controlled levels of ionic and electronic conductivities. Models have been developed to evaluate the often complex defect chemistry of these systems. Much progress has been made in extracting key thermodynamic and kinetic data. From a technological standpoint, novel solid electrolytes and compatible mixed conducting electrodes have been identified and the concept of the single phase monolithic fuel cell design has been demonstrated and patented. Related work on lanthanum gallate-based perovskites has shown even more promising results for use of such materials in the monolithic fuel cell structures. Recent work on the Bi(sub 3)Zn(sub 2)Sb(sub 3)O(sub 14) Pyrochlore, a phase found at grain boundaries in varistors, was also completed. This material was found to be a mixed ionic-electronic conductor with interesting implications for grain boundary equilibration kinetics in SnO-base varistor materials. Three of the most recent projects are summarized in this paper. The results of work on the perovskites are reported in recent publications

Investigation of annealed and metamict pyrochlore minerals by x-ray absorption spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greegor, R.B.; Lytle, F.W.; Ewing, R.C.; Chakoumakos, B.C.; Lumpkin, G.R.

1984-01-01

Materials of the pyrochlore structure type exhibit a variety of interesting properties including phases capable of acting as hosts for actinides in radioactive wastes. Studies of curium doped gadolinium titanate phases (Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 ) have been made which showed that the radiation damage ingrowth followed an exponential relationship. For the study reported here a series of synthetic pyrochlores were produced having the titanate phase with the general formula (RE) 2 Ti 2 O 7 , RE = Er, Y 2 , Gd 2 , Dy, La. Additionally a set of metamict (radiation damaged) pyrochlores was examined in both a natural and post temperature annealed state. Experiments were conducted on these samples using the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) techniques. In summary, these studies show that in pyrochlore structure types the Ti-O cage undergoes changes due to radiation damage. The individual Ti-O bonds become more disordered which leads to a loss of short and long range order and, ultimately, to expansion of the bulk material. 2 refs., 2 figs

Defect structure of cubic solid solutions of alkaline earth and rare earth fluorides

NARCIS (Netherlands)

DenHartog, HW

1996-01-01

In this paper we will consider the disorder in some cubic solid solutions consisting of one of the alkaline earth fluorides and one of the rare earth fluorides. This is an attractive group of model materials, because these materials have a rather simple overall cubic structure. We will discuss the

Lanthanide stannate pyrochlores (Ln2Sn2O7; Ln = Nd, Gd, Er) at high pressure.

Science.gov (United States)

Turner, Katlyn M; Tracy, Cameron L; Mao, Wendy L; Ewing, Rodney C

2017-11-09

Lanthanide stannate pyrochlores (Ln2Sn2O7; Ln=Nd, Gd, and Er) were investigated in situ to 50 GPa in order to determine their structural response to compression and compare it to that of lanthanide titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlores. The cation radius ratio of A3+/B4+ in pyrochlore oxides (A2B2O7) is thought to be the dominant property that influences their compression response. The ionic radius of Sn4+ is intermediate to that of Ti4+, Zr4+, and Hf4+, but the bond in stannate pyrochlore is more covalent than the bonds in titanates, zirconate, and hafnates. In stannates, the pyrochlore cation and anion sublattices begin to disorder at 0.3 GPa. The extent of sublattice disorder vs. pressure is greater in stannates with a smaller Ln3+ cation. Stannate pyrochlores (Fd-3m) begin a sluggish transformation to a cotunnite-like structure (Pnma) at ~28 GPa; similar transitions have been observed in titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlore at varying pressures with cation radius ratio. The extent of the phase transition vs. pressure varies directly with the size of the Ln3+ cation. Post-decompression from ~50 GPa, Er2Sn2O7 and Gd2Sn2O7 adopt a pyrochlore structure, rather than the multiscale defect-fluorite + weberite structure adopted by Nd2Sn2O7 that is characteristic of titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlore treated to similar conditions. Like pyrochlore titanates, zirconates, and hafnates, the bulk modulus, B0, of stannates varies linearly and inversely with cation radius ratio. The trends of bulk moduli in stannates in this study are in excellent agreement with previous experimental studies on stannates, and suggest that the size of the Ln3+ cation is a primary determining factor of B0. Additionally, when normalized to rA/rB, the bulk moduli of stannates are comparable to those of zirconates and hafnates, which vary from titanates. Our results suggest that the cation radius ratio strongly influences the bulk moduli of stannates as well as

Synthesis and characterization of bismuth zinc niobate pyrochlore nanopowders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sonia Maria Zanetti

2007-09-01

Full Text Available Bismuth zinc niobate pyrochlores Bi1.5ZnNb1.5O7 (alpha-BZN, and Bi2(Zn1/3Nb2/32O 7 (beta-BZN have been synthesized by chemical method based on the polymeric precursors. The pyrochlore phase was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and X ray diffraction. Powder and sintered pellets morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The study of alpha-BZN phase formation reveals that, at 500 °C, the pyrochlore phase was already present while a single-phased nanopowder was obtained after calcination at 700 °C. The crystallization mechanism of the beta-BZN is quite different, occurring through the crystallization of alpha-BZN and BiNbO4 intermediary phases. Both compositions yielded soft agglomerated powders. alpha-BZN pellets, sintered at 800 °C for 2 hours, presented a relative density of 97.3% while those of beta-BZN, sintered at 900 °C for 2 hours, reached only 91.8%. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss, measured at 1 MHz, were 150 and 4 x/10-4 for a-BZN, and 97 and 8 x 10-4 for beta-BZN.

Geomagnetism solid Earth and upper atmosphere perspectives

CERN Document Server

Basavaiah, Nathani

2011-01-01

This volume elaborates several important aspects of solid Earth geomagnetism. It covers all the basics of the subject, including biomagnetism and instrumentation, and offers a number of practical applications with carefully selected examples and illustrations.

Structural determination of new solid solutions [Y2-x Mx ][Sn2-x Mx ]O7-3x/2 (M = Mg or Zn by Rietveld method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamed Douma

2010-12-01

Full Text Available New [Y2-x Mx][Sn2-x Mx]O7-3x/2 (0 ≤x≤ 0.30 for M = Mg and 0 ≤x≤ 0.36 for M = Zn solid solutions with the pyrochlore structure were synthesized via high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD patterns and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR spectra showed that these materials are new non-stoichiometric solid solutions with the pyrochlore type structure. The structural parameters for the solids obtained were successfully determined by Rietveld refinement based on the analysis of the PXRD diagrams. Lattice parameter (a of these solid solutions decreases when x increases in both series. All samples obtained have the pyrochlore structure Fd-3m, no. 227 (origin at center -3m with M2+ (M = Mg2+ or Zn2+ cations in Y3+ and Sn4+ sites, thus creating vacancies in the anionic sublattice.

Low temperature spin dynamics and high pressure effects in frustrated pyrochlores

Science.gov (United States)

Mirebeau, Isabelle

2008-03-01

Frustrated pyrochlores R2M2O7, where R^3+ is a rare earth and M^4+ a transition or sp metal ion, show a large variety of exotic magnetic states due to the geometrical frustration of the pyrochlore lattice, consisting of corner sharing tetrahedra for both R and M ions. Neutron scattering allows one to measure their magnetic ground state as well as the spin fluctuations, in a microscopic way. An applied pressure may change the subtle energy balance between magnetic interactions, inducing new magnetic states. In this talk, I will review recent neutron results on Terbium pyrochlores, investigated by high pressure neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering. Tb2M2O7 pyrochlores show respectively a spin liquid state for M=Ti [1], an ordered spin ice state for M= Sn [2], and a spin glass state with chemical order for M=Mo [3]. In Tb2Ti2O7 spin liquid, where only Tb^3+ ions are magnetic, an applied pressure induces long range antiferromagnetic order due to a small distortion of the lattice and magneto elastic coupling [4]. In Tb2Sn2O7, the substitution of Ti^4+ by the bigger Sn^4+ ion expands the lattice, inducing a long range ordered ferromagnetic state, with the local structure of a spin ice [2] and unconventional spin fluctuations [2,5]. The local ground state and excited crystal field states of the Tb^3+ ion were recently investigated by inelastic neutron scattering in both compounds [6]. Tb2Mo2O7, where Mo^4+ ions are also magnetic, shows an even more rich behaviour, due to the complex interaction between frustrated Tb and Mo lattices, having respectively localized and itinerant magnetism. In Tb2Mo2O7 spin glass, the lattice expansion induced by Tb/La substitution yields an ordered ferromagnetic state, which transforms back to spin glass under applied pressure [7]. New data about the spin fluctuations in these compounds, as measured by inelastic neutron scattering, will be presented. The talk will be dedicated to the memory of Igor Goncharenko, a renowned

Plan for Living on a Restless Planet Sets NASA's Solid Earth Agenda

Science.gov (United States)

Solomon, Sean C.; Baker, Victor R.; Bloxham, Jeremy; Booth, Jeffrey; Donnellan, Andrea; Elachi, Charles; Evans, Diane; Rignot, Eric; Burbank, Douglas; Chao, Benjamin F.; Chave, Alan; Gillespie, Alan; Herring, Thomas; Jeanloz, Raymond; LaBrecque, John; Minster, Bernard; Pittman, Walter C., III; Simons, Mark; Turcotte, Donald L.; Zoback, Mary Lou C.

What are the most important challenges facing solid Earth science today and over the next two decades? And what is the best approach for NASA, in partnership with other agencies, to address those challenges? A new report, Living on a Restless Planet, provides a blueprint for answering these questions. The top priority for a new spacecraft mission in the area of solid Earth science over the next 5 years, according to this report, is a satellite dedicated to Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). At the request of NASA, the Solid Earth Science Working Group (SESWG) developed a strategy for the highest priority objectives in solid Earth science for the space agency over the next 25 years. The strategy addresses six challenges that are of fundamental scientific importance, have strong implications for society, and are amenable to substantial progress through a concerted series of scientific observations from space.

A spin-frustrated cobalt(II) carbonate pyrochlore network.

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Yanzhen; Ellern, Arkady; Kögerler, Paul

2011-11-01

The crystal structure of the cobalt(II) carbonate-based compound cobalt(II) dicarbonate trisodium chloride, Co(CO(3))(2)Na(3)Cl, grown from a water-ethanol mixture, exhibits a three-dimensional network of corner-sharing {Co(4)(μ(3)-CO(3))(4)} tetrahedral building blocks, in which the Co(II) centres define a pyrochlore lattice and reside in a slightly distorted octahedral Co(O-CO(2))(6) environment. The space outside the hexagonal framework defined by these interlinked groups is occupied by Na(+) and Cl(-) ions. Antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Co(II) centres, mediated by carbonate bridges, results in geometric spin frustration which is typical for pyrochlore networks. The Co and Cl atoms reside on the special position 3, one Na atom on position 2 and a carbonate C atom on position 3.

Yttrium bismuth titanate pyrochlore mixed oxides for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Merka, Oliver

2012-10-18

In this work, the sol-gel synthesis of new non-stoichiometric pyrochlore titanates and their application in photocatalytic hydrogen production is reported. Visible light response is achieved by introducing bismuth on the A site or by doping the B site by transition metal cations featuring partially filled d orbitals. This work clearly focusses on atomic scale structural changes induced by the systematical introduction of non-stoichiometry in pyrochlore mixed oxides and the resulting influence on the activity in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The materials were characterized in detail regarding their optical properties and their atomic structure. The pyrochlore structure tolerates tremendous stoichiometry variations. The non-stoichiometry in A{sub 2}O{sub 3} rich compositions is compensated by distortions in the cationic sub-lattice for the smaller Y{sup 3+} cation and by evolution of a secondary phase for the larger Bi{sup 3+} cation on the A site. For TiO{sub 2} rich compositions, the non-stoichiometry leads to a special vacancy formation in the A and optionally O' sites. It is shown that pyrochlore mixed oxides in the yttrium bismuth titanate system represent very active and promising materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production, if precisely and carefully tuned. Whereas Y{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} yields stable hydrogen production rates over time, the bismuth richer compounds of YBiTi{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Bi{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} are found to be not stable under irradiation. This drawback is overcome by applying a special co-catalyst system consisting of a precious metal core and a Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} shell on the photocatalysts.

Soft modes in the easy plane pyrochlore antiferromagnet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Champion, J D M; Holdsworth, P C W

2004-01-01

Thermal fluctuations lift the high ground state degeneracy of the classical nearest neighbour pyrochlore antiferromagnet, with easy plane anisotropy, giving a first-order phase transition to a long range ordered state. We show, from spin wave analysis and numerical simulation, that even below this transition a continuous manifold of states, of dimension N 2/3 , exist (N is the number of degrees of freedom). As the temperature goes to zero a further 'order by disorder' selection is made from this manifold. The pyrochlore antiferromagnet Er 2 Ti 2 O 7 is believed to have an easy plane anisotropy and is reported to have the same magnetic structure. This is perhaps surprising, given that the dipole interaction lifts the degeneracy of the classical model in favour of a different structure. We interpret our results in the light of these facts

Structural and photoluminescence properties of stannate based displaced pyrochlore-type red phosphors: Ca(3-x)Sn₃Nb₂O₁₄:xEu³⁺.

Science.gov (United States)

Sreena, T S; Prabhakar Rao, P; Francis, T Linda; Raj, Athira K V; Babu, Parvathi S

2015-05-14

New stannate based displaced pyrochlore-type red phosphors, Ca(3-x)Sn3Nb2O14:xEu(3+), were prepared via a conventional solid state method. The influence of partial occupancy of Sn in both A and B sites of the pyrochlore-type oxides on the photoluminescence properties was studied using powder X-ray diffraction, FT-Raman, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra with lifetime measurements. The structural analysis establishes that these oxides belong to a cubic displaced pyrochlore type structure with a space group Fd3̄m. These phosphors exhibit strong absorptions at near UV and blue wavelength regions and emit intense multiband emissions due to Eu(3+ 5)D0-(7)F(0, 1, 2) transitions. The absence of characteristic MD transition splitting points out that local cation disorder exists in this type of displaced pyrochlores, reducing the D(3d) inversion symmetry, which is not evidenced by such disorder in the X-ray diffraction analysis. The unusual forbidden intense sharp (5)D0-(7)F0 transition indicates single site occupancy of Eu(3+) with a narrower range of bonding environment, preventing the cluster formation. This is supported by the stable (5)D0 lifetime with Eu(3+) concentration. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter assessment corroborates these results. The CIE color coordinates of these phosphors were found to be (0.60, 0.40), which are close to the NTSC standard values (0.67, 0.33) for a potential red phosphor.

Atomic-scale microstructures, Raman spectra and dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 dielectric ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang

2014-07-01

Single-phase cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) dielectric ceramics were synthesized at temperatures of 1050-1200 °C by solid-state reaction method. Their atomic-scale microstructures and dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the BMN ceramics had an average cubic pyrochlore structure, whereas the Raman spectra indicated that they had an essentially cubic symmetry with small local deviations at the A and O\\' sites of the cubic pyrochlore structure. This was confirmed by selected electron area diffraction (SAED) patterns, where the reflections of {442} (not allowed in the cubic pyrochlore with Fd3̄m symmetry) were clearly observed. SEM and TEM images revealed that the average grain size was increased with the sintering temperature, and an un-homogeneous grain growth was observed at high temperatures. HRTEM images and SAED patterns revealed the single-crystalline nature of the BMN ceramic grains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping studies indicated that the compositional distributions of Bi, Mg, Nb and O elements in the ceramic grains were homogenous, and no elemental precipitation was observed at the grain boundary. Quantitative EDS data on ceramic grains revealed the expected cationic stoichiometry based on the initial composition of Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7. Dielectric constants of all the BMN samples exhibited almost frequency independent characteristic in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz, and the highest value was 195 for the BMN ceramics sintered at sintered at 1150 °C with the highest bulk density. The dielectric losses were stable and less than 0.002 in the frequency range of 102-105 Hz. The high dielectric constants of the present BMN samples can be ascribed to the local atomic deviations at the A and O\\' sites from the ideal atomic positions of the pyrochlore structure, which affect the different polarization mechanisms in the BMN ceramics, and which in turn enhance the dielectric

Atomic-scale microstructures, Raman spectra and dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 dielectric ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang; Zhu, Xinhua; Al-Kassab, Talaat

2014-01-01

Single-phase cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) dielectric ceramics were synthesized at temperatures of 1050-1200 °C by solid-state reaction method. Their atomic-scale microstructures and dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the BMN ceramics had an average cubic pyrochlore structure, whereas the Raman spectra indicated that they had an essentially cubic symmetry with small local deviations at the A and O' sites of the cubic pyrochlore structure. This was confirmed by selected electron area diffraction (SAED) patterns, where the reflections of {442} (not allowed in the cubic pyrochlore with Fd3̄m symmetry) were clearly observed. SEM and TEM images revealed that the average grain size was increased with the sintering temperature, and an un-homogeneous grain growth was observed at high temperatures. HRTEM images and SAED patterns revealed the single-crystalline nature of the BMN ceramic grains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping studies indicated that the compositional distributions of Bi, Mg, Nb and O elements in the ceramic grains were homogenous, and no elemental precipitation was observed at the grain boundary. Quantitative EDS data on ceramic grains revealed the expected cationic stoichiometry based on the initial composition of Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7. Dielectric constants of all the BMN samples exhibited almost frequency independent characteristic in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz, and the highest value was 195 for the BMN ceramics sintered at sintered at 1150 °C with the highest bulk density. The dielectric losses were stable and less than 0.002 in the frequency range of 102-105 Hz. The high dielectric constants of the present BMN samples can be ascribed to the local atomic deviations at the A and O' sites from the ideal atomic positions of the pyrochlore structure, which affect the different polarization mechanisms in the BMN ceramics, and which in turn enhance the dielectric constants of

Lanthanide ions doped Y2Sn2O7 nano-particles: low temperature synthesis and photoluminescence study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nigam, Sandeep; Sudarsan, V.; Vatsa, R.K.

2008-01-01

During the past decade, pyrochlore-type oxides (A 2 B 2 O 7 ) have emerged as important host matrices for lanthanide doped luminescent materials due to their higher thermal stability. Up to now, conventional solid-state reaction is the most commonly used synthetic method for preparation, of rare-earth pyrochlore oxides. This synthesis route employs a solid-state reaction of metal-oxide with appropriate rare-earth oxides at high temperature (>1200 deg C) for a long time (several days). However, in present work, Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles co-doped with lanthanide ions Tb 3+ and Ce 3+ were prepared based on the urea hydrolysis of Y 3+ , Sn 4+ , and Ln 3+ in ethylene glycol medium at 150 deg C followed by heating at 500, 700 and 900 deg C

Ion-Exchange Reaction Of A-Site In A2Ta2O6 Pyrochlore Crystal Structure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Matsunami M.

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Na+ or K+ ion rechargeable battery is started to garner attention recently in Place of Li+ ion cell. It is important that A+ site ion can move in and out the positive-electrode materials. When K2Ta2O6 powder had a pyrochlore structure was only dipped into NaOH aqueous solution at room temperature, Na2Ta2O6 was obtained. K2Ta2O6 was fabricated from a tantalum sheet by a hydrothermal synthesize with KOH aqueous solution. When Na2Ta2O6 was dipped into KOH aqueous solution, K2Ta2O6 was obtained again. If KTaO3 had a perovskite structure was dipped, Ion-exchange was not observed by XRD. Because a lattice constant of pyrochlore structure of K-Ta-O system is bigger than perovskite, K+ or Na+ ion could shinny through and exchange between Ta5+ and O2− ion site in a pyrochlore structure. K+ or Na+ ion exchange of A2Ta2O6 pyrochlore had reversibility. Therefore, A2Ta2O6 had a pyrochlore structure can be expected such as Na+ ion rechargeable battery element.

Emergence of magnetic order in ultra-thin pyrochlore iridate films

Science.gov (United States)

Cheema, Suraj; Serrao, Claudy; Mundy, Julia; Patankar, Shreyas; Birgeneau, Robert; Orenstein, Joseph; Salahuddin, Sayeef; Ramesh, Ramamoorthy

We report on thickness-dependent magnetotransport in (111) - oriented Pb2Ir2O7-x (Pb227) epitaxial thin films. For thicknesses greater than 4 nm, the magnetoresistance (MR) of metallic Pb227 is positive, linear and non-saturated up to 14 T. Meanwhile at 4 nm, the conduction turns nonmetallic and the MR becomes negative and asymmetric upon field-cooling; such traits are reminiscent of all-in-all-out (AIAO) magnetic order in the insulating pyrochlore iridates. Hysteretic low-field MR dips and trained-untrained resistivity bifurcations suggest the presence of magnetic conducting domain walls within the chiral AIAO spin structure. Beyond just AIAO order, angular-dependent MR indicates a magnetic phase space hosting 2-in-2-out (2I2O) spin ice order. Such anomalous magnetotransport calls for re-evaluation of the pyrochlore iridate phase diagram, as epitaxially strained Pb227 exhibits traits reminiscent of both the insulating magnetic and metallic spin-liquid members. Furthermore, these results open avenues for realizing topological phase predictions in (111) - oriented pyrochlore slabs of kagome-triangular iridate heterostructures. This work is supported by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences of the US Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

Speciation of uranium in La{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore by TRPLS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohapatra, M.; Rajeswari, B.; Hon, N. S.; Kadam, R. M., E-mail: rmkadam@barc.gov.in; Natarajan, V. [Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400085 (India)

2015-06-24

We discuss the speciation of uranium in lanthanum zirconate (La{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} =LZO) pyrochlore ceramic prepared via a gel-combustion route. Uranium concentration in the pyrochlore was optimized to 2 mol%. XRD and SEM experiments were carried out to assess the phase and homogeneity of the prepared samples. Time resolved photoluminescence (TRPLS) investigations were carried out for understanding the species stabilized in the pyrochlore host. It was observed that, uranium exists as uranate ion (UO{sub 6}{sup 6−}) in the zirconate host where it replaces the ‘Zr’ ions at its regular site with surrounding defect centers created for charge compensation.

Synthesis and electrical properties of the pyrochlore-type Gd2-yLayZr2O7 solid solution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

León, C.

2008-06-01

Full Text Available Different compositions in the pyrochlore-type Gd2-yLayZr2O7 solid solution (0 ≤ y ≤ 1 were prepared at room-temperature by mechanically milling stoichiometric mixtures of the corresponding oxides. Irrespective of their lanthanum content, as-prepared powder samples consist of single-phase anion deficient fluorite materials, although long-range ordering of cations and anion vacancies characteristic of pyrochlores was observed in all cases after firing the samples at 1500°C. Interestingly, activation energy for oxygen migration in the series decreases as La-content increases, from 1.13 eV for Gd2Zr2O7 to 0.81 eV for GdLaZr2O7, whereas ionic conductivity was found to be almost La-content independent, at least for y ≤ 0.8 at T = 500°C and y ≤ 0.4 at T = 800°C. These results are explained in terms of weaker ion-ion interactions in better ordered structures (i.e., as La-content increases and highlight the importance of structural ordering/disordering in determining the dynamics of mobile oxygen ions.Partiendo de mezclas estequiométricas de los óxidos correspondientes, se prepararon por molienda mecánica y a temperatura ambiente diferentes composiciones en la solución sólida Gd2-yLayZr2O7 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1 con estructura de tipo pirocloro y conductora de iones oxígeno. Independientemente del contenido de lantano, los polvos extraídos del molino presentaron difractogramas similares al de una fluorita no estequiométrica aunque en todos los casos, el tratamiento térmico a 1500°C indujo la aparición del ordenamiento de largo alcance de cationes y vacancias aniónicas característico de pirocloros. La energía de activación para el proceso de migración de iones oxígeno en la serie disminuye a medida que se incrementa el contenido de lantano, desde 1.13 eV de Gd2Zr2O7 hasta 0.81 eV de GdLaZr2O7, mientras que la conductividad resultó ser prácticamente independiente del mismo hasta y ≤ 0.8 para T = 500°C e y ≤ 0.4 para T = 800�

Density Functional Theory Study of Leaching Performance of Different Acids on Pyrochlore (100) Surface

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiuli; Fang, Qing; Ouyang, Hui

2018-06-01

Pyrochlore leaching using hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids has been studied via experimental methods for years, but the interactions between niobium atoms on the pyrochlore surface and different acids have not been investigated. In this work, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to elucidate the leaching performance of these three acids from the viewpoint of geometrical and electronic structures. The calculation results indicate that sulfate, chloride, and fluoride anions influence the geometric structure of pyrochlore (100) to different extents, decreasing in the order: sulfate, fluoride, chloride. Orbitals of O1 and O2 atoms of sulfate hybridized with those of surface niobium atom. Fluorine orbitals hybridized with those of surface niobium atoms. However, no obvious overlap exists between any orbitals of chlorine and surface niobium, revealing that chlorine does not interact chemically with surface niobium atoms.

The effects of the solid inner core and nonhydrostatic structure on the earth's forced nutations and earth tides

Science.gov (United States)

De Vries, Dan; Wahr, John M.

1991-01-01

This paper computes the effects of the solid inner core (IC) on the forced nutations and earth tides, and on certain of the earth's rotational normal modes. The theoretical results are extended to include the effects of a solid IC and of nonhydrostatic structure. The presence of the IC is responsible for a new, almost diurnal, prograde normal mode which involves a relative rotation between the IC and fluid outer core about an equatorial axis. It is shown that the small size of the IC's effects on both nutations and tides is a consequence of the fact that the IC's moments of inertia are less than 1/1000 of the entire earth's.

Synthesis, magnetic properties and Moessbauer spectroscopy for the pyrochlore family Bi{sub 2}BB Prime O{sub 7} with B=Cr and Fe and B Prime =Nb, Ta and Sb

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blanco, Maria C. [INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Fisicoquimica, Fac. de Ciencias Quimicas, U.N.C., Cordoba (X5000HUA) (Argentina); Franco, Diego G. [INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Fisicoquimica, Fac. de Ciencias Quimicas, U.N.C., Cordoba (X5000HUA) (Argentina); Centro Atomico Bariloche - CNEA, Av. E. Bustillo 9500, S.C. de Bariloche (8500), R.N. (Argentina); Jalit, Yamile; Pannunzio Miner, Elisa V. [INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Fisicoquimica, Fac. de Ciencias Quimicas, U.N.C., Cordoba (X5000HUA) (Argentina); Berndt, Graciele; Paesano, Andrea [Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Parana (Brazil); Nieva, Gladys [Centro Atomico Bariloche - CNEA, Av. E. Bustillo 9500, S.C. de Bariloche (8500), R.N. (Argentina); Carbonio, Raul E., E-mail: carbonio@mail.fcq.unc.edu.ar [INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Fisicoquimica, Fac. de Ciencias Quimicas, U.N.C., Cordoba (X5000HUA) (Argentina)

2012-08-15

The samples Bi{sub 2}BB Prime O{sub 7}, with B=Cr and Fe and B Prime =Nb, Ta and Sb were prepared by solid state method. The crystallographic structure was investigated on the basis of X-ray powder diffraction data. Rietveld refinements show that the crystal structure is cubic, space group Fd-3m. The Bi{sup 3+} cation on the eight-coordinate pyrochlore A-site shows displacive disorder, as a consequence of its lone pair electron configuration. There is also a considerable A-site disorder shown by Rietveld Analysis and confirmed in the case of the iron containing samples with Moessbauer spectroscopy. The magnetic measurements show paramagnetic behavior at all temperatures for the Cr oxides. The Fe pyrochlores show antiferromagnetic order around 10 K.

Structural properties of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore Tb2Ti2O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Han, Sang-Wook; Gardner, Jason S.; Booth, Corwin H.

2004-01-01

Although materials that exhibit nearest-neighbor-only antiferromagnetic interactions and geometrical frustration theoretically should not magnetically order in the absence of disorder, few such systems have been observed experimentally. One such system appears to be the pyrochlore Tb 2 Ti 2 O 7 . However, previous structural studies indicated that Tb 2 Ti 2 O 7 is an imperfect pyrochlore. To clarify the situation, we performed neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements on samples that were prepared identically to those that show no magnetic order. The NPD measurements show that the long-range structure of Tb 2 Ti 2 O 7 is well ordered with no structural transitions between 4.5 and 600 K. In particular, mean-squared displacements (u 2 's) for each site follow a Debye model with no offsets. No evidence for Tb/Ti site interchange was observed within an upper limit of 2%. Likewise, no excess or deficiency in the oxygen stoichiometry was observed, within an upper limit of 2% of the nominal pyrochlore value. Tb L III and Ti K-edge XAFS measurements from 20-300 K similarly indicate a well-ordered local structure. Other aspects of the structure are considered. We conclude that Tb 2 Ti 2 O 7 has, within experimental error, an ideal, disorder-free pyrochlore lattice, thereby allowing the system to remain in a dynamic, frustrated spin state to the lowest observed temperatures

Lanthanide stannate pyrochlores (Ln2Sn2O7; Ln  =  Nd, Gd, Er) at high pressure

Science.gov (United States)

Turner, Katlyn M.; Tracy, Cameron L.; Mao, Wendy L.; Ewing, Rodney C.

2017-12-01

Lanthanide stannate pyrochlores (Ln2Sn2O7; Ln  =  Nd, Gd, and Er) were investigated in situ to 50 GPa in order to determine their structural response to compression and compare their response to that of lanthanide titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlores. The cation radius ratio of A3+/B4+ in pyrochlore oxides (A2B2O7) is thought to be the dominant feature that influences their response on compression. The ionic radius of Sn4+ is intermediate to that of Ti4+, Zr4+, and Hf4+, but the 〈Sn-O〉 bond in stannate pyrochlore is more covalent than the 〈B-O〉 bonds in titanates, zirconate, and hafnates. In stannates, based on in situ Raman spectroscopy, pyrochlore cation and anion sublattices begin to disorder with the onset of compression, first measured at 0.3 GPa. The extent of sublattice disorder versus pressure is greater in stannates with a smaller Ln3+ cation. Stannate pyrochlores (Fd-3m) begin a sluggish transformation to an orthorhombic, cotunnite-like structure at ~28 GPa similar transitions have been observed in titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlores at varying pressures (18-40 GPa) with cation radius ratio. The extent of the phase transition versus pressure varies directly with the size of the Ln3+ cation. Post-decompression from ~50 GPa, Er2Sn2O7 and Gd2Sn2O7 adopt a pyrochlore structure, rather than the multi-scale defect-fluorite  +  weberite-type structure adopted by Nd2Sn2O7 that is characteristic of titanate, zirconate, and hafnate pyrochlores under similar conditions. Like pyrochlore titanates, zirconates, and hafnates, the bulk modulus, B 0, of stannates varies linearly and inversely with cation radius ratio from 1 1 1 GPa (Nd2Sn2O7) to 251 GPa (Er2Sn2O7). The trends of bulk moduli in stannates in this study are in excellent agreement with previous experimental studies on stannates and suggest that the size of the Ln3+ cation is the primary determining factor of B 0. Additionally, when normalized to r A

Conductivity and hydration trends in disordered fluorite and pyrochlore oxides: A study on lanthanum cerate–zirconate based compounds

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Besikiotis, Vasileios; Ricote, Sandrine; Jensen, Molly Hjorth

2012-01-01

In the present contribution we discuss the influence of order/disorder on the concentration and mobility of ionic charge carriers in undoped and acceptor (calcium) doped fluorite and pyrochlore structured lanthanum cerate–zirconate solid solutions: (La1−yCay)2(Ce1−xZrx)2O7−δ (y=0, 0.02, 0.10; x=0...... enthalpy becomes more exothermic with higher cerium content, i.e. with more disordered materials. The proton conductivity decreases upon acceptor substitution of La3+ with Ca2+ which is attributed to trapping of the charge carriers by the effectively negative acceptor....

Stability of the Weyl-semimetal phase on the pyrochlore lattice

Science.gov (United States)

Berke, Christoph; Michetti, Paolo; Timm, Carsten

2018-04-01

Motivated by the proposal of a Weyl-semimetal phase in pyrochlore iridates, we consider a Hubbard-type model on the pyrochlore lattice. To shed light on the question as to why such a state has not been observed experimentally, its robustness is analyzed. On the one hand, we study the possible phases when the system is doped. Magnetic frustration favors several phases with magnetic and charge order that do not occur at half filling, including additional Weyl-semimetal states close to quarter filling. On the other hand, we search for density waves that break translational symmetry and destroy the Weyl-semimetal phase close to half filling. The uniform Weyl semimetal is found to be stable, which we attribute to the low density of states close to the Fermi energy.

Steam Reforming of CH4 Using Ni- Substituted Pyrochlore Catalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Haynes, Daniel J.

The steam reforming of methane (SMR) continues to remain an important industrial reaction for large-scale production of H2 as well as synthesis gas mixtures which can be used for the production of useful chemicals (e.g. methanol). Although SMR is a rather mature technology, traditional nickel based catalysts used industrially are subjected to severe temperatures and reaction conditions, which lead to irreversible activity loss through sintering, support collapse, and carbon formation. Pyrochlore-based mixed oxide have been identified as refractory materials that can be modified through the substitution of catalytic metals and other promoting species into the structure to mitigate these issues causing deactivation. For this study, a lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore catalyst was substituted with Ni to determine whether the oxide structure could effectively stabilize the activity of the catalytic metal during the SMR. The effect of different variables including calcination temperature, a comparison of a substituted versus supported Ni pyrochlore catalyst, Ni weight loading, and Sr promotion have been evaluated to determine the location of the Ni in the structure, and their effect on catalytic behavior. It was revealed that the effect of calcination temperature on a 6wt% Ni substituted pyrochlore produced by the Pechini method demonstrated very little Ni was soluble in the pyrochlore lattice. It was further revealed that by XRD, TEM, and atom probe tomography that, despite the metal loading, Ni exsolves from the structure upon crystallization of the pyrochlore at 700°C, and forms NiO at the surface and grain boundaries. An additional separate La2ZrNiO6 perovskite phase also began to form at higher temperatures (>800°C). Increasing calcination temperature was found to lead to slight sintering of the NiO at the surface, which made the NiO more reducible. Meanwhile decreasing the Ni weight loading was found to produce a lower reduction temperature due to the presence of

X-ray diffraction study of the Y{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore disordering sequence under irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Soulié, Aurélien, E-mail: aurelien.soulie@cea.fr [CEA, DEN, Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette (France); CEA, DEN, Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Appliqué, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette (France); Menut, Denis [CEA, DEN, Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Appliqué, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette (France); Crocombette, Jean-Paul [CEA, DEN, Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette (France); Chartier, Alain [CEA, DEN, Service de la Corrosion et du Comportement des Matériaux dans leur Environnement, Laboratoire de Modélisation, de Thermodynamique et de Thermochimie, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif sur Yvette (France); Sellami, Neila [Univ. Paris Sud, ICMMO-SP2M, Bât. 410, F-91405 Orsay (France); Sattonnay, Gaël [Univ. Paris-Sud, CSNSM, CNRS, IN2P3, Bât. 108, F-91405 Orsay (France); Monnet, Isabelle [CIMAP, CEA, CNRS, Université de Caen, BP 5133, F-14070 Caen Cedex 5 (France); and others

2016-11-15

The disordering sequence of Y{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore, a nano-oxide phase that strengthens ODS steels under irradiation is studied in the experimental and modeling framework. XRD analysis has been performed considering both swift heavy ion and low energy/low mass ion irradiations. The simulation within molecular dynamics of Frenkel pair accumulation proves able to reproduce the variation of the amorphization fluence with temperature. XRD patterns calculated from the simulations reproduce well the patterns observed experimentally in the literature. Both experiments and calculations point to a first transition from pyrochlore to fluorite before an eventual amorphization. For swift heavy ion irradiations with 93 MeV Xe ions, tracks of direct impact amorphization are visible by HRTEM. Advanced refinement shows that one third of the pyrochlore impacted by an ion transforms into fluorite, while two third are directly amorphized. - Highlights: • A comparison between swift heavy ion and low energy/low mass ion irradiation of Y{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore is performed. • Simulations of the irradiation with Molecular dynamics reproduce the amorphization dose at low energy/mass ion irradiation. • Advanced refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns gives the evolution of phase fractions in pyrochlore under irradiation. • The disordering sequence a transition from pyrochlore to defect fluorite before an eventual amorphization.

Structural properties of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore Tb2Ti2O7

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, Sang-Wook; Gardner, Jason S.; Booth, Corwin H.

2004-06-14

Although materials that exhibit nearest-neighbor-only antiferromagnetic interactions and geometrical frustration theoretically should not magnetically order in the absence of disorder, few such systems have been observed experimentally. One such system appears to be the pyrochlore Tb{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. However, previous structural studies indicated that Tb{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} is an imperfect pyrochlore. To clarify the situation, we performed neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements on samples that were prepared identically to those that show no magnetic order. The NPD measurements show that the long-range structure of Tb{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} is well ordered with no structural transitions between 4.5 and 600 K. In particular, mean-squared displacements (u{sup 2}'s) for each site follow a Debye model with no offsets. No evidence for Tb/Ti site interchange was observed within an upper limit of 2%. Likewise, no excess or deficiency in the oxygen stoichiometry was observed, within an upper limit of 2% of the nominal pyrochlore value. Tb L{sub III} and Ti K-edge XAFS measurements from 20-300 K similarly indicate a well-ordered local structure. Other aspects of the structure are considered. We conclude that Tb{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} has, within experimental error, an ideal, disorder-free pyrochlore lattice, thereby allowing the system to remain in a dynamic, frustrated spin state to the lowest observed temperatures.

Application of TOPEX Altimetry for Solid Earth Deformation Studies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hyongki Lee

2008-01-01

Full Text Available This study demonstrates the use of satellite radar altimetry to detect solid Earth deformation signals such as Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA. Our study region covers moderately flat land surfaces seasonally covered by snow/ice/vegetation. The maximum solid Earth uplift of ~10 mm yr-1 is primarily due to the incomplete glacial isostatic rebound that occurs around Hudson Bay, North America. We use decadal (1992 - 2002 surface height measurements from TOPEX/POSEIDON radar altimetry to generate height changes time series for 12 selected locations in the study region. Due to the seasonally varying surface characteristics, we first perform radar waveform shape classification and have found that most of the waveforms are quasi-diffuse during winter/spring and specular during summer/fall. As a result, we used the NASA £]-retracker for the quasi-diffuse waveforms and the Offset Center of Gravity or the threshold retracker for the specular waveforms, to generate the surface height time series. The TOPEX height change time series exhibit coherent seasonal signals (higher amplitude during the winter and lower amplitude during the summer, and the estimated deformation rates agree qualitatively well with GPS vertical velocities, and with altimeter/tide gauge combined vertical velocities around the Great Lakes. The TOPEX observations also agree well with various GIA model predictions, especially with the ICE-5G (VM2 model with differences at 0.2 ¡_ 1.4 mm yr-1, indicating that TOPEX has indeed observed solid Earth deformation signals manifested as crustal uplift over the former Laurentide Ice Sheet region.

Structural response of titanate pyrochlores to swift heavy ion irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shamblin, Jacob; Tracy, Cameron L.; Ewing, Rodney C.; Zhang, Fuxiang; Li, Weixing; Trautmann, Christina; Lang, Maik

2016-01-01

The structure, size, and morphology of ion tracks resulting from irradiation of five different pyrochlore compositions (A 2 Ti 2 O 7 , A = Yb, Er, Y, Gd, Sm) with 2.2 GeV 197 Au ions were investigated by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Radiation-induced amorphization occurred in all five materials analyzed following an exponential rate as a function of ion fluence. XRD patterns showed a general trend of increasing susceptibility of amorphization with increasing ratio of A- to B-site cation ionic radii (r A /r B ) with the exception of Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 and Sm 2 Ti 2 O 7 . This indicates that the track size does not necessarily increase with r A /r B , in contrast with results from previous swift heavy ion studies on Gd 2 Zr 2-x Ti x O 7 pyrochlore materials. For Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 , this effect is attributed to the significantly lower electron density of this material relative to the lanthanide-bearing pyrochlores, thus lowering the electronic energy loss (dE/dx) of the high-energy ions in this composition. An energy loss normalization procedure was performed which reveals an initial increase of amorphous track size with r A /r B that saturates above a cation radius ratio larger than Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 . This is in agreement with previous low-energy ion irradiation experiments and first principles calculations of the disordering energy of titanate pyrochlores indicating that the same trends in disordering energy apply to radiation damage induced in both the nuclear and electronic energy loss regimes. HRTEM images indicate that single ion tracks in Yb 2 Ti 2 O 7 and Er 2 Ti 2 O 7 , which have small A-site cations and low r A /r B , exhibit a core-shell structure with a small amorphous core surrounded by a larger disordered shell. In contrast, single tracks in Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 and Sm 2 Ti 2 O 7 , have a larger amorphous core with minimal disordered shells.

Crystal-field study of magnetization and specific heat properties of frustrated pyrochlore Pr2Zr2O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alam, J.; Jana, Y.M.; Biswas, A. Ali

2016-01-01

The experimental results of temperature dependent dc magnetic susceptibility, field dependent isothermal magnetization, magnetic specific heat and entropy of the pyrochlore Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7 are simulated and analyzed using appropriate D 3d crystal-field (CF) and anisotropic molecular field tensors at Pr-sites in the self-consistent mean-field approach involving four magnetically non-equivalent rare-earth spins on the tetrahedral unit of the pyrochlore structure. CF level pattern and wave-functions of the ground 3 H 4 multiplet of the Pr 3+ ions are obtained considering intermediate coupling between different Russell-Saunders terms of the 4f 2 electronic configurations of Pr-ion and J-mixing effects. CF analysis shows that the CF ground-state of the Pr 3+ ion in Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7 is a well-isolated doublet, with significant admixtures of terms coming from |M J =±4〉 and |M J =±1〉, and the Pr-spins are effectively Ising-like along the local <111> axes. Magnetic specific heat in zero-field is simulated by considering a temperature dependence of the exchange splitting of the ground doublet. - Highlights: • Full CF diagonalization using intermediate coupling and J-mixing. • Pr-spins are Ising-like along local [111] axis. • Magnetic specific heat is due to temperature dependence exchange splitting of ground CF doublet.

High-Performance Pyrochlore-Type Yttrium Ruthenate Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Media

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Jaemin [Department; Shih, Pei-Chieh [Department; Tsao, Kai-Chieh [Department; Pan, Yung-Tin [Department; Yin, Xi [Department; Sun, Cheng-Jun [X-ray; Yang, Hong [Department

2017-08-17

Development of acid-stable electrocatalysts with low overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a major challenge for the production of hydrogen directly from water. We report in this paper a pyrochlore yttrium ruthenate (Y2Ru2O7-δ) electrocatalyst that has significantly enhanced performance towards OER in acid media over the best-known catalysts, with an onset overpotential of 190 mV and high stability in 0.1-M perchloric acid solution. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) indicates Y2Ru2O7-δ electrocatalyst had a low valence state that favors the high OER activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows this pyrochlore has lower band center energy for the overlap between Ru 4d and O 2p orbitals and therefore more stable Ru-O bond than RuO2, highlighting the effect of yttrium on the enhancement in stability. The Y2Ru2O7-δ pyrochlore is also free of expensive iridium metal, thus a cost-effective candidate for practical applications.

Experimental hydrothermal alteration of crystalline and radiation-damaged pyrochlore

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geisler, T.; Seydoux-Guillaume, A.-M.; Poeml, P.; Golla-Schindler, U.; Berndt, J.; Wirth, R.; Pollok, K.; Janssen, A.; Putnis, A.

2005-01-01

We have performed hydrothermal experiments with a crystalline microlite and a heavily self-irradiation-damaged (i.e., X-ray amorphous) betafite in a solution containing 1 mol/l HCl and 1 mol/l CaCl 2 at 175 deg. C for 14 days. The well-crystalline microlite grains were partly (∼5-10 μm rim) replaced by a Ca and Na-poorer, defect pyrochlore phase with a larger unit-cell and a sharp chemical gradient at the interface (on a nm scale) to the unreacted core. The amorphous betafite grains (up to ∼2 mm in diameter), on the other hand, were completely transformed into an intergrowth of different crystalline phases (polycrystalline anatase and rutile, a yet unidentified Nb-Ta oxide, and a Y-REE phase), showing complex non-equilibrium structures. Our experimental observations bear a remarkable resemblance to those made on natural samples. They indicate that the processes of the fluid-pyrochlore interaction are influenced by self-irradiation structural damage and that thermodynamic equilibrium models can hardly be applied to adequately describe such systems

New Type of Quantum Criticality in the Pyrochlore Iridates

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucile Savary

2014-11-01

Full Text Available Magnetic fluctuations and electrons couple in intriguing ways in the vicinity of zero-temperature phase transitions—quantum critical points—in conducting materials. Quantum criticality is implicated in non-Fermi liquid behavior of diverse materials and in the formation of unconventional superconductors. Here, we uncover an entirely new type of quantum critical point describing the onset of antiferromagnetism in a nodal semimetal engendered by the combination of strong spin-orbit coupling and electron correlations, and which is predicted to occur in the iridium oxide pyrochlores. We formulate and solve a field theory for this quantum critical point by renormalization group techniques and show that electrons and antiferromagnetic fluctuations are strongly coupled and that both these excitations are modified in an essential way. This quantum critical point has many novel features, including strong emergent spatial anisotropy, a vital role for Coulomb interactions, and highly unconventional critical exponents. Our theory motivates and informs experiments on pyrochlore iridates and constitutes a singular realistic example of a nontrivial quantum critical point with gapless fermions in three dimensions.

Immobilization of Radioactive Rare Earth oxide Waste by Solid Phase Sintering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahn, Byung Gil; Park, Hwan Seo; Kim, Hwan Young; Lee, Han Soo; Kim, In Tae

2010-01-01

In the pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuels, LiCl-KCl waste salt containing radioactive rare earth chlorides are generated. The radioactive rare earth oxides are recovered by co-oxidative precipitation of rare earth elements. The powder phase of rare earth oxide waste must be immobilized to produce a monolithic wasteform suitable for storage and ultimate disposal. The immobilization of these waste developed in this study involves a solid state sintering of the waste with host borosilicate glass and zinc titanate based ceramic matrix (ZIT). And the rare-earth monazite which synthesised by reaction of ammonium di-hydrogen phosphate with the rare earth oxides waste, were immobilized with the borosilicate glass. It is shown that the developed ZIT ceramic wasteform is highly resistant the leaching process, high density and thermal conductivity.

Fluorescence line-narrowing studies of rare earths in disordered solids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hall, D.W.

1982-01-01

This dissertation is made up of two experimental studies dealing with apparently diverse topics within the subject of rare earths (RE) in solids. The first study, described in Part II, concerns the vibrations of a disordered host material about an optically active rare-earth ion as manifested by vibrationally-assisted-electronic, or vibronic transitions. Part III of the dissertation describes an investigation of the influence of site anisotropy on the purely electronic, laser transition of Nd 3+ in glass. These two studies are bound together by the common experimental technique of laser-induced fluorescence line narrowing (FLN). By exciting fluorescence with monochromatic light of well-characterized polarization, one may select and observe the response of a single subset of the optically active ions and obtain information that is usually masked by the inhomogeneous nature of disordered solids

Energetics of stepwise disordering transformation in pyrochlores, RE2Ti2O7 (RE = Y, Gd and Dy)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayun, Shmuel; Tran, Tien B.; Lian, Jie; Fuentes, Antonio F.; Navrotsky, Alexandra

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: The transformation from disordered to more order state in the pyrochlore system go through multiple energetics steps; the cation sublattice rearrangement is control by the diffusion of the cations while the anion sublattice display an irreversible transformation from a disordered to a higher-ordered state via diffusionless transformation. - Abstract: The capacity to incorporate actinide cations makes pyrochlore titanates first-choice phases in titanate-based waste form ceramics. Despite broad interest in the pyrochlore order–disorder transformation due to the cumulative effects of 238 U, 235 U and 232 Th radioactive decay and their daughter products, only limited thermodynamic data, mainly based on simulations of ion-beam irradiation experiments, have been reported. In this work, for the first time, heavily disordered pyrochlores, RE 2 Ti 2 O 7 (RE = Y, Gd and Dy), from mechanical milling of their constituent oxides, were thermochemically investigated. Two types of thermal events were identified using high-temperature differential scanning calorimetry and correlated to the structural disorder in the cation and anion sublattices. Moreover, the excess formation energy measured by oxide melt solution calorimetry shows that the smaller the ionic radius of the RE, the easier it is to remove damage domains.

ForM@Ter: a solid Earth thematic pole

Science.gov (United States)

Ostanciaux, Emilie; Jamet, Olivier; Mandea, Mioara; Diament, Michel

2014-05-01

Over the last years, several notable initiatives have been developed to provide Solid Earth sciences with an efficient research e-infrastructure. The EPOS project (European Plate Observing System) was included in the EFSRI roadmap in 2008. The 7th European frame program funded an e-science environment such as the Virtual Earthquake and Seismology Research Community in Europe (VERCE). GEO supports the development of the Geohazard SuperSites and Natural Laboratories portal, while the ESA SSEP project (SuperSites exploitation plateform) is developing as an Helix Nebula usecase. Meanwhile, operational use of space data for emergency management is in constant progress, within the Copernicus services. This rich activity is still leaving some gaps between the data availability and its scientific use, either for technical reasons (big data issues) or due to the need for a better support in term of expert knowledge on the data, of software availability, or of data cost. French infrastructures for data distribution are organized around National Observatory Services (in situ data), scientific services participating to the International association of geodesy data centres and wider research infrastructures such as the Réseau Sismologique et géodésique Français (RESIF) that is contributing to EPOS. The need for thematic cooperative platforms has been underlined over tha last years. In 2009, after a scientific prospective of the French national space agency (CNES) it becomes clear the urgent need to create thematic centres designed to federate the scientific community of Earth observation. Four thematic data centres are currently developing in France in the field of ocean , atmosphere, critical zone and solid Earth sciences. For Solid Earth research, the project - named ForM@Ter - was initiated at the beginning of 2012 to design, with the scientific community, the perimeter, structure and functions of such a thematic centre. It was launched by the CNES and the National

Potential of the solid-Earth response for limiting long-term West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat

Science.gov (United States)

Konrad, Hannes; Sasgen, Ingo; Pollard, David; Klemann, Volker

2016-04-01

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is assumed to be inherently unstable because it is grounded below sea level in a large part, where the bedrock deepens from today's grounding line towards the interior of the ice sheet. Idealized simulations have shown that bedrock uplift due to isostatic adjustment of the solid Earth and the associated sea-level fall may stop the retreat of such a marine-based ice sheet (Gomez et al., 2012). Here, we employ a coupled model for ice-sheet dynamics and solid-Earth dynamics, including a gravitationally consistent description of sea level, to investigate the influence of the viscoelastic Earth structure on the WAIS' future stability (Konrad et al. 2015). For this, we start from a steady-state condition for the Antarctic Ice Sheet close to present-day observations and apply atmospheric and oceanic forcing of different strength to initiate the retreat of the WAIS and investigate the effect of the viscoelastic deformation on the ice evolution for a range of solid-Earth rheologies. We find that the climate forcing is the primary control on the occurrence of the WAIS collapse. However, for moderate climate forcing and a weak solid-Earth rheology associated with the West Antarctic rift system (asthenosphere viscosities of 3x10^19 Pa s or less), we find that the combined effect of bedrock uplift and gravitational sea-level fall limits the retreat to the Amundsen Sea embayment on millennial time scales. In contrast, a stiffer Earth rheology yields a collapse under these conditions. Under a stronger climate forcing, weak Earth structures do not prevent the WAIS collapse; however, they produce a delay of up to 5000 years in comparison to a stiffer solid-Earth rheology. In an additional experiment, we test the impact of sea-level rise from an assumed fast deglaciation of the Greenland Ice Sheet. In cases when the climatic forcing is too weak to force WAIS collapse by itself, the additional rise in sea-level leads to disintegration of the WAIS

The International Solid Earth Research Virtual Observatory

Science.gov (United States)

Fox, G.; Pierce, M.; Rundle, J.; Donnellan, A.; Parker, J.; Granat, R.; Lyzenga, G.; McLeod, D.; Grant, L.

2004-12-01

We describe the architecture and initial implementation of the International Solid Earth Research Virtual Observatory (iSERVO). This has been prototyped within the USA as SERVOGrid and expansion is planned to Australia, China, Japan and other countries. We base our design on a globally scalable distributed "cyber-infrastructure" or Grid built around a Web Services-based approach consistent with the extended Web Service Interoperability approach. The Solid Earth Science Working Group of NASA has identified several challenges for Earth Science research. In order to investigate these, we need to couple numerical simulation codes and data mining tools to observational data sets. This observational data are now available on-line in internet-accessible forms, and the quantity of this data is expected to grow explosively over the next decade. We architect iSERVO as a loosely federated Grid of Grids with each country involved supporting a national Solid Earth Research Grid. The national Grid Operations, possibly with dedicated control centers, are linked together to support iSERVO where an International Grid control center may eventually be necessary. We address the difficult multi-administrative domain security and ownership issues by exposing capabilities as services for which the risk of abuse is minimized. We support large scale simulations within a single domain using service-hosted tools (mesh generation, data repository and sensor access, GIS, visualization). Simulations typically involve sequential or parallel machines in a single domain supported by cross-continent services. We use Web Services implement Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) using WSDL for service description and SOAP for message formats. These are augmented by UDDI, WS-Security, WS-Notification/Eventing and WS-ReliableMessaging in the WS-I+ approach. Support for the latter two capabilities will be available over the next 6 months from the NaradaBrokering messaging system. We augment these

Solid state chemistry of rare earth oxides. Final report, September 1, 1950--July 31, 1977

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eyring, L.

1977-07-01

Work under Contract E(11-1)-1109 and its antecedents has been primarily for the purpose of obtaining detailed thermodynamic, kinetic and structural information on the complex rare earth oxides of praseodymium and terbium. These systems exhibit homologous series of ordered phases, order-disorder transformations, wide-range nonstoichiometric phases, chemical hysteresis in two-phase regions and many other solid state reaction phenomena. Fluorite-related materials of importance to ERDA occur as nuclear fuels, radiation power sources, insulators and solid electrolytes. The rare earth oxides serve directly as model systems for such similar materials and, in a more general sense, they serve as models of solids in general since they exhibit nearly the full range of solid state properties

Estimation of solid earth tidal parameters and FCN with VLBI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krásná, H.

2012-01-01

Measurements of a space-geodetic technique VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) are influenced by a variety of processes which have to be modelled and put as a priori information into the analysis of the space-geodetic data. The increasing accuracy of the VLBI measurements allows access to these parameters and provides possibilities to validate them directly from the measured data. The gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun causes deformation of the Earth's surface which can reach several decimetres in radial direction during a day. The displacement is a function of the so-called Love and Shida numbers. Due to the present accuracy of the VLBI measurements the parameters have to be specified as complex numbers, where the imaginary parts describe the anelasticity of the Earth's mantle. Moreover, it is necessary to distinguish between the single tides within the various frequency bands. In this thesis, complex Love and Shida numbers of twelve diurnal and five long-period tides included in the solid Earth tidal displacement modelling are estimated directly from the 27 years of VLBI measurements (1984.0 - 2011.0). In this work, the period of the Free Core Nutation (FCN) is estimated which shows up in the frequency dependent solid Earth tidal displacement as well as in a nutation model describing the motion of the Earth's axis in space. The FCN period in both models is treated as a single parameter and it is estimated in a rigorous global adjustment of the VLBI data. The obtained value of -431.18 ± 0.10 sidereal days differs slightly from the conventional value -431.39 sidereal days given in IERS Conventions 2010. An empirical FCN model based on variable amplitude and phase is determined, whose parameters are estimated in yearly steps directly within VLBI global solutions. (author) [de

Recent advances in rare earth doped alkali-alkaline earth borates for solid state lighting applications

Science.gov (United States)

Verma, Shefali; Verma, Kartikey; Kumar, Deepak; Chaudhary, Babulal; Som, Sudipta; Sharma, Vishal; Kumar, Vijay; Swart, Hendrik C.

2018-04-01

As a novel class of inorganic phosphor, the alkali-alkaline earth borate phosphors have gained huge attention due to their charming applications in solid-state lighting (SSL) and display devices. The current research drive shows that phosphors based on the alkali-alkaline earth borates have transformed the science and technology due to their high transparency over a broad spectral range, their flexibility in structure and durability for mechanical and high-laser applications. Recent advances in various aspects of rare-earth (RE) doped borate based phosphors and their utilizations in SSL and light emitting diodes are summarized in this review article. Moreover, the present status and upcoming scenario of RE-doped borate phosphors were reviewed in general along with the proper credential from the existing literature. It is believed that this review is a sole compilation of crucial information about the RE-doped borate phosphors in a single platform.

Multifunctional Sm2-xDyxZr2O7 pyrochlore system: potential ionic conductors and photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grover, V.; Sayed, Farheen N.; Bhattacharyya, K.; Jain, D.; Pillai, C.G.S.; Tyagi, A.K.; Arya, A.

2010-01-01

Full text: Pyrochlores have garnered considerable interest over the years because of a range of potentially useful properties such as fast-ion (mainly anion) conductivity, electrical conductivity, catalysis, luminescence etc. In present work a series of Sm 2-x Dy x Zr 2 O 7 compounds (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) were synthesized by gel combustion and characterized by Powder XRD and Raman spectroscopic studies. XRD studies revealed the system to be single-phasic throughout with the retention of pyrochlore phase till 40 mol% of Dy 3+ beyond which, an order-disorder phase transition occurred resulting in a defect fluorite structure. Surprisingly, Raman studies showed the retention of pyrochlore type ordering till the other end member, i.e. Dy 2 Zr 2 O 7 . This is the first study, which reports the retention of a weak pyrochlore type superstructure in Dy 2 Zr 2 O 7 system. Ionic conductivity measurements were performed on these samples, which showed that the activation Energy (E a ) increases with increase in Dy 3+ mol% owing to the decreased mobility with increasing degree of disorder. The representative nquist Plots are given for Sm 2 Zr 2 O 7 . These materials have a definite band gap absorbing mainly in the UV region which makes them good candidates for photocatalysed dye degradation studies. Potential of some of these compositions as photocatalysts was also explored and they were found to efficiently catalyse the degradation of Xylenol Orange with t 1/2 decreasing from pure Sm 2 Zr 2 O 7 to pure Dy 2 Zr 2 O 7

Zero drift and solid Earth tide extracted from relative gravimetric data with principal component analysis

OpenAIRE

Hongjuan Yu; Jinyun Guo; Jiulong Li; Dapeng Mu; Qiaoli Kong

2015-01-01

Zero drift and solid Earth tide corrections to static relative gravimetric data cannot be ignored. In this paper, a new principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is presented to extract the zero drift and the solid Earth tide, as signals, from static relative gravimetric data assuming that the components contained in the relative gravimetric data are uncorrelated. Static relative gravity observations from Aug. 15 to Aug. 23, 2014 are used as statistical variables to separate the signal and...

ForM@Ter: a French Solid Earth Research Infrastructure Project

Science.gov (United States)

Mandea, M.; Diament, M.; Jamet, O.; Deschamps-Ostanciaux, E.

2017-12-01

Recently, some noteworthy initiatives to develop efficient research e-infrastructures for the study of the Earth's system have been set up. However, some gaps between the data availability and their scientific use still exists, either because technical reasons (big data issues) or because of the lack of a dedicated support in terms of expert knowledge of the data, software availability, or data cost. The need for thematic cooperative platforms has been underlined over the last years, as well as the need to create thematic centres designed to federate the scientific community of Earth's observation. Four thematic data centres have been developed in France, covering the domains of ocean, atmosphere, land, and solid Earth sciences. For the Solid Earth science community, a research infrastructure project named ForM@Ter was launched by the French Space Agency (CNES) and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), with the active participation of the National institute for geographical and forestry information (IGN). Currently, it relies on the contributions of scientists from more than 20 French Earth science laboratories.Preliminary analysis have showed that a focus on the determination of the shape and movements of the Earth surface (ForM@Ter: Formes et Mouvements de la Terre) can federate a wide variety of scientific areas (earthquake cycle, tectonics, morphogenesis, volcanism, erosion dynamics, mantle rheology, geodesy) and offers many interfaces with other geoscience domains, such as glaciology or snow evolution. This choice motivates the design of an ambitious data distribution scheme, including a wide variety of sources - optical imagery, SAR, GNSS, gravity, satellite altimetry data, in situ observations (inclinometers, seismometers, etc.) - as well as a wide variety of processing techniques. In the evolving context of the current and forthcoming national and international e-infrastructures, the challenge of the project is to design a non

The EPOS Implementation Phase: building thematic and integrated services for solid Earth sciences

Science.gov (United States)

Cocco, Massimo; Epos Consortium, the

2015-04-01

The European Plate Observing System (EPOS) has a scientific vision and approach aimed at creating a pan-European infrastructure for Earth sciences to support a safe and sustainable society. To follow this vision, the EPOS mission is integrating a suite of diverse and advanced Research Infrastructures (RIs) in Europe relying on new e-science opportunities to monitor and understand the dynamic and complex Earth system. To this goal, the EPOS Preparatory Phase has designed a long-term plan to facilitate integrated use of data and products as well as access to facilities from mainly distributed existing and new research infrastructures for solid Earth Science. EPOS will enable innovative multidisciplinary research for a better understanding of the Earth's physical processes that control earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground instability and tsunami as well as the processes driving tectonics and Earth surface dynamics. Through integration of data, models and facilities EPOS will allow the Earth Science community to make a step change in developing new concepts and tools for key answers to scientific and socio-economic questions concerning geo-hazards and geo-resources as well as Earth sciences applications to the environment and to human welfare. Since its conception EPOS has been built as "a single, Pan-European, sustainable and distributed infrastructure". EPOS is, indeed, the sole infrastructure for solid Earth Science in ESFRI and its pan-European dimension is demonstrated by the participation of 23 countries in its preparatory phase. EPOS is presently moving into its implementation phase further extending its pan-European dimension. The EPOS Implementation Phase project (EPOS IP) builds on the achievements of the successful EPOS preparatory phase project. The EPOS IP objectives are synergetic and coherent with the establishment of the new legal subject (the EPOS-ERIC in Italy). EPOS coordinates the existing and new solid Earth RIs within Europe and builds the

Tm-doped TiO2 and Tm2Ti2O7 pyrochlore nanoparticles: enhancing the photocatalytic activity of rutile with a pyrochlore phase.

Science.gov (United States)

De Los Santos, Desiré M; Navas, Javier; Aguilar, Teresa; Sánchez-Coronilla, Antonio; Fernández-Lorenzo, Concha; Alcántara, Rodrigo; Piñero, Jose Carlos; Blanco, Ginesa; Martín-Calleja, Joaquín

2015-01-01

Tm-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a water-controlled hydrolysis reaction. Analysis was performed in order to determine the influence of the dopant concentration and annealing temperature on the phase, crystallinity, and electronic and optical properties of the resulting material. Various characterization techniques were utilized such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. For the samples annealed at 773 and 973 K, anatase phase TiO2 was obtained, predominantly internally doped with Tm(3+). ICP-AES showed that a doping concentration of up to 5.8 atom % was obtained without reducing the crystallinity of the samples. The presence of Tm(3+) was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy: the incorporation of Tm(3+) was confirmed by the generation of new absorption bands that could be assigned to Tm(3+) transitions. Furthermore, when the samples were annealed at 1173 K, a pyrochlore phase (Tm2Ti2O7) mixed with TiO2 was obtained with a predominant rutile phase. The photodegradation of methylene blue showed that this pyrochlore phase enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the rutile phase.

Ceramic Single Phase High-Level Nuclear Waste Forms: Hollandite, Perovskite, and Pyrochlore

Science.gov (United States)

Vetter, M.; Wang, J.

2017-12-01

The lack of viable options for the safe, reliable, and long-term storage of nuclear waste is one of the primary roadblocks of nuclear energy's sustainable future. The method being researched is the incorporation and immobilization of harmful radionuclides (Cs, Sr, Actinides, and Lanthanides) into the structure of glasses and ceramics. Borosilicate glasses are the main waste form that is accepted and used by today's nuclear industry, but they aren't the most efficient in terms of waste loading, and durability is still not fully understood. Synroc-phase ceramics (i.e. hollandite, perovskite, pyrochlore, zirconolite) have many attractive qualities that glass waste forms do not: high waste loading, moderate thermal expansion and conductivity, high chemical durability, and high radiation stability. The only downside to ceramics is that they are more complex to process than glass. New compositions can be discovered by using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to have more options to optimize the composition, loading for performance by analyzing the non-linear relationships between ionic radii, electronegativity, channel size, and a mineral's ability to incorporate radionuclides into its structure. Cesium can be incorporated into hollandite's A-site, while pyrochlore and perovskite can incorporate actinides and lanthanides into their A-site. The ANN is used to predict new compositions based on hollandite's channel size, as well as the A-O bond distances of pyrochlore and perovskite, and determine which ions can be incorporated. These new compositions will provide more options for more experiments to potentially improve chemical and thermodynamic properties, as well as increased waste loading capabilities.

Potassium Disorder in the Defect Pyrochlore KSbTeO6: A Neutron Diffraction Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Antonio Alonso

2017-01-01

Full Text Available KSbTeO6 defect pyrochlore has been prepared from K2C2O4, Sb2O3, and 15% excess TeO2 by solid-state reaction at 850 °C. Direct methods implemented in the software EXPO2013 allowed establishing the basic structural framework. This was followed by a combined Rietveld refinement from X-ray powder diffraction (XRD and neutron powder diffraction (NPD data, which unveiled additional structural features. KSbTeO6 is cubic, a = 10.1226(7 Å, space group F d 3 ¯ m , Z = 8 and it is made of a mainly covalent framework of corner-sharing (Sb,TeO6 octahedra, with weakly bonded K+ ions located within large cages. The large K-O distances, 3.05(3–3.07(3 Å, and quite large anisotropic atomic displacement parameters account for the easiness of K+ exchange for other cations of technological importance.

Adiabatic cooling processes in frustrated magnetic systems with pyrochlore structure

Science.gov (United States)

Jurčišinová, E.; Jurčišin, M.

2017-11-01

We investigate in detail the process of adiabatic cooling in the framework of the exactly solvable antiferromagnetic spin-1/2 Ising model in the presence of the external magnetic field on an approximate lattice with pyrochlore structure. The behavior of the entropy of the model is studied and exact values of the residual entropies of all ground states are found. The temperature variation of the system under adiabatic (de)magnetization is investigated and the central role of the macroscopically degenerated ground states in cooling processes is explicitly demonstrated. It is shown that the model parameter space of the studied geometrically frustrated system is divided into five disjunct regions with qualitatively different processes of the adiabatic cooling. The effectiveness of the adiabatic (de)magnetization cooling in the studied model is compared to the corresponding processes in paramagnetic salts. It is shown that the processes of the adiabatic cooling in the antiferromagnetic frustrated systems are much more effective especially in nonzero external magnetic fields. It means that the frustrated magnetic materials with pyrochlore structure can be considered as very promising refrigerants mainly in the situations with nonzero final values of the magnetic field.

Sea-level and solid-Earth deformation feedbacks in ice sheet modelling

Science.gov (United States)

Konrad, Hannes; Sasgen, Ingo; Klemann, Volker; Thoma, Malte; Grosfeld, Klaus; Martinec, Zdeněk

2014-05-01

The interactions of ice sheets with the sea level and the solid Earth are important factors for the stability of the ice shelves and the tributary inland ice (e.g. Thomas and Bentley, 1978; Gomez et al, 2012). First, changes in ice extent and ice thickness induce viscoelastic deformation of the Earth surface and Earth's gravity field. In turn, global and local changes in sea level and bathymetry affect the grounding line and, subsequently, alter the ice dynamic behaviour. Here, we investigate these feedbacks for a synthetic ice sheet configuration as well as for the Antarctic ice sheet using a three-dimensional thermomechanical ice sheet and shelf model, coupled to a viscoelastic solid-Earth and gravitationally self-consistent sea-level model. The respective ice sheet undergoes a forcing from rising sea level, warming ocean, and/or changing surface mass balance. The coupling is realized by exchanging ice thickness, Earth surface deformation and sea level periodically. We apply several sets of viscoelastic Earth parameters to our coupled model, e.g. simulating a low-viscous upper mantle present at the Antarctic Peninsula (Ivins et al., 2011). Special focus of our study lies on the evolution of Earth surface deformation and local sea level changes, as well as on the accompanying grounding line evolution. N. Gomez, D. Pollard, J. X. Mitrovica, P. Huybers, and P. U. Clark 2012. Evolution of a coupled marine ice sheet-sea level model, J. Geophys. Res., 117, F01013, doi:10.1029/2011JF002128. E. R. Ivins, M. M. Watkins, D.-N. Yuan, R. Dietrich, G. Casassa, and A. Rülke 2011. On-land ice loss and glacial isostatic adjustment at the Drake Passage: 2003-2009, J. Geophys. Res. 116, B02403, doi: 10.1029/2010JB007607 R. H. Thomas and C. R. Bentley 1978. A model for Holocene retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, Quaternary Research, 10 (2), pages 150-170, doi: 10.1016/0033-5894(78)90098-4.

Two-magnon scattering in the 5d all-in-all-out pyrochlore magnet Cd2Os2O7.

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Thi Minh Hien; Sandilands, Luke J; Sohn, C H; Kim, C H; Wysocki, Aleksander L; Yang, In-Sang; Moon, S J; Ko, Jae-Hyeon; Yamaura, J; Hiroi, Z; Noh, Tae Won

2017-08-15

5d pyrochlore oxides with all-in-all-out magnetic order are prime candidates for realizing strongly correlated, topological phases of matter. Despite significant effort, a full understanding of all-in-all-out magnetism remains elusive as the associated magnetic excitations have proven difficult to access with conventional techniques. Here we report a Raman spectroscopy study of spin dynamics in the all-in-all-out magnetic state of the 5d pyrochlore Cd 2 Os 2 O 7 . Through a comparison between the two-magnon scattering and spin-wave theory, we confirm the large single ion anisotropy in this material and show that the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and exchange interactions play a significant role in the spin-wave dispersions. The Raman data also reveal complex spin-charge-lattice coupling and indicate that the metal-insulator transition in Cd 2 Os 2 O 7 is Lifshitz-type. Our work establishes Raman scattering as a simple and powerful method for exploring the spin dynamics in 5d pyrochlore magnets.Pyrochlore 5d transition metal oxides are expected to have interesting forms of magnetic order but are hard to study with conventional probes. Here the authors show that Raman scattering can be used to measure magnetic excitations in Cd 2 Os 2 O 7 and that it exhibits complex spin-charge-lattice coupling.

Hydrothermal synthesis of electrode materials pyrochlore tungsten trioxide film

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Jingdong; Li, Yingjeng James; Stanley Whittingham, M.

Hydrothermal synthesis methods have been successfully used to prepare new transition-metal oxides for cathodes in electrochemical devices such as lithium batteries and electrochromic windows. The tungsten oxides were the first studied, but the method has been extended to the oxides of molybdenum, vanadium and manganese. Sodium tungsten oxide films with the pyrochlore structure have been prepared on gold/alumina and indium-doped tin oxide substrates. These films reversibly and rapidly intercalate lithium and hydrogen ions.

Prospecting and exploration of rare earth bearing mineral resources in India: an overview

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohanty, R.

2014-01-01

Rare earth elements (REE) have a wide range of applications including nuclear and the REE bearing minerals occur in varied geological environments.The commercial rare earth bearing minerals are monazite ((Ce,La,Pr,Nd,Th,Y)PO 4 ), xenotime (YPO 4 ), bastnasite ((Ce,La,Y)CO 3 F) and pyrochlore ((Na,Ca) 2 Nb 2 O 6 (OH,F) which occur either as placer concentrations or in tracer quantities in rocks. While Monazite contains dominantly LREE, Xenotime and Bastnasite are richer in HREE. The exploration and evaluation of these two types of occurrences follow different methodologies

Effect of excess Mg and Excess Nb incorporation into the B-site of pyrochlore in the Pb-Mg-Nb-O system

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mergen, A.

2002-12-01

Full Text Available In the Pb-Mg-Nb-O system, excess Mg and excess Nb incorporation into the B-site of PMN pyrochlore were investigated along the compositons of Pb1.83Mg0.29+xNb1.71-xO6.39-1.5x where x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.522 and Pb1.83Mg0.29-xNb1.71+xO6.39+1.5x where x=0.1, 0.2, 0.29 respectively. Excess Mg incorporation led to the formation of perovskite and excess Nb resulted in formation of Pb2Nb2O7 monoclinic pyrochlore. The densities of the PMN pyrochlore-PMN perovskite mixtures decreased with an increase in Mg concentration. The relative permittivity of the mixtures increased with decreasing pyrochlore content. The effect of pyrochlore on the permittivity follows the Weiner’s mixture rule up to a pyrochlore content of 50 vol%.

Se investigó la incorporación en lugares B de pirocloro PMN de un exceso de Mg y un exceso de Nb. En el sistema Pb-Mg-Nb-O2 las composiciones analizadas fueron Pb1.83Mg0.29+xNb1.71-xO6.39-1.5x donde x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.522 y en Pb1.83Mg0.29-xNb1.71+xO6.39+1.5x donde x= 0.1, 0.2,0.29. El exceso de Mg condujo a la formación de perovskita y el exceso de Nb resultó en la formación del pirocloro monolínico, Pb2Nb2O7. La densidad de la mezcla de PMN pirocloro-perovskita dismunuye con el aumento de la concentración de Mg. La permitividad dieléctrica de las mezclas aumenta con la disminución del contenido de pirocloro. El efecto del pirocloro sobre la permitividad sigue la regla de mezclas de Weiner hasta conenidos de pirocloro del 50%.

Synthesis by two methods and crystal structure determination of a new pyrochlore-related compound Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Torres-Martinez, Leticia M., E-mail: lettorresg@yahoo.com [Departamento de Ecomateriales y Energia, Facultad de Ingenieria Civil, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); Ruiz-Gomez, Miguel A. [Departamento de Ecomateriales y Energia, Facultad de Ingenieria Civil, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Av. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78290 (Mexico); Figueroa-Torres, M.Z.; Juarez-Ramirez, Isaias [Departamento de Ecomateriales y Energia, Facultad de Ingenieria Civil, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); Moctezuma, Edgar [Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Av. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78290 (Mexico); and others

2012-04-16

Graphical abstract: The monoclinic (space group C2/c) structure of a new compound, Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} shows an alternating Sm-O and Fe/Ta-O layers. In the Fe/Ta-O layer, Fe/Ta1 and Fe/Ta3 cations are coordinated by six oxygen atoms, forming irregular octahedral interconnected into a hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) type network. The HTB layer is a fundamental framework in the pyrohlore-related structure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrochlore-related compound Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} prepared by solid state reaction and sol-gel. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} crystallizes with a monoclinic crystal structure and space group C2/c. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The compound is synthesized by sol-gel at lower temperature and time than solid state. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Surface area of sol-gel Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} is 10 times higher than that prepared by solid state. - Abstract: This paper reports on the synthesis of a new pyrochlore-related compound Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} by both solid state reaction and sol-gel synthesis routes. Structural features were determined by X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement and were corroborated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The results revealed that Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} crystallized in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c and the following cell parameters: a = 13.1307(5) Angstrom-Sign , b = 7.5854(3) Angstrom-Sign , c = 11.6425(4) Angstrom-Sign and {beta} = 100.971(2) Degree-Sign . The monoclinic structure of Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} showed an arrangement of alternating Sm-O and Fe/Ta-O layers and two types of irregular octahedra of Fe/Ta-O, which are interconnected into a hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB)-type network. On the other hand, Sm{sub 2}FeTaO{sub 7} prepared by sol-gel was obtained with lower particle sizes than the solid state produced compound. The difference in particle size causes a difference of one order of magnitude in the specific surface area. In

Electrical conductivities and chemical stabilities of mixed conducting pyrochlores for SOFC applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Holtappels, P.; Poulsen, F.W.; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2000-01-01

Pyrochlores with praseodymium as the A-site cation and zirconium, tin, cerium and manganese cations on the B-site were prepared in air and their electrical conductivities were investigated as a function of oxygen partial pressure and temperature. Pure Pr2Zr2O7+/-delta as well as samples modified...

Building thematic and integrated services for solid Earth sciences: the EPOS integrated approach

Science.gov (United States)

Cocco, Massimo; Consortium, Epos

2016-04-01

EPOS has been designed with the vision of creating a pan-European infrastructure for solid Earth science to support a safe and sustainable society. In accordance with this scientific vision, the EPOS mission is to integrate the diverse and advanced European Research Infrastructures for solid Earth science relying on new e-science opportunities to monitor and unravel the dynamic and complex Earth System. EPOS will enable innovative multidisciplinary research for a better understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes that control earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground instability and tsunami as well as the processes driving tectonics and Earth's surface dynamics. To accomplish its mission, EPOS is engaging different stakeholders, not limited to scientists, to allow the Earth sciences to open new horizons in our understanding of the planet. EPOS also aims at contributing to prepare society for geo-hazards and to responsibly manage the exploitation of geo-resources. Through integration of data, models and facilities, EPOS will allow the Earth science community to make a step change in developing new concepts and tools for key answers to scientific and socio-economic questions concerning geo-hazards and geo-resources as well as Earth sciences applications to the environment and human welfare. A long-term integration plan is necessary to accomplish the EPOS mission. EPOS is presently in its implementation phase further extending its pan-European dimension. The EPOS Implementation Phase builds on the achievements of the successful EPOS Preparatory Phase project and consists of two key activities: the legal establishment of the EPOS-ERIC and the EPOS IP project. The EPOS implementation phase will last from 2015 to 2019. Key objectives of the project are: implementing Thematic Core Services (TCS), the domain-specific service hubs for coordinating and harmonizing national resources/plans with the European dimension of EPOS; building the Integrated Core

Single crystal growth and structure refinements of CsMxTe2-xO6 (M = Al, Ga, Ge, In) pyrochlores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Siritanon, Theeranun; Sleight, A.W.; Subramanian, M.A.

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: Single crystals of CsM x Te 2-x O 6 pyrochlores with M = Al, Ga, Ge, and In have been grown and structure refinements indicate deviations from ideal stoichiometry presumably related to mixed valency of tellurium. Highlights: → Single crystals of CsM x Te 2-x O 6 pyrochlores with M = Al, Ga, Ge, and In have been grown. → Structure refinements from single crystal X-ray diffraction data confirm e structure. → Deviations from ideal stoichiometry suggest mixed valency of tellurium and hence conductivity. -- Abstract: Single crystals of CsM x Te 2-x O 6 pyrochlores with M = Al, Ga, Ge, and In have been grown from a TeO 2 flux. Structure refinements from single crystal X-ray diffraction data are reported. These results are used to discuss deviations from ideal stoichiometry that result in electronic conductivity presumably related to mixed valency of tellurium.

Topological Magnon Bands and Unconventional Superconductivity in Pyrochlore Iridate Thin Films

Science.gov (United States)

Laurell, Pontus; Fiete, Gregory A.

2017-04-01

We theoretically study the magnetic properties of pyrochlore iridate bilayer and trilayer thin films grown along the [111] direction using a strong coupling approach. We find the ground state magnetic configurations on a mean field level and carry out a spin-wave analysis about them. In the trilayer case the ground state is found to be the all-in-all-out (AIAO) state, whereas the bilayer has a deformed AIAO state. For all parameters of the spin-orbit coupled Hamiltonian we study, the lowest magnon band in the trilayer case has a nonzero Chern number. In the bilayer case we also find a parameter range with nonzero Chern numbers. We calculate the magnon Hall response for both geometries, finding a striking sign change as a function of temperature. Using a slave-boson mean-field theory we study the doping of the trilayer system and discover an unconventional time-reversal symmetry broken d +i d superconducting state. Our study complements prior work in the weak coupling limit and suggests that the [111] grown thin film pyrochlore iridates are a promising candidate for topological properties and unconventional orders.

Topological Magnon Bands and Unconventional Superconductivity in Pyrochlore Iridate Thin Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Laurell, Pontus; Fiete, Gregory A

2017-04-28

We theoretically study the magnetic properties of pyrochlore iridate bilayer and trilayer thin films grown along the [111] direction using a strong coupling approach. We find the ground state magnetic configurations on a mean field level and carry out a spin-wave analysis about them. In the trilayer case the ground state is found to be the all-in-all-out (AIAO) state, whereas the bilayer has a deformed AIAO state. For all parameters of the spin-orbit coupled Hamiltonian we study, the lowest magnon band in the trilayer case has a nonzero Chern number. In the bilayer case we also find a parameter range with nonzero Chern numbers. We calculate the magnon Hall response for both geometries, finding a striking sign change as a function of temperature. Using a slave-boson mean-field theory we study the doping of the trilayer system and discover an unconventional time-reversal symmetry broken d+id superconducting state. Our study complements prior work in the weak coupling limit and suggests that the [111] grown thin film pyrochlore iridates are a promising candidate for topological properties and unconventional orders.

Combined experimental–theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of non-stoichiometric pyrochlore bismuth titanate

KAUST Repository

Noureldine, Dalal; Lardhi, Sheikha F.; Ziani, Ahmed; Harb, Moussab; Cavallo, Luigi; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-01-01

A combination of experimental and computational methods was applied to investigate the crystal structure and optoelectronic properties of the non-stoichiometric pyrochlore Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x. The detailed experimental protocol for both powder and thin

Technology and human purpose: the problem of solids transport on the Earth's surface

Science.gov (United States)

Haff, P. K.

2012-11-01

Displacement of mass of limited deformability ("solids") on the Earth's surface is opposed by friction and (the analog of) form resistance - impediments relaxed by rotational motion, self-powering of mass units, and transport infrastructure. These features of solids transport first evolved in the biosphere prior to the emergence of technology, allowing slope-independent, diffusion-like motion of discrete objects as massive as several tons, as illustrated by animal foraging and movement along game trails. However, high-energy-consumption technology powered by fossil fuels required a mechanism that could support fast advective transport of solids, i.e., long-distance, high-volume, high-speed, unidirectional, slope-independent transport across the land surface of materials like coal, containerized fluids, minerals, and economic goods. Pre-technology nature was able to sustain regional- and global-scale advection only in the limited form of piggybacking on geophysical flows of water (river sediment) and air (dust). The appearance of a mechanism for sustained advection of solids independent of fluid flows and gravity appeared only upon the emergence of human purpose. Purpose enables solids advection by, in effect, simulating a continuous potential gradient, otherwise lacking, between discrete and widely separated fossil-fuel energy sources and sinks. Invoking purpose as a mechanism in solids advection is an example of the need to import anthropic principles and concepts into the language and methodology of modern Earth system dynamics. As part of the emergence of a generalized solids advection mechanism, several additional transport requirements necessary to the function of modern large-scale technological systems were also satisfied. These include spatially accurate delivery of advected payload, targetability to essentially arbitrarily located destinations (such as cities), and independence of structure of advected payload from transport mechanism. The latter property

Radiation damage effects in pyrochlore and zirconolite ceramic matrices for the immobilization of actinide-rich wastes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lumpkin, G.R.; Begg, B.D.; Smith, K.L.

2000-01-01

Actinide-doping experiments using short-lived 238 Pu and 244 Cm have demonstrated that pyrochlore and zirconolite become fully amorphous at a dose of 0.2-0.5 x 10 16 α/mg at ambient temperature and exhibit bulk swelling of 5-7%. Detailed studies of natural samples have included determination of the critical amorphization dose, long-term annealing rate, microstructural changes as a function of dose, and the thermal histories of the host rocks. Together, the laboratory based work and studies of natural samples indicate that the critical amorphization dose will increase by about a factor of 2-4 for samples stored at temperatures of 100-200 deg. C for up to 10 million years. These studies of alpha-decay damage have been complemented by heavy ion irradiation studies over the last ten years. Most of the irradiation work has concerned the critical amorphization dose as a function of temperature in thin films; however, some work has been carried out on bulk samples. The irradiation work indicates that most pyrochlore and zirconolite compositions will have similar critical amorphization doses at low temperatures (e.g., below 300-400 deg. C). Pyrochlore with Zr as the major B-site cation transform to a defect fluorite structure with increasing ion irradiation dose, but do not become amorphous. (authors)

Compositional Evolution of Pyrochlore-Group Minerals in Carbonatites of the Belaya Zima Pluton, Eastern Sayan

Science.gov (United States)

Khromova, E. A.; Doroshkevich, A. G.; Sharygin, V. V.; Izbrodin, L. A.

2017-12-01

Pyrochlore-group minerals are the main concentrators of niobium in carbonatites of the Belaya Zima alkaline pluton. Fluorcalciopyrochlore, kenopyrochlore and hydropyrochlore were identified in chemical composition. Their main characteristics are given: compositional variation, morphology, and zoning. During evolution from early calcite to late ankerite carbonatites, the UO2, TiO2, REE, and Y contents gradually increased. All carbonatite types are suggested to contain initial fluorcalciopyrochlore. However, in calcite-dolomite and ankerite carbonatites, it is partially or completely hydrated due to hydrothermal processes at the late stage of the pluton. This hydration resulted in the appearance of kenopyrochlore and hydropyrochlore due to removal of Ca, Na and F, and input of Ba, H2O, K, Si, Fe, and probably U and REE. At the last stage of the pluton, this hydrated pyrochlore was replaced by Fe-bearing columbite.

The European Plate Observing System (EPOS) Services for Solid Earth Science

Science.gov (United States)

Cocco, Massimo; Atakan, Kuvvet; Pedersen, Helle; Consortium, Epos

2016-04-01

The European Plate Observing System (EPOS) aims to create a pan-European infrastructure for solid Earth science to support a safe and sustainable society. The main vision of the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) is to address the three basic challenges in Earth Sciences: (i) unravelling the Earth's deformational processes which are part of the Earth system evolution in time, (ii) understanding the geo-hazards and their implications to society, and (iii) contributing to the safe and sustainable use of geo-resources. The mission of EPOS is to monitor and understand the dynamic and complex Earth system by relying on new e-science opportunities and integrating diverse and advanced Research Infrastructures in Europe for solid Earth Science. EPOS will enable innovative multidisciplinary research for a better understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes that control earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground instability and tsunami as well as the processes driving tectonics and Earth's surface dynamics. EPOS will improve our ability to better manage the use of the subsurface of the Earth. Through integration of data, models and facilities EPOS will allow the Earth Science community to make a step change in developing new concepts and tools for key answers to scientific and socio-economic questions concerning geo-hazards and geo-resources as well as Earth sciences applications to the environment and to human welfare. EPOS has now started its Implementation Phase (EPOS-IP). One of the main challenges during the implementation phase is the integration of multidisciplinary data into a single e-infrastructure. Multidisciplinary data are organized and governed by the Thematic Core Services (TCS) and are driven by various scientific communities encompassing a wide spectrum of Earth science disciplines. These include Data, Data-products, Services and Software (DDSS), from seismology, near fault observatories, geodetic observations, volcano observations

Spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the pyrochlore lattice: An exact diagonalization study

Science.gov (United States)

Chandra, V. Ravi; Sahoo, Jyotisman

2018-04-01

We present exact diagonalization calculations for the spin-1/2 nearest-neighbor antiferromagnet on the pyrochlore lattice. We study a section of the lattice in the [111] direction and analyze the Hamiltonian of the breathing pyrochlore system with two coupling constants J1 and J2 for tetrahedra of different orientations and investigate the evolution of the system from the limit of disconnected tetrahedra (J2=0 ) to a correlated state at J1=J2 . We evaluate the low-energy spectrum, two and four spin correlations, and spin chirality correlations for a system size of up to 36 sites. The model shows a fast decay of spin correlations and we confirm the presence of several singlet excitations below the lowest magnetic excitation. We find chirality correlations near J1=J2 to be small at the length scales available at this system size. Evaluation of dimer-dimer correlations and analysis of the nature of the entanglement of the tetrahedral unit shows that the triplet sector of the tetrahedron contributes significantly to the ground-state entanglement at J1=J2 .

Disorder-induced transition from grain boundary to bulk dominated ionic diffusion in pyrochlores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perriot, Romain; Dholabhai, Pratik P.; Uberuaga, Blas P.

2017-01-01

In this paper, we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the role of grain boundaries (GBs) on ionic diffusion in pyrochlores, as a function of the GB type, chemistry of the compound, and level of cation disorder. We observe that the presence of GBs promotes oxygen transport in ordered and low-disordered systems, as the GBs are found to have a higher concentration of mobile carriers with higher mobilities than in the bulk. Thus, in ordered samples, the ionic diffusion is 2D, localized along the grain boundary. When cation disorder is introduced, bulk carriers begin to contribute to the overall diffusion, while the GB contribution is only slightly enhanced. In highly disordered samples, the diffusive behavior at the GBs is bulk-like, and the two contributions (bulk vs. GB) can no longer be distinguished. There is thus a transition from 2D/GB dominated oxygen diffusivity to 3D/bulk dominated diffusivity versus disorder in pyrochlores. Finally, these results provide new insights into the possibility of using internal interfaces to enhance ionic conductivity in nanostructured complex oxides.

Odd-parity magnetoresistance in pyrochlore iridate thin films with broken time-reversal symmetry

Science.gov (United States)

Fujita, T. C.; Kozuka, Y.; Uchida, M.; Tsukazaki, A.; Arima, T.; Kawasaki, M.

2015-01-01

A new class of materials termed topological insulators have been intensively investigated due to their unique Dirac surface state carrying dissipationless edge spin currents. Recently, it has been theoretically proposed that the three dimensional analogue of this type of band structure, the Weyl Semimetal phase, is materialized in pyrochlore oxides with strong spin-orbit coupling, accompanied by all-in-all-out spin ordering. Here, we report on the fabrication and magnetotransport of Eu2Ir2O7 single crystalline thin films. We reveal that one of the two degenerate all-in-all-out domain structures, which are connected by time-reversal operation, can be selectively formed by the polarity of the cooling magnetic field. Once formed, the domain is robust against an oppositely polarised magnetic field, as evidenced by an unusual odd field dependent term in the magnetoresistance and an anomalous term in the Hall resistance. Our findings pave the way for exploring the predicted novel quantum transport phenomenon at the surfaces/interfaces or magnetic domain walls of pyrochlore iridates. PMID:25959576

Dielectric and magnetic properties, and electronic structure of multiferroic perovskite PbFe.sub.0.5./sub.Ta.sub.0.5./sub.O.sub.3./sub. and incipient ferroelectric pyrochlore Pb.sub.2./sub.Fe.sub.0.34./sub.Ta.sub.1.84./sub.O.sub.7.11./sub. single crystals and ceramics

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kania, A.; Miga, S.; Talik, E.; Gruszka, I.; Szubka, M.; Savinov, Maxim; Prokleška, J.; Kamba, Stanislav

2016-01-01

Roč. 36, č. 14 (2016), s. 3369-3381 ISSN 0955-2219 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA15-08389S Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : lead iron tantalate * perovskite multiferroic * pyrochlore * incipient ferroelectric * X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 3.411, year: 2016

Room temperature aerobic oxidation of amines by a nanocrystalline ruthenium oxide pyrochlore nafion composite catalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Venkatesan, Shanmuganathan; Kumar, Annamalai Senthil; Lee, Jyh-Fu; Chan, Ting-Shan; Zen, Jyh-Myng

2012-05-14

The aerobic oxidation of primary amines to their respective nitriles has been carried out at room temperature using a highly reusable nanocrystalline ruthenium oxide pyrochlore Nafion composite catalyst (see figure). Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Building Thematic and Integrated Services for European Solid Earth Sciences: the EPOS Integrated Approach

Science.gov (United States)

Harrison, M.; Cocco, M.

2017-12-01

EPOS (European Plate Observing System) has been designed with the vision of creating a pan-European infrastructure for solid Earth science to support a safe and sustainable society. In accordance with this scientific vision, the EPOS mission is to integrate the diverse and advanced European Research Infrastructures for solid Earth science relying on new e-science opportunities to monitor and unravel the dynamic and complex Earth System. EPOS will enable innovative multidisciplinary research for a better understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes that control earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground instability and tsunami as well as the processes driving tectonics and Earth's surface dynamics. To accomplish its mission, EPOS is engaging different stakeholders, to allow the Earth sciences to open new horizons in our understanding of the planet. EPOS also aims at contributing to prepare society for geo-hazards and to responsibly manage the exploitation of geo-resources. Through integration of data, models and facilities, EPOS will allow the Earth science community to make a step change in developing new concepts and tools for key answers to scientific and socio-economic questions concerning geo-hazards and geo-resources as well as Earth sciences applications to the environment and human welfare. The research infrastructures (RIs) that EPOS is coordinating include: i) distributed geophysical observing systems (seismological and geodetic networks); ii) local observatories (including geomagnetic, near-fault and volcano observatories); iii) analytical and experimental laboratories; iv) integrated satellite data and geological information services; v) new services for natural and anthropogenic hazards; vi) access to geo-energy test beds. Here we present the activities planned for the implementation phase focusing on the TCS, the ICS and on their interoperability. We will discuss the data, data-products, software and services (DDSS) presently under

Quantum phase transitions and anomalous Hall effect in a pyrochlore Kondo lattice

Science.gov (United States)

Grefe, Sarah; Ding, Wenxin; Si, Qimiao

The metallic variant of the pyrochlore iridates Pr2Ir2O7 has shown characteristics of a possible chiral spin liquid state [PRL 96 087204 (2006), PRL 98, 057203 (2007), Nature 463, 210 (2010)] and quantum criticality [Nat. Mater. 13, 356 (2014)]. An important question surrounding the significant anomalous Hall response observed in Pr2Ir2O7 is the nature of the f-electron local moments, including their Kondo coupling with the conduction d-electrons. The heavy effective mass and related thermodynamic characteristics indicate the involvement of the Kondo effect in this system's electronic properties. In this work, we study the effects of Kondo coupling on candidate time-reversal-symmetry-breaking spin liquid states on the pyrochlore lattice. Representing the f-moments as slave fermions Kondo-coupled to conduction electrons, we study the competition between Kondo-singlet formation and chiral spin correlations and determine the zero-temperature phase diagram. We derive an effective chiral interaction between the local moments and the conduction electrons and calculate the anomalous Hall response across the quantum phase transition from the Kondo destroyed phase to the Kondo screened phase. We discuss our results' implications for Pr2Ir2O7 and related frustrated Kondo-lattice systems.

Uncertainty analysis of atmospheric friction torque on the solid Earth

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Haoming Yan

2016-05-01

Full Text Available The wind stress acquired from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP climate models and QSCAT satellite observations are analyzed by using frequency-wavenumber spectrum method. The spectrum of two climate models, i.e., ECMWF and NCEP, is similar for both 10 m wind data and model output wind stress data, which indicates that both the climate models capture the key feature of wind stress. While the QSCAT wind stress data shows the similar characteristics with the two climate models in both spectrum domain and the spatial distribution, but with a factor of approximately 1.25 times larger than that of climate models in energy. These differences show the uncertainty in the different wind stress products, which inevitably cause the atmospheric friction torque uncertainties on solid Earth with a 60% departure in annual amplitude, and furtherly affect the precise estimation of the Earth's rotation.

Synthesis and characterization of Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} pyrochlore sun-light-responsive photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naceur, Benhadria, E-mail: nacer1974@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Abdelkader, Elaziouti, E-mail: elaziouti_a@yahoo.com [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Dr Moulay Tahar University, Saida (Algeria); Nadjia, Laouedj, E-mail: nlaouedj@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Dr Moulay Tahar University, Saida (Algeria); Sellami, Mayouf, E-mail: Mourad7dz@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Noureddine, Bettahar, E-mail: nbettahar2001@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria)

2016-02-15

Graphical abstract: Heterogeneous photo Fenton process with dye sensitized mechanism of RhB by Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} compound. - Highlights: • Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} (BSCO) catalyst was synthesized by improved solid state reaction method. • BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2}/UVA and BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2}/SL catalyst systems exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities for rhodamine B. • The photocatalytic degradation was preceded via heterogeneous photo Fenton mechanism process. • ·OH radicals are the main reactive species for the degradation of RhB. - Abstract: Novel nanostructure pyrochlore Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} was successfully synthesized via solid state reaction method in air. The as-synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the BSCO was crystallized with the pyrochlore-type structure, cubic crystal system and space group Fd3m. The average particle size and band gap for BSCO were D = 76.29 nm and E{sub g} = 1.50 eV respectively. Under the optimum conditions for discoloration of the dye: initial concentration of 20 mg L{sup −1} RhB, pH 7, 25 °C, 0.5 mL H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and BSCO/dye mass ration of 1 g L{sup −1}, 97.77 and 90.16% of RhB were removed with BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} photocatalytic system within 60 min of irradiation time under UVA- and SL irradiations respectively. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave the best fit, with highest correlation coefficients (R{sup 2} ≥ 0.99). On the base of these results, the mechanism of the enhancement of the discoloration efficiency was discussed. .

Direct Measurement of Surface Dissolution Rates in Potential Nuclear Waste Forms: The Example of Pyrochlore.

Science.gov (United States)

Fischer, Cornelius; Finkeldei, Sarah; Brandt, Felix; Bosbach, Dirk; Luttge, Andreas

2015-08-19

The long-term stability of ceramic materials that are considered as potential nuclear waste forms is governed by heterogeneous surface reactivity. Thus, instead of a mean rate, the identification of one or more dominant contributors to the overall dissolution rate is the key to predict the stability of waste forms quantitatively. Direct surface measurements by vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) and their analysis via material flux maps and resulting dissolution rate spectra provide data about dominant rate contributors and their variability over time. Using pyrochlore (Nd2Zr2O7) pellet dissolution under acidic conditions as an example, we demonstrate the identification and quantification of dissolution rate contributors, based on VSI data and rate spectrum analysis. Heterogeneous surface alteration of pyrochlore varies by a factor of about 5 and additional material loss by chemo-mechanical grain pull-out within the uppermost grain layer. We identified four different rate contributors that are responsible for the observed dissolution rate range of single grains. Our new concept offers the opportunity to increase our mechanistic understanding and to predict quantitatively the alteration of ceramic waste forms.

High-pressure effects on the superconductivity of β-pyrochlore oxides AOs2O6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muramatsu, Takaki; Takeshita, Nao; Terakura, Chikeko; Takagi, Hidenori; Tokura, Yoshinori; Yonezawa, Shigeki; Muraoka, Yuji; Hiroi, Zenji

2006-01-01

High-pressure effects on the superconducting transitions of β-pyrochlore oxide superconductors AOs 2 O 6 (A=Cs, Rb, K) are studied by measuring resistivity under high pressures up to 16 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature T c first increases with increasing pressure in all the compounds and then exhibits a broad maximum at 7.6 K (6 GPa), 8.2 K (2 GPa) and 10 K (0.6 GPa) for A=Cs, Rb and K, respectively. Finally, the superconductivity is suppressed completely at a critical pressure near 7 and 6 GPa for A=Rb and K and probably above 10 GPa for A=Cs. Characteristic changes in the temperature dependence of resistivity of RbOs 2 O 6 under high pressure. The residual resistivity largely increases with pressure above 4 GPa and, as a result, resistivity indicates small temperature dependence down to 4.2 K at 7 GPa and application of further pressure up to 10 GPa indicates that temperature dependence of resistivity decrease below 100 K. This characteristic behavior in the β-pyrochlore oxides may originate from the nesting of nearly octahedron shape of Fermi surface

Recycling of rare earths from Hg-containing fluorescent lamp scraps by solid state chlorination

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lorenz, Tom; Froehlich, Peter; Bertau, Martin; Golon, Katja

2015-01-01

Solid state chlorination with NH 4 Cl comprises a method for rare earth recycling apart from pyro- or hydrometallurgical strategies. The examined partially Hg-containing fluorescent lamp scraps are rich in rare earths like La, Ce, Tb and Gd, but especially in Y and Eu. By mixing with NH 4 Cl and heating up to NH 4 Cl decomposition temperature in a sublimation reactor, Y and Eu could be transferred selectively into their respective metal chlorides with high yields. The yield and selectivity depend on temperature and the ratio of NH 4 Cl to fluorescent lamp scraps, which were varied systematically.

Multidisciplinary projects and investigations on the solid earth geophysics; Metodi e prospettive per una maggiore conoscenza della crosta terrestre

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Slejko, D. [Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Gruppo Nazionale di Geofisica della Terra Solida, Trieste (Italy)

2001-07-01

Physical phenomena that occur in the solid part of the Earth are investigated by Solid Earth Geophysics together with problems related to the shape, location, and characteristics of the different parts that constitute the Earth. Repeated measurements lead the scientists to model the past evolution of the various processes as well as to forecast the future ones. Various disciplines refer to Solid Earth Geophysics, they are: Seismology, Gravimetry, Magnetometry, Geothermics, Geodesy, Geo electromagnetism, and Seismic Exploration. A special citation is due to Applied Geophysics, which are devoted to the identification of minerals, energetic and natural resources. The National Group of Solid Earth Geophysics was constituted in 1978 by CNR for promoting, developing, and coordinating researches related to Solid Earth Geophysics. The limited annual financial budget has conditioned the realisation of relevant multi-disciplinary projects. Nevertheless, important results were obtained in all different fields of Geophysics and were disseminated during the annual conference of the Group. A summary review of the main topics treated during the last conference is given here and some ideas for future research projects are presented. [Italian] La Geofisica della Terra Solida e' quella branca delle scienze e delle tecnologie che prende in considerazione dei fenomeni connessi con le caratteristiche fisiche della parte solida della Terra. La complessita' della costituzione della Terra e della sua evoluzione nel tempo implica che vengano prese in considerazione tutte le fenomenologie che si riescono a misurare e che costituiscono branche diverse della Geofisica: la Sismologia, la Gravimetria, la Magnetometria, la Geotermia, la Geodesia, il Geoelettromagnetismo, la Geofisica applicata. Ognuna di queste branche della Geofisica ha avuto in passato uno sviluppo quasi del tutto indipendente con collaborazioni o integrazioni dirtte ad obiettivi specifici, limitati anche nel tempo

Isomorphic Structural Transition in the β-Pyrochlore Oxide Superconductor KOs2O6

Science.gov (United States)

Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Takigawa, Masashi; Yamamuro, Osamu; Hiroi, Zenji

2010-04-01

A phase transition observed at Tp = 7.65 K in the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs2O6 is studied by means of heat capacity, 39K-NMR, and X-ray diffraction measurements using high-quality single crystals. We find evidence of an isomorphic structural transition at Tp without the off-center freezing of the K ion even below Tp. It is possibly related to the rattling motion of the K ion in an oversized atomic cage.

Contextualizing Earth Science Professional Development Courses for Geoscience Teachers in Boston: Earth Science II (Solid Earth)

Science.gov (United States)

Pringle, M. S.; Kamerer, B.; Vugrin, M.; Miller, M.

2009-12-01

Earth Science II: The Solid Earth -- Earth History and Planetary Science -- is the second of two Earth Science courses, and one of eleven graduate level science Contextualized Content Courses (CCC), that have been developed by the Boston Science Partnership as part of an NSF-funded Math Science Partnership program. A core goal of these courses is to provide high level science content to middle and high school teachers while modeling good instructional practices directly tied to the Boston Public Schools and Massachusetts science curriculum frameworks. All of these courses emphasize hands-on, lab-based, inquiry-driven, student-centered lessons. The Earth Science II team aimed to strictly adhere to ABC (Activity Before Concept) and 5E/7E models of instruction, and limited lecture or teacher-centered instruction to the later “Explanation” stages of all lessons. We also introduced McNeill and Krajick’s Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) model of scientific explanation for middle school classroom discourse, both as a powerful scaffold leading to higher levels of accountable talk in the classroom, and to model science as a social construct. Daily evaluations, dutifully filled out by the course participants and diligently read by the course instructors, were quite useful in adapting instruction to the needs of the class on a real-time basis. We find the structure of the CCC teaching teams - university-based faculty providing expert content knowledge, K-12-based faculty providing age appropriate pedagogies and specific links to the K-12 curriculum - quite a fruitful, two-way collaboration. From the students’ perspective, one of the most useful takeaways from the university-based faculty was “listening to experts model out loud how they reason,” whereas some of the more practical takeaways (i.e., lesson components directly portable to the classroom?) came from the K-12-based faculty. The main takeaways from the course as a whole were the promise to bring more hands

Earthquake swarms and the semidiurnal solid earth tide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klein, F W

1976-01-01

Several correlations between peak earthquake activity during swarms and the phase and stress orientation of the calculated solid earth tide are described. The events correlating with the tide are clusters of swarm earthquakes. Swarm clusters from many sequences recorded over several years are used. Significant tidal correlations (which have less than a 5% chance of being observed if earthquakes were random) are found in the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Imperial Valley and northern Gulf of California, and larger (m/sub b/ greater than or equal to 5.0) aftershocks of the 1965 Rat Islands earthquake. In addition, sets of larger single earthquakes on Atlantic and north-east Pacific fracture zones are significantly correlated with the calculated solid tide. No tidal correlation, however, could be found for the Matsushiro Japan swarm of 1965 to 1967. The earthquake-tide correlations other than those of the Reykjanes Peninsula and Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be interpreted as triggering caused by enhancement of the tectonic stress by tidal stress, i.e. the alignment of fault and tidal principal stresses. All tidal correlations except in the Aleutians are associated with oceanic rifts or their landward extensions. If lithospheric plates are decoupled at active rifts, then tidal stresses channeled along the lithospheric stress guide may be concentrated at ridge-type plate boundaries. Tidal triggering of earthquakes at rifts may reflect this possible amplification of tidal strains in the weakened lithosphere at ridges. 25 figures, 2 tables.

Irradiation-induced amorphization of Cd2Nb2O7 pyrochlore

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meldrum, A.; White, C. W.; Keppens, V.; Boatner, L. A.; Ewing, R. C.

2001-01-01

Several investigations have recently been undertaken in order to achieve a more complete understanding of the radiation-damage mechanisms in A 2 B 2 O 7 pyrochlore-structure compounds. The present work represents the first systematic study of the irradiation-induced amorphization of a pyrochlore with A- and B-site cation valences of +2 and +5, respectively. Relatively large single crystals of Cd 2 Nb 2 O 7 were grown for these experiments. In situ ion-irradiation experiments were carried out in a transmission electron microscope in conjunction with ex situ Rutherford backscattering measurements of ion-irradiated Cd 2 Nb 2 O 7 single crystals. Cd 2 Nb 2 O 7 can be amorphized in situ by Ne or Xe ions at temperatures up to 480 and 620 K, respectively. At room temperature, the amorphization fluence was 36 times higher for 280 keV Ne + than for 1200 keV Xe 2+ , corresponding to a displacement dose that was higher by a factor of 3. Disordering of Cd and Nb over the available cation sites occurs at intermediate ion doses prior to amorphization. The temperature dependence of the amorphization dose is modeled, and the results are compared to those of a previous model. The bulk-sample Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) results were generally consistent with the in situ TEM measurements. Effects of crystallographic orientation and ion charge state had relatively little effect on the damage accumulation in bulk crystals. The RBS data are consistent with a defect-accumulation, cascade-overlap model of amorphization of Cd 2 Nb 2 O 7 , as are the in situ TEM observations

Novel rattling of K atoms in aluminium-doped defect pyrochlore tungstate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shoko, Elvis; Kearley, Gordon J; Peterson, Vanessa K; Thorogood, Gordon J; Mutka, Hannu; Koza, Michael M; Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Hiroi, Zenji

2014-01-01

Rattling dynamics have been identified as fundamental to superconductivity in defect pyrochlore osmates and aluminium vanadium intermetallics, as well as low thermal conductivity in clathrates and filled skutterudites. Combining inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we use a new approach to investigate rattling in the Al-doped defect pyrochlore tungstates: AAl 0.33 W 1.67 O 6 (A = K, Rb, Cs). We find that although all the alkali metals rattle, the rattling of the K atoms is unique, not only among the tungstates but also among the analogous defect osmates, KOs 2 O 6 and RbOs 2 O 6 . Detailed analysis of the MD trajectories reveals that two unique features set the K dynamics apart from the rest, namely, (1) quasi one-dimensional local diffusion within a cage, and (2) vibration at a range of frequencies. The local diffusion is driven by strongly anharmonic local potentials around the K atoms exhibiting a double-well structure in the direction of maximum displacement, which is also the direction of local diffusion. On the other hand, vibration at a range of frequencies is a consequence of the strong anisotropy in the local potentials around the K atoms as revealed by directional magnitude spectra. We present evidence to show that it is the smaller size rather than the smaller mass of the K rattler which leads to the unusual dynamics. Finally, we suggest that the occurrence of local diffusion and vibration at a range of frequencies in the dynamics of a single rattler, as found here for the K atoms, may open new possibilities for phonon engineering in thermoelectric materials. (paper)

Many-Body Theory of Pyrochlore Iridates and Related Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Runzhi

In this thesis we focus on two problems. First we propose a numerical method for generating optimized Wannier functions with desired properties. Second we perform the state of the art density functional plus dynamical mean-field calculations in pyrochlore iridates, to investigate the physics induced by the cooperation of spin-orbit coupling and electron correlation. We begin with the introduction for maximally localized Wannier functions and other related extensions. Then we describe the current research in the field of spin-orbit coupling and its interplay with correlation effects, followed by a brief introduction of the `hot' materials of iridates. Before the end of the introduction, we discuss the numerical methods employed in our work, including the density functional theory; dynamical mean-field theory and its combination with the exact diagonalization impurity solver. Then we propose our approach for constructing an optimized set of Wannier functions, which is a generalization of the functionality of the classic maximal localization method put forward by Marzari and Vanderbilt. Our work is motivated by the requirement of the effective description of the local subspace of the Hamiltonian by the beyond density functional theory methods. In extensions of density functional theory such as dynamical mean-field theory, one may want highly accurate description of particular local orbitals, including correct centers and symmetries; while the basis for the remaining degrees of freedom is unimportant. Therefore, we develop the selectively localized Wannier function approach which allows for a greater localization in the selected subset of Wannier functions and at the same time allows us to fix the centers and ensure the point symmetries. Applications in real materials are presented to demonstrate the power of our approach. Next we move to the investigation of pyrochlore iridates, focussing on the metal-insulator transition and material dependence in these compounds. We

Evidences of the expanding Earth from space-geodetic data over solid land and sea level rise in recent two decades

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wenbin Shen

2015-07-01

Full Text Available According to the space-geodetic data recorded at globally distributed stations over solid land spanning a period of more than 20-years under the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2008, our previous estimate of the average-weighted vertical variation of the Earth's solid surface suggests that the Earth's solid part is expanding at a rate of 0.24 ± 0.05 mm/a in recent two decades. In another aspect, the satellite altimetry observations spanning recent two decades demonstrate the sea level rise (SLR rate 3.2 ± 0.4 mm/a, of which 1.8 ± 0.5 mm/a is contributed by the ice melting over land. This study shows that the oceanic thermal expansion is 1.0 ± 0.1 mm/a due to the temperature increase in recent half century, which coincides with the estimate provided by previous authors. The SLR observation by altimetry is not balanced by the ice melting and thermal expansion, which is an open problem before this study. However, in this study we infer that the oceanic part of the Earth is expanding at a rate about 0.4 mm/a. Combining the expansion rates of land part and oceanic part, we conclude that the Earth is expanding at a rate of 0.35 ± 0.47 mm/a in recent two decades. If the Earth expands at this rate, then the altimetry-observed SLR can be well explained.

XPS studies of ceramics with pyrochlore structure for radioactive wastes disposal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Teterin, Yu.A.; Vukchevich, L.; Ivanov, K.E.; Utkin, I.O; Teterin, A. Yu.; Maslakov, K.I.; Yudintseva, T.S.; Yudintsev, S.V.; Stefanovsky, S.V.; Lapina, M.I. . E-mail address of corresponding author: vukas@rc.pmf.cg.ac.yu; Vukchevich, L.)

2005-01-01

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of ceramics CaThSn 2 O 7 and CaThZr 2 O 7 with pyrochlore structure used as matrixes for the disposal of long lived high level radioactive wastes was done. On the basis of the XPS parameters of the core and outer electrons in the binding energy range 0 - 1000 eV the oxidation states of the included metals were determined, quantitative elemental and ionic analysis was carried out and a conclusion on the monophaseness of the studied samples was drawn. The obtained data agree with the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results. (author)

Localized and collectivized behaviour of d-electrons in complicated titanium, vanadium and niobium oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bazuev, G.V.; Shvejkin, G.P.

1980-01-01

On the basis of investigation of electric and magnetic properties of oxide compounds of transition metals made are the conclusions on the degree of localization and delocalization of d-electrons in them. Generalized are the investigation results of complicated titanium, vanadium, niobium oxide compounds in low degrees of oxidation with rare earth and alkaline earth elements belonging to the two structural types: perovskite and pyrochlore. Presented are the results of investigations of perovskite-like solid solutions and of variable-content phases containing cations of transition metals in two different oxidation degrees: oxide niobium bronzes of two-valent europium and titanium bronzes of rare-earth elements, as well as Lnsub(1-x)Msub(x)Vsub(1-x)sup(3+)Vsub(x)sup(4+)Osub(3), where M is an alkaline earth element

Effect of Ion Irradiation in Cadmium Niobate Pyrochlores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang, Weilin; Weber, William J.; Thevuthasan, Suntharampillai; Boatner, Lynn A.

2003-01-01

Irradiation experiments have been performed for cadmium niobate pyrochlore (CdNb2O) single crystals at both 150 and 300 K using 1.0 MeV Au ions over fluences ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 ions/nm. In-situ 3.0 MeV He Rutherford backscattering spectrometry along the -axial channeling direction (RBS/C) has been applied to study the damage states ranging from small defect concentrations to a fully amorphous state. Results show that the crystal can be readily amorphized under the irradiation conditions. Room-temperature recovery of the defects produced at 150 K has been observed, while the defects produced at 300 K are thermally stable at room temperature. Results also indicate that the RBS/C analysis used in this study induced negligible damage in the near-surface regime. In addition, irradiation at and below room temperature using He and C3 ions leads to surface exfoliation at the corresponding damage peaks

Low-temperature specific heat of the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductors under high pressure

Science.gov (United States)

Isono, T.; Iguchi, D.; Machida, Y.; Izawa, K.; Salce, B.; Flouquet, J.; Ogusu, H.; Yamaura, J.; Hiroi, Z.

2011-01-01

We report the results of the low-temperature specific heat measurements of the single crystalline β-pyrochlore oxide superconductors AOs 2O 6 (A=K, Rb, and Cs) under high pressure up to 13 GPa. We find that superconducting transition temperature ( Tc) monotonically increases for CsOs 2O 6 and RbOs 2O 6, while the one for KOs 2O 6 decreases by applying the pressure. With further increasing the pressure, Tc is suddenly suppressed at the same lattice volume for all compounds, concomitant with the first-order structural phase transition.

Rattling motion in β-pyrochlore compounds explored by the millimeter-wave conductivity measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maeda, Atsutaka; Oba, Kentaro; Imai, Yoshinori; Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Hiroi, Zenji

2010-01-01

Complex conductivity is investigated at 19 GHz and 44 GHz in the normal state in β-pyrochlore materials, AOs 2 O 6 (A = Cs, Rb and K). In Cs material, large enhancement of the quasiparticle (QP) scattering time, τ, is observed at low temperatures, whereas there is no such enhancement in Rb and K materials. This indicates that rattling motion is absent in Cs material, whether in K and Rb materials it plays the role as a scatterer for QPs. In Rb materials, we find charge excitation possibly originated from the rattling motion.

Catalytic Oxidation of Soot on a Novel Active Ca-Co Dually-Doped Lanthanum Tin Pyrochlore Oxide

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lijie Ai

2018-04-01

Full Text Available A novel active Ca-Co dually-doping pyrochlore oxide La2−xCaxSn2−yCoyO7 catalyst was synthesized by the sol-gel method for catalytic oxidation of soot particulates. The microstructure, atomic valence, reduction, and adsorption performance were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscope (SEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, H2-TPR (temperature-programmed reduction, and in situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformed (DRIFTS techniques. Temperature programmed oxidation (TPO tests were performed with the mixture of soot-catalyst under tight contact conditions to evaluate the catalytic activity for soot combustion. Synergetic effect between Ca and Co improved the structure and redox properties of the solids, increased the surface oxygen vacancies, and provided a suitable electropositivity for oxide, directly resulting in the decreased ignition temperature for catalyzed soot oxidation as low as 317 °C. The presence of NO in O2 further promoted soot oxidation over the catalysts with the ignition temperature decreased to about 300 °C. The DRIFTS results reveal that decomposition of less stable surface nitrites may account for NO2 formation in the ignition period of soot combustion, which thus participate in the auxiliary combustion process.

Rapid Ice-Sheet Changes and Mechanical Coupling to Solid-Earth/Sea-Level and Space Geodetic Observation

Science.gov (United States)

Adhikari, S.; Ivins, E. R.; Larour, E. Y.

2015-12-01

Perturbations in gravitational and rotational potentials caused by climate driven mass redistribution on the earth's surface, such as ice sheet melting and terrestrial water storage, affect the spatiotemporal variability in global and regional sea level. Here we present a numerically accurate, computationally efficient, high-resolution model for sea level. Unlike contemporary models that are based on spherical-harmonic formulation, the model can operate efficiently in a flexible embedded finite-element mesh system, thus capturing the physics operating at km-scale yet capable of simulating geophysical quantities that are inherently of global scale with minimal computational cost. One obvious application is to compute evolution of sea level fingerprints and associated geodetic and astronomical observables (e.g., geoid height, gravity anomaly, solid-earth deformation, polar motion, and geocentric motion) as a companion to a numerical 3-D thermo-mechanical ice sheet simulation, thus capturing global signatures of climate driven mass redistribution. We evaluate some important time-varying signatures of GRACE inferred ice sheet mass balance and continental hydrological budget; for example, we identify dominant sources of ongoing sea-level change at the selected tide gauge stations, and explain the relative contribution of different sources to the observed polar drift. We also report our progress on ice-sheet/solid-earth/sea-level model coupling efforts toward realistic simulation of Pine Island Glacier over the past several hundred years.

Effects of sintering temperature on the pyrochlore phase in PZT nanotubes and their transformation to the perovskite phase by coating with PbO multilayers.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Jin Kyu; Choi, Yong Chan; Jeon, Do Hyen; Lee, Min Ku; Bu, Sang Don

2014-11-01

We report the phase evolution of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 nanotubes (PZT-NTs), from the pyrochlore to perovskite phase, with an outer diameter of about 420 nm and a wall thickness of about 10 nm. The PZT-NTs were fabricated in pores of porous anodic alumina membrane (PAM) using a spin coating of PZT sol-gel solution and subsequent annealing at 500-700 degrees C in oxygen gas. The pyrochlore phase was found to be formed at 500 degrees C, and also found not to be transformed into the perovskite phase, even though annealing was performed at higher temperatures to 700 degrees C. Elementary distribution analysis of PZT-NTs embedded in PAM reveal that Pb diffusion from nanotubes into pore walls of PAM is one of the main reasons. By employing firstly an additional PbO coating on the pyrochlore nanotubes and then subsequent annealing at 700 degrees C, we have successfully achieved an almost pure perovskite phase in nanotubes. These results suggest that PbO acts as a Pb-compensation agent in the Pb- deficient PZT-NTs. Moreover, our method can be used in the synthesis of all metal-oxide materials, including volatile elements.

Deep-Earth Equilibration between Molten Iron and Solid Silicates

Science.gov (United States)

Brennan, M.; Zurkowski, C. C.; Chidester, B.; Campbell, A.

2017-12-01

Elemental partitioning between iron-rich metals and silicate minerals influences the properties of Earth's deep interior, and is ultimately responsible for the nature of the core-mantle boundary. These interactions between molten iron and solid silicates were influential during planetary accretion, and persist today between the mantle and liquid outer core. Here we report the results of diamond anvil cell experiments at lower mantle conditions (40 GPa, >2500 K) aimed at examining systems containing a mixture of metals (iron or Fe-16Si alloy) and silicates (peridotite). The experiments were conducted at pressure-temperature conditions above the metallic liquidus but below the silicate solidus, and the recovered samples were analyzed by FIB/SEM with EDS to record the compositions of the coexisting phases. Each sample formed a three-phase equilibrium between bridgmanite, Fe-rich metallic melt, and an oxide. In one experiment, using pure Fe, the quenched metal contained 6 weight percent O, and the coexisting oxide was ferropericlase. The second experiment, using Fe-Si alloy, was highly reducing; its metal contained 10 wt% Si, and the coexisting mineral was stishovite. The distinct mineralogies of the two experiments derived from their different starting metals. These results imply that metallic composition is an important factor in determining the products of mixed phase iron-silicate reactions. The properties of deep-Earth interfaces such as the core-mantle boundary could be strongly affected by their metallic components.

Geometrical frustration in the ferromagnetic pyrochlore Ho₂Ti₂O₇

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Harris, M.J.; Bramwell, S.T.; McMorrow, D.F.

1997-01-01

We report a detailed study of the pyrochlore Ho2Ti2O7, in which the magnetic ions (Ho3+) are ferromagnetically coupled with J similar to 1 K. We show that the presence of local Ising anisotropy leads to a geometrically frustrated ground state, preventing long-range magnetic order down to at least 0...

An unusual hybrid fluoride featuring a [V7F27]6- chain motif based on a pyrochlore-like building unit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aldous, David W.; Slawin, Alexandra M.Z.; Lightfoot, Philip

2008-01-01

A new hybrid vanadium (III) fluoride [C 4 H 12 N 2 ] 3 [V 7 F 27 ] has been synthesised solvothermally. The crystal structure (trigonal, R3-bar c; a=17.367(2) A, c=19.604(2) A) reveals an unusual and novel chain motif consisting of pyrochlore-like heptameric units of corner-sharing octahedra, which are further linked into linear chains of alternating triple and single octahedral groups. The chains are separated by hydrogen-bonded piperazinium moieties. Magnetic susceptibility data show moderate antiferromagnetic interactions but no long-range order above 2 K, consistent with pronounced one-dimensional character, as well as frustration arising within the triangular units of magnetic ions in the chains. - Graphical abstract: A unique chain-structure vanadium(III) fluoride [C 4 H 12 N 2 ] 3 [V 7 F 27 ], based on a pyrochlore-like building unit, has been prepared solvothermally. Despite antiferromagnetic interactions, no long-range magnetic order occurs above 2 K, suggesting possible frustration

High-pressure resistivity measurements on the β-pyrochlore oxide KOs2O6

Science.gov (United States)

Ogusu, Hiroki; Takeshita, Nao; Yamaura, Jun-Ichi; Okamoto, Yoshihiko; Hiroi, Zenji

2010-12-01

High-pressure resistivity measurements are performed on a high-quality single crystal of the β-pyrochlore oxide KOs2O6 in the pressure range of 1.0 to 5.0 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature T increases slightly from 9.6 K at ambient pressure to 9.8 K at 1.0 GPa, decreases gradually with increasing pressure, and suddenly drops from 6.5 K to 3.2 K across P=3.6GPa. The drop of T at P is likely to be related to a change in the rattling vibration associated with a symmetry-breaking structural transition.

Spin freezing in the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore antiferromagnet Tb2Mo2O7

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gaulin, B.D.; Reimers, J.N.; Mason, T.E.

1992-01-01

The magnetic metal ions in the cubic pyrochlore Tb2Mo2O7 form an infinite three-dimensional network of corner-sharing tetrahedra with a very high potential for frustration in the presence of antiferromagnetism. We have performed neutron scattering measurements which show short-range spatial...... correlations that develop continuously with decreasing temperature, while the characteristic time scale for the fluctuating moments decreases dramatically below T(f) is similar to 25 K. Therefore, this pure material, which possesses frustration that is purely geometrical in origin, displays a spin-glass state...

The Solid Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Fowler, C. M. R.

2005-02-01

The second edition of this acclaimed textbook has been brought fully up-to-date to reflect the latest advances in geophysical research. It is designed for students in introductory geophysics courses who have a general background in the physical sciences, including introductory calculus. New to this edition are a section of color plates and separate sections on the earth's mantle and core. The book also contains an extensive glossary of terms, and includes numerous exercises for which solutions are available to instructors from solutions@cambridge.org. First Edition Hb (1990): 0-521-37025-6 First Edition Pb (1990): 0-521-38590-3

Making interdisciplinary solid Earth modeling and analysis tools accessible in a diverse undergraduate and graduate classroom

Science.gov (United States)

Becker, T. W.

2011-12-01

I present results from ongoing, NSF-CAREER funded educational and research efforts that center around making numerical tools in seismology and geodynamics more accessible to a broader audience. The goal is not only to train students in quantitative, interdisciplinary research, but also to make methods more easily accessible to practitioners across disciplines. I describe the two main efforts that were funded, the Solid Earth Research and Teaching Environment (SEATREE, geosys.usc.edu/projects/seatree/), and a new Numerical Methods class. SEATREE is a modular and user-friendly software framework to facilitate using solid Earth research tools in the undergraduate and graduate classroom and for interdisciplinary, scientific collaboration. We use only open-source software, and most programming is done in the Python computer language. We strive to make use of modern software design and development concepts while remaining compatible with traditional scientific coding and existing, legacy software. Our goals are to provide a fully contained, yet transparent package that lets users operate in an easy, graphically supported "black box" mode, while also allowing to look under the hood, for example to conduct numerous forward models to explore parameter space. SEATREE currently has several implemented modules, including on global mantle flow, 2D phase velocity tomography, and 2D mantle convection and was used at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and at a 2010 CIDER summer school tutorial. SEATREE was developed in collaboration with engineering and computer science undergraduate students, some of which have gone on to work in Earth Science projects. In the long run, we envision SEATREE to contribute to new ways of sharing scientific research, and making (numerical) experiments truly reproducible again. The other project is a set of lecture notes and Matlab exercises on Numerical Methods in solid Earth, focusing on finite difference and element methods. The

Recovery of rare earth minerals, with emphasis on flotation process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Houot, R.; Cuif, J.P.; Mottot, Y.; Samama, J.C.

1991-01-01

Bastnasite and monazite are the two major minerals used commercially to supply most of the rare earths. Monazite is often a by-product of the concentration of heavy minerals of zirconium and titanium in beach sands. Thus, the methods of concentration are gravity (spirals, Reichert cones and shaking tables), ending with magnetism, electrostatic and in certain cases, flotation. The two main deposits of bastnasite are Mountain Pass (U.S.A.) and Bayan Obo (China). The rock bastnasite content is within 15% and the recovery of rare earth minerals is made through flotation. The flowsheets are complex enough because the existence of accompanying minerals such as quartz, iron components, barite, fluorite, calcite, etc. The conditioning is done by heating and the frequently employed collector is a fatty acid associated with selective agents, as sodium silicate or fluosilicate, lignin sulphonate, sodium carbonate, aluminium salts, etc. Recent studies tempt to introduce the use of phosphoric esters, dicarboxilic, sulphonic and/or sulphosuccinic acids. Concentrates with 60% REO are then treated with acidic solution to eliminate residual calcite. The possibility of obtaining products enriched with rare earths are also noted: these are ores of uranium (Elliot Lake), pyrochlore, apatite, and other complex ores with euxenite, fergusonite or loparite. (author) 10 figs., 6 tabs., 57 refs

High-pressure synthesis and characterization of the effective pseudospin S =1 /2 XY pyrochlores R2P t2O7 (R =Er ,Yb )

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Y. Q.; Cui, Q.; Li, X.; Dun, Z. L.; Ma, J.; dela Cruz, C.; Jiao, Y. Y.; Liao, J.; Sun, P. J.; Li, Y. Q.; Zhou, J. S.; Goodenough, J. B.; Zhou, H. D.; Cheng, J.-G.

2016-01-01

We report on the high-pressure syntheses and detailed characterizations of two effective pseudospin S =1 /2 XY pyrochlores E r2P t2O7 and Y b2P t2O7 via x-ray/neutron powder diffraction, dc and ac magnetic susceptibility, and specific-heat measurements down to 70 mK. We found that both compounds undergo long-range magnetic transitions at TN ,C≈0.3 K , which are ascribed to an antiferromagnetic- and ferromagnetic-type order for E r2P t2O7 and Y b2P t2O7 , respectively, based on the field dependence of their transition temperatures as well as the systematic comparisons with other similar pyrochlores R2B2O7 (R =Er ,Yb ;B =Sn ,Ti ,Ge ). The observed TN of E r2P t2O7 is much lower than that expected from the relationship of TN versus the ionic radius of B4 + derived from the series of E r2B2O7 , while the TC of Y b2P t2O7 is the highest among the series of ferromagnetic compounds Y b2B2O7 (B =Sn ,Pt ,Ti ). Given the monotonic variation of the lattice constant as a function of the B -cation size across these two series of R2B2O7 (R =Er ,Yb ), the observed anomalous values of TN ,C in the Pt-based XY pyrochlores imply that another important factor beyond the nearest-neighbor R -R distance is playing a role. In light of the anisotropic exchange interactions Jex={Jz z,J±,J±±,Jz ± } for the S =1 /2 XY pyrochlores, we have rationalized these observations by considering a weakened (enhanced) antiferromagnetic planar J± (ferromagnetic Ising-like Jz z) due to strong Pt 5 d -O 2 p hybridization within the plane perpendicular to the local [111] direction.

Pyrochlore type semiconducting ceramic oxides in Ca-Ce-Ti-M-O system (M = Nb or Ta)-Structure, microstructure and electrical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deepa, M.; Prabhakar Rao, P.; Radhakrishnan, A.N.; Sibi, K.S.; Koshy, Peter

2009-01-01

A new series of pyrochlore type ceramic semiconducting oxides in Ca-Ce-Ti-M-O (M = Nb or Ta) system has been synthesized by the conventional ceramic route. The electrical conductivity measurements show that these oxides exhibit semiconducting behavior and the conductivity increases with the Ce content in the compound. Activation energy of the current carriers is in the range of 0.5-1.6 eV. The electrical conductivity in these oxides is due to the presence of Ce 3+ , which remains in the reduced state without being oxidized to Ce 4+ by structural stabilization. The photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis corroborate the presence of Ce in the 3+ state. Impedance spectral analysis is carried out to evaluate the transport properties and indicates that the conduction in these compounds is mainly due to electronic contribution. The X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis establishes that these oxides belong to a cubic pyrochlore type structure.

Pyrochlore type semiconducting ceramic oxides in Ca-Ce-Ti-M-O system (M = Nb or Ta)-Structure, microstructure and electrical properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deepa, M. [Materials and Minerals Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019 (India); Prabhakar Rao, P., E-mail: padala_rao@yahoo.com [Materials and Minerals Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019 (India); Radhakrishnan, A.N.; Sibi, K.S.; Koshy, Peter [Materials and Minerals Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019 (India)

2009-07-01

A new series of pyrochlore type ceramic semiconducting oxides in Ca-Ce-Ti-M-O (M = Nb or Ta) system has been synthesized by the conventional ceramic route. The electrical conductivity measurements show that these oxides exhibit semiconducting behavior and the conductivity increases with the Ce content in the compound. Activation energy of the current carriers is in the range of 0.5-1.6 eV. The electrical conductivity in these oxides is due to the presence of Ce{sup 3+}, which remains in the reduced state without being oxidized to Ce{sup 4+} by structural stabilization. The photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis corroborate the presence of Ce in the 3+ state. Impedance spectral analysis is carried out to evaluate the transport properties and indicates that the conduction in these compounds is mainly due to electronic contribution. The X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis establishes that these oxides belong to a cubic pyrochlore type structure.

Cluster-Glass Phase in Pyrochlore X Y Antiferromagnets with Quenched Disorder

Science.gov (United States)

Andrade, Eric C.; Hoyos, José A.; Rachel, Stephan; Vojta, Matthias

2018-03-01

We study the impact of quenched disorder (random exchange couplings or site dilution) on easy-plane pyrochlore antiferromagnets. In the clean system, order by disorder selects a magnetically ordered state from a classically degenerate manifold. In the presence of randomness, however, different orders can be chosen locally depending on details of the disorder configuration. Using a combination of analytical considerations and classical Monte Carlo simulations, we argue that any long-range-ordered magnetic state is destroyed beyond a critical level of randomness where the system breaks into magnetic domains due to random exchange anisotropies, becoming, therefore, a glass of spin clusters, in accordance with the available experimental data. These random anisotropies originate from off-diagonal exchange couplings in the microscopic Hamiltonian, establishing their relevance to other magnets with strong spin-orbit coupling.

High-pressure densified solid solutions of alkaline earth hexaborides (Ca/Sr, Ca/Ba, Sr/Ba) and their high-temperature thermoelectric properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gürsoy, M.; Takeda, M.; Albert, B.

2015-01-01

Solid solutions of alkaline earth hexaborides were synthesized and densified by spark plasma sintering at 100 MPa. The high-temperature thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficients, electrical and thermal diffusivities, heat capacities) were measured between room temperature and 1073 K. CaB 6 , SrB 6 , BaB 6 and the ternary hexaborides Ca x Sr 1−x B 6 , Ca x Ba 1−x B 6 , Sr x Ba 1−x B 6 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) are n-type conducting compounds over the whole compositional and thermal ranges. The values of the figure of merit ZT for CaB 6 (ca. 0.3 at 1073 K) were found to be significantly increased compared to earlier investigations which is attributed to the densification process. - Highlights: • Solid solutions of alkaline earth hexaborides were synthesized. • High-temperature thermoelectric properties of mixed calcium borides are excellent. • Spark plasma source densification results in high ZT values. • Borides are rare-earth free and refractory materials

Sintered cobalt-rare earth intermetallic product

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benz, M.C.

1975-01-01

A process is described for preparing novel sintered cobalt--rare earth intermetallic products which can be magnetized to form permanent magnets having stable improved magnetic properties. A cobalt--rare earth metal alloy is formed having a composition which at sintering temperature falls outside the composition covered by the single Co 5 R intermetallic phase on the rare earth richer side. The alloy contains a major amount of the Co 5 R intermetallic phase and a second solid CoR phase which is richer in rare earth metal content than the Co 5 R phase. The specific cobalt and rare earth metal content of the alloy is substantially the same as that desired in the sintered product. The alloy, in particulate form, is pressed into compacts and sintered to the desired density. The sintered product is comprised of a major amount of the Co 5 R solid intermetallic phase and up to about 35 percent of the product of the second solid CoR intermetallic phase which is richer in rare earth metal content than the Co 5 R phase

FIN-EPOS - Finnish national initiative of the European Plate Observing System: Bringing Finnish solid Earth infrastructures into EPOS

Science.gov (United States)

Vuorinen, Tommi; Korja, Annakaisa

2017-04-01

FIN-EPOS consortium is a joint community of Finnish national research institutes tasked with operating and maintaining solid-earth geophysical and geological observatories and laboratories in Finland. These national research infrastructures (NRIs) seek to join EPOS research infrastructure (EPOS RI) and further pursue Finland's participation as a founding member in EPOS ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium). Current partners of FIN-EPOS are the University of Helsinki (UH), the University of and Oulu (UO), Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) of the National Land Survey (NLS), Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), CSC - IT Center for Science and MIKES Metrology at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. The consortium is hosted by the Institute of Seismology, UH (ISUH). The primary purpose of the consortium is to act as a coordinating body between various NRIs and the EPOS RI. FIN-EPOS engages in planning and development of the national EPOS RI and will provide support in EPOS implementation phase (IP) for the partner NRIs. FIN-EPOS also promotes the awareness of EPOS in Finland and is open to new partner NRIs that would benefit from participating in EPOS. The consortium additionally seeks to advance solid Earth science education, technologies and innovations in Finland and is actively engaging in Nordic co-operation and collaboration of solid Earth RIs. The main short term objective of FIN-EPOS is to make Finnish geoscientific data provided by NRIs interoperable with the Thematic Core Services (TCS) in the EPOS IP. Consortium partners commit into applying and following metadata and data format standards provided by EPOS. FIN-EPOS will also provide a national Finnish language web portal where users are identified and their user rights for EPOS resources are defined.

Rare earth germanates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bondar', I.A.; Vinogradova, N.V.; Dem'yanets, L.N.

1983-01-01

Rare earth germanates attract close attention both as an independent class of compounds and analogues of a widely spread class of natural and synthetic minerals. The methods of rare earth germanate synthesis (solid-phase, hydrothermal) are considered. Systems on the basis of germanium and rare earth oxides, phase diagrams, phase transformations are studied. Using different chemical analysese the processes of rare earth germanate formation are investigated. IR spectra of alkali and rare earth metal germanates are presented, their comparative analysis being carried out. Crystal structures of the compounds, lattice parameters are studied. Fields of possible application of rare earth germanates are shown

A new research project on the interaction of the solid Earth and the Antarctic Ice Sheet

Science.gov (United States)

Fukuda, Y.; Nishijima, J.; Kazama, T.; Nakamura, K.; Doi, K.; Suganuma, Y.; Okuno, J.; Araya, A.; Kaneda, H.; Aoyama, Y.

2017-12-01

A new research project of "Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas" funded by JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) has recently been launched. The title of the project is "Giant reservoirs of heat/water/material: Global environmental changes driven by Southern Ocean and Antarctic Ice Sheet", and as a five years project, is aiming to establish a new research area for Antarctic environmental system science. The project consists of 7 research topics, including Antarctic ice sheet and Southern ocean sciences, new observation methodology, modeling and other interdisciplinary topics, and we are involved in the topic A02-2, "Interaction of the solid Earth and the Antarctic Ice Sheet". The Antarctic ice sheet, which relates to the global climate changes through the sea level rise and ocean circulation, is an essential element of the Earth system for predicting the future environment changes. Thus many studies of the ice sheet changes have been conducted by means of geomorphological, geological, geodetic surveys, as well as satellite gravimetry and satellite altimetry. For these studies, one of the largest uncertainties is the effects of GIA. Therefore, GIA as a key to investigate the interaction between the solid Earth and the ice sheet changes, we plan to conduct geomorphological, geological and geodetic surveys in the inland mountain areas and the coastal areas including the surrounding areas of a Japanese station Syowa in East Antarctica, where the in-situ data for constraining GIA models are very few. Combining these new observations with other in-site data, various satellite data and numerical modeling, we aim to estimating a precise GIA model, constructing a reliable ice melting history after the last glacial maximum and obtaining the viscoelastic structure of the Earth's interior. In the presentation, we also show the five years research plans as well. This study was partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant No. 17H06321.

Use of linear free energy relationship to predict Gibbs free energies of formation of pyrochlore phases (CaMTi2O7)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, H.; Wang, Y.

1999-01-01

In this letter, a linear free energy relationship is used to predict the Gibbs free energies of formation of crystalline phases of pyrochlore and zirconolite families with stoichiometry of MCaTi 2 O 7 (or, CaMTi 2 O 7 ,) from the known thermodynamic properties of aqueous tetravalent cations (M 4+ ). The linear free energy relationship for tetravalent cations is expressed as ΔG f,M v X 0 =a M v X ΔG n,M 4+ 0 +b M v X +β M v X r M 4+ , where the coefficients a M v X , b M v X , and β M v X characterize a particular structural family of M v X, r M 4+ is the ionic radius of M 4+ cation, ΔG f,M v X 0 is the standard Gibbs free energy of formation of M v X, and ΔG n,M 4+ 0 is the standard non-solvation energy of cation M 4+ . The coefficients for the structural family of zirconolite with the stoichiometry of M 4+ CaTi 2 O 7 are estimated to be: a M v X =0.5717, b M v X =-4284.67 (kJ/mol), and β M v X =27.2 (kJ/mol nm). The coefficients for the structural family of pyrochlore with the stoichiometry of M 4+ CaTi 2 O 7 are estimated to be: a M v X =0.5717, b M v X =-4174.25 (kJ/mol), and β M v X =13.4 (kJ/mol nm). Using the linear free energy relationship, the Gibbs free energies of formation of various zirconolite and pyrochlore phases are calculated. (orig.)

SESAR: Addressing the need for unique sample identification in the Solid Earth Sciences

Science.gov (United States)

Lehnert, K. A.; Goldstein, S. L.; Lenhardt, C.; Vinayagamoorthy, S.

2004-12-01

The study of solid earth samples is key to our knowledge of Earth's dynamical systems and evolution. The data generated provide the basis for models and hypotheses in all disciplines of the Geosciences from tectonics to magmatic processes to mantle dynamics to paleoclimate research. Sample-based data are diverse ranging from major and trace element abundances, radiogenic and stable isotope ratios of rocks, minerals, fluid or melt inclusions, to age determinations and descriptions of lithology, texture, mineral or fossil content, stratigraphic context, physical properties. The usefulness of these data is critically dependent on their integration as a coherent data set for each sample. If different data sets for the same sample cannot be combined because the sample cannot be unambiguously recognized, valuable information is lost. The ambiguous naming of samples has been a major problem in the geosciences. Different samples are often given identical names, and there is a tendency for different people analyzing the same sample to rename it in their publications according to local conventions. This situation has generated significant confusion, with samples often losing their "history", making it difficult or impossible to link available data. This has become most evident through the compilation of geochemical data in relational databases such as PetDB, NAVDAT, and GEOROC. While the relational data structure allows linking of disparate data for samples published in different references, linkages cannot be established due to ambiguous sample names. SESAR is a response to this problem of ambiguous naming of samples. SESAR will create a common clearinghouse that provides a centralized registry of sample identifiers, to avoid ambiguity, to systematize sample designation, and ensure that all information associated with a sample would in fact be unique. The project will build a web-based digital registry for solid earth samples that will provide for the first time a way to

Phonon Dynamics and Multipolar Isomorphic Transition in β-Pyrochlore KOs2O6

Science.gov (United States)

Hattori, Kazumasa

2011-02-01

We investigate with a microscopic model anharmonic K-cation oscillation observed by neutron experiments in β-pyrochlore superconductor KOs2O6, which also shows a mysterious first-order structural transition at Tp = 7.5 K. We have identified a set of microscopic model parameters that successfully reproduce the observed tem perature dependence and the superconducting transition temperature. Considering changes in the parameters at Tp, we can explain puzzling experimental results about electron--phonon coupling and neutron data. Our analysis demonstrates that the first-order transition is multipolar transition driven by the octupolar component of K-cation oscillations. The octupole moment does not change the symmetry and is characteristic to noncentrosymmetric K-cation potential.

Anisotropic vortex pinning in the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs 2O 6

Science.gov (United States)

Ishii, Y.; Yamaura, J.; Okamoto, Y.; Maeda, A.; Hiroi, Z.

2011-11-01

Vortex pinning in the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs2O6 with Tc = 9.6 K is investigated by measuring magnetic torque. A large anisotropy of magnetic torque is observed in the superconducting state below Tp = 7.6 K, where a first-order structural transition takes place, in spite of the inherent isotropic nature of the structural and electronic properties. Magnetic torque is enhanced at external magnetic fields parallel to the [1 1 1] and [0 0 1] directions. Moreover, a pronounced peak effect is also observed in the magnetic field dependence of the torque in these two directions. We consider that the observed anisotropy is related to a microstructure associated with the structural transition.

Emergent Topological Phenomena in Thin Films of Pyrochlore Iridates

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Bohm-Jung; Nagaosa, Naoto

2014-06-01

Because of the recent development of thin film and artificial superstructure growth techniques, it is possible to control the dimensionality of the system, smoothly between two and three dimensions. In this Letter we unveil the dimensional crossover of emergent topological phenomena in correlated topological materials. In particular, by focusing on the thin film of pyrochlore iridate antiferromagnets grown along the [111] direction, we demonstrate that the thin film can have a giant anomalous Hall conductance, proportional to the thickness of the film, even though there is no Hall effect in 3D bulk material. Moreover, in the case of ultrathin films, a quantized anomalous Hall conductance can be observed, despite the fact that the system is an antiferromagnet. In addition, we uncover the emergence of a new topological phase, the nontrivial topological properties of which are hidden in the bulk insulator and manifest only in thin films. This shows that the thin film of correlated topological materials is a new platform to search for unexplored novel topological phenomena.

Superconductivity mediated by anharmonic phonons: application to β-pyrochlore oxides

Science.gov (United States)

Hattori, Kazumasa; Tsunetsugu, Hirokazu

2010-03-01

We investigate three dimensional anharmonic phonons under tetrahedral symmetry and superconductivity mediated by these phonons. Three dimensional anharmonic phonon spectra are calculated directly by solving Schr"odinger equation and the superconducting transition temperature is determined by using the theory of strong coupling superconductivity assuming an isotropic gap function. With increasing the third order anharmonicity b of the tetrahedral potential, we find a crossover in the energy spectrum to a quantum tunneling regime. We obtain strongly enhanced transition temperatures around the crossover point. The first order transition observed in KOs2O6 is discussed in terms of the first excited state energy δ, and the coupling constant λ in the strong coupling theory of superconductivity. Our results suggest that the decrease of λ and increase of δ below the first order transition temperature. We point out that the change in the oscillation amplitude and characterizes this isomorphic transition. The chemical trends of the superconducting transition temperature, λ, and δ in the β-pyrochlore compounds are also discussed.

Phase Competition in the Palmer-Chalker X Y Pyrochlore Er2Pt2O7

Science.gov (United States)

Hallas, A. M.; Gaudet, J.; Butch, N. P.; Xu, Guangyong; Tachibana, M.; Wiebe, C. R.; Luke, G. M.; Gaulin, B. D.

2017-11-01

We report neutron scattering measurements on Er2Pt2O7 , a new addition to the X Y family of frustrated pyrochlore magnets. Symmetry analysis of our elastic scattering data shows that Er2Pt2O7 orders into the k =0 , Γ7 magnetic structure (the Palmer-Chalker state), at TN=0.38 K . This contrasts with its sister X Y pyrochlore antiferromagnets Er2Ti2O7 and Er2Ge2O7 , both of which order into Γ5 magnetic structures at much higher temperatures, TN=1.2 and 1.4 K, respectively. In this temperature range, the magnetic heat capacity of Er2Pt2O7 contains a broad anomaly centered at T*=1.5 K . Our inelastic neutron scattering measurements reveal that this broad heat capacity anomaly sets the temperature scale for strong short-range spin fluctuations. Below TN=0.38 K , Er2Pt2O7 displays a gapped spin-wave spectrum with an intense, flat band of excitations at lower energy and a weak, diffusive band of excitations at higher energy. The flat band is well described by classical spin-wave calculations, but these calculations also predict sharp dispersive branches at higher energy, a striking discrepancy with the experimental data. This, in concert with the strong suppression of TN, is attributable to enhanced quantum fluctuations due to phase competition between the Γ7 and Γ5 states that border each other within a classically predicted phase diagram.

Integrated Solid Earth Science: the right place and time to discover the unexpected? (Arthur Holmes Medal Lecture)

Science.gov (United States)

Cloetingh, Sierd

2013-04-01

-level. Those cycles were detected as a result of the pioneering work on the stratigraphic record of sedimentary basins and continental margins from all over the world by Peter Vail, Bilal Haq and others from Exxon. It was at this time, that sedimentary basins became a frontier in the integration of quantitative geology and geophysics. Sedimentary basins do not only provide a powerful source of information on the evolution of the underlying lithosphere and climate fluctuations, but also contain mankind's main reservoirs of geo-energy and geo-resources. It was Peter Ziegler, head of global geology at Shell International, who was the prime mentor in my somewhat unexpected scientific journey in sedimentary basins. These became the main research target of the Tectonics research group I established in 1988 in Amsterdam. In these years it became increasingly evident that the rheology of the lithosphere exerts a crucial control on the evolution of basins, but also on continental topography. It is on this topic that the cooperation over more than two decades with Evgenii Burov, addressing issues like the rheological structure of Europe's lithosphere, rift shoulder uplift and the interplay of lithospheric folding and mantle-lithosphere interactions, has, been very fruitful. Another unexpected milestone has been the opportunity to build up, parallel to the research efforts in field studies and numerical modeling, an analogue tectonic laboratory in our group. This brings me to another issue, also completely unforeseen: the integration of earth science in Europe, particularly taking off after the disappearance of the Iron Curtain. For my group, the latter marked the beginning of a very fruitful cooperation in particular with the groups of Frank Horvath in Budapest and Cornel Dinu in Bucharest, addressing the fascinating solid Earth dynamics of the Carpathians and Pannonian basin. Over the last few years, it has been become evident that integration in the solid earth science is the way to

Investigation of structural and electrical properties of vanadium substituted disordered pyrochlore-type Ho{sub 2−x}V{sub x}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanostructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karamat, Nazia, E-mail: naziakaramatgoraya@yahoo.com [Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan); Ashiq, Muhammad Naeem, E-mail: naeemashiqqau@yahoo.com [Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan); Najam-ul-Haq, Muhammad [Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan); Ali, Irshad; Iqbal, M. Asif; Irfan, Muhammad [Department of Physics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan); Abbas, Yasir; Athar, Muhammad [Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan)

2014-04-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Normal microemulsion method has been used for the synthesis of zirconates nanomaterials. • Structure shifted towards highly disordered pyrochlore state with substitution. • The electrical resistivity increase with the vanadium content. • The dielectric constant show resonance behavior. • The synthesized materials are suitable for microwave devices. - Abstract: Disordered pyrochlore system with composition Ho{sub 2−x}V{sub x}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} (where x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) has been synthesized by the normal microemulsion route to examine the effect of vanadium substitution on structural and electrical properties. The prepared compounds are characterized by several techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), energy dispersive spectra (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), temperature dependent electrical and frequency dependent dielectric measurements. The XRD analysis confirms the formation of disordered pyrochlore phase with crystallite size 7–30 nm while a second phase is also observed in the highly substituted materials. The increase in resistivity is attributed to the removal of low energy pathway due to cation disordering. The dielectric constant decreases due to lowering of dipole moment with substitution and its resonance behavior shifted toward higher frequencies. The electrical and dielectric measurements suggest that materials are suitable for high frequency electronic devices, such as oscillators, resonators and frequency filters.

Isotope effect on superconductivity and Raman phonons of Pyrochlore Cd2Re2O7

Science.gov (United States)

Razavi, F. S.; Hajialamdari, M.; Reedyk, M.; Kremer, R. K.

2018-06-01

Cd2Re2O7 is the only α-Pyrochlore exhibiting superconductivity with a transition temperature (Tc) of ∼ 1 K. In this study, we present the effect of oxygen isotope (18O) as well as combined 18O and cadmium isotope (116Cd) substitution on the superconductivity and Raman scattering spectrum of Cd2Re2O7. The change of Tc and the energy gap Δ(T) are reported using various techniques including point contact spectroscopy. The shift in Raman phonon frequencies upon isotope substitution will be compared with measurement of the isotope effect on the superconducting transition temperature.

Structural, magnetic, and electronic transport properties of pyrochlore iridate Pr2Ir2O7

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Harish; Chaurasia, Rachna; Kumari, Pratibha; Paramanik, A. K.

2018-04-01

We have studied the structural, magnetic, and electronic transport properties of pyrochlore iridate Pr2Ir2O7. Structural investigation has been done using x-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld analysis. Pr2Ir2O7 crystallize in cubic crystallographic phase with Fd-3m space group. Temperature dependent magnetization data does not show magnetic bifurcation down to 2 K. Electrical resistivity data of Pr2Ir2O7 exhibits metallic behavior throughout temperature range. Below 50 K, a small rise in resistivity data of Pr2Ir2O7 is observed down to 12 K.

Cooper-pair formation by anharmonic rattling modes in the β-pyrochlore superconductor KOs2O6

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Jun; Eremin, Ilya; Thalmeier, Peter

2009-05-01

We study the influence of anharmonic rattling phonons in the β-pyrochlore superconductor KOs2O6 using the strong-coupling Eliashberg approach. In particular, by analyzing the specific heat data, we find that the rattling phonon frequency changes discontinuously at the critical temperature of the first-order phase transition. Solving the strong-coupling Eliashberg equations with effective temperature-dependent α2F(ω), we investigate the consequence of this first-order phase transition for the anomalous temperature dependence of the superconducting gap. We discuss our results in the context of the recent experimental data.

Solubility behaviour of antimony(III) and antimony(V) solids in basic aqueous solutions at 300oC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lemire, R.J.; Tosello, N.B.; Halliday, J.D.

1999-12-01

The major contributions of the isotopes 122 Sb and 124 Sb to activity transport in a CANDU reactor primary heat transport system (HTS), have been associated with oxygen ingress during reactor shutdown. As part of a program to minimize the release and redeposition of these isotopes, the solubilities of antimony(III) and (V) oxides and salts have been measured in basic solutions at temperatures from 25 to 300 o C. The results provide information on the charge and the stability as a function of temperature of antimony solution species and, hence, a guide to the trends in the temperature dependence of the solubilities of antimony solids. In solutions in which oxidation of antimony(III) to antimony(V) is minimized, the solubility of Sb 2 O 3 increases by about two orders of magnitude between 25 and 200 o C, and then levels out or decreases slightly. At 250 o C, in oxidizing solutions, Sb 2 O 5 ·xH 2 O and simple sodium antimonate(V) were found to be unstable in sodium hydroxide solutions with respect to the solid, Na 2α [H(H 2 O)] 2-2α Sb 2 O 6 , which has a pyrochlore structure. The solubility of this partially protonated sodium antimonate increases from 25 to 200 o C and decreases at temperatures above 250 o C. These solubility changes for the antimony (V) solids reflect changes in the stability of the anionic antimony solution species (SbO 3 - or Sb(OH) 6 - ), even though the compositions of antimony-containing solids in basic oxidizing solutions are strongly dependent on the cations and their aqueous phase concentrations. All solids used in the present experiments would be expected to generate total solution antimony concentrations ≥ 0.00005 mol·dm -3 in any neutral or basic aqueous solutions (assuming no added sodium salts). Therefore, under HTS conditions, precipitation of any antimony oxides or mixed oxides is unlikely. It cannot be ruled out that hydrated Sb 2 O 5 (especially the pyrochlore form) might be less soluble in near-neutral, low

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of pyrochlore-type Eu{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}(O,N){sub 7+δ}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anke, Bjoern; Hund, Sophie; Lorent, Christian; Lerch, Martin [Institut fuer Chemie, Technische Universitaet Berlin (Germany); Janka, Oliver; Block, Theresa; Poettgen, Rainer [Institut fuer Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Universitaet Muenster (Germany)

2017-12-13

Pyrochlore-type Eu{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}(O,N){sub 7+δ} phases were prepared by reaction of ammonia with an amorphous europium tantalum oxide precursor. {sup 151}Eu Moessbauer and EPR spectroscopy as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements point to the presence of exclusively Eu{sup 3+}. For phase-pure samples (X-ray powder diffraction), the nitrogen content varies between 1.0 and 1.8 wt %, leading to compositions in the range Eu{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 7.1}N{sub 0.6} - Eu{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 6.5}N{sub 1.0}. Pyrochlore-type phases are structurally derived from the fluorite type with 1/8 of the anions missing, resulting in an ideal composition A{sub 2}B{sub 2}X{sub 7}. In Eu{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}(O,N){sub 7+δ} the excess anions partly occupy these vacancies. The prepared phases are colorless with a direct optical bandgap of 4.3 eV and they show the typical Van Vleck paramagnetic behavior known for trivalent Eu atoms. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Earth Rotation

Science.gov (United States)

Dickey, Jean O.

1995-01-01

The study of the Earth's rotation in space (encompassing Universal Time (UT1), length of day, polar motion, and the phenomena of precession and nutation) addresses the complex nature of Earth orientation changes, the mechanisms of excitation of these changes and their geophysical implications in a broad variety of areas. In the absence of internal sources of energy or interactions with astronomical objects, the Earth would move as a rigid body with its various parts (the crust, mantle, inner and outer cores, atmosphere and oceans) rotating together at a constant fixed rate. In reality, the world is considerably more complicated, as is schematically illustrated. The rotation rate of the Earth's crust is not constant, but exhibits complicated fluctuations in speed amounting to several parts in 10(exp 8) [corresponding to a variation of several milliseconds (ms) in the Length Of the Day (LOD) and about one part in 10(exp 6) in the orientation of the rotation axis relative to the solid Earth's axis of figure (polar motion). These changes occur over a broad spectrum of time scales, ranging from hours to centuries and longer, reflecting the fact that they are produced by a wide variety of geophysical and astronomical processes. Geodetic observations of Earth rotation changes thus provide insights into the geophysical processes illustrated, which are often difficult to obtain by other means. In addition, these measurements are required for engineering purposes. Theoretical studies of Earth rotation variations are based on the application of Euler's dynamical equations to the problem of finding the response of slightly deformable solid Earth to variety of surface and internal stresses.

Elaboration of building materials from industrial waste from solid granular diatomaceous earth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Del Angel S, A.

2015-01-01

In this work the initial characterization of granular solid industrial waste from diatomaceous earth was carried out using techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction. In a second stage leaching of the material was undertaken to the US Patent Number 5, 376,000 and 5, 356,601 obtaining the samples M1-S ph 2, M1-L ph, M1-S ph 10 and M1-L ph 10. In the third stage a new characterization of the samples obtained with the techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was performed, the latter in order to determine the efficiency percentage of the leaching process. In the fourth stage the specimens for performing mechanical, physical and chemical tests were manufactured, using molds as PVC pipes of 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches in length, with a composition of 50% of diatomaceous earth and 50% of cement produced in each. Finally, in the fifth stage mechanical testing (compression resistance), physical (moisture absorption rate) and chemical (composition and structure of the material) are performed. In the last stage, when conducting mechanical testing with the test specimens, the presence of bubbles enclosed in each obtaining erroneous results noted, so it was necessary to develop the specimens again, obtaining in this occasion concentrations of 20:80, 40:60, 60:40 and 80:20 of diatomaceous earth with the cement. These results were analyzed to determine if the used material is suitable for the production of building materials such as bricks or partitions, being demonstrated by the tests carried out if they are eligible. (Author)

Nanostructured KTaTeO6 and Ag-doped KTaTeO6 Defect Pyrochlores: Promising Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation and Water Splitting

Science.gov (United States)

Venkataswamy, Perala; Sudhakar Reddy, CH.; Gundeboina, Ravi; Sadanandam, Gullapelli; Veldurthi, Naveen Kumar; Vithal, M.

2018-03-01

In this study, the nanostructured parent KTaTeO6 (KTTO) and Ag-doped KTaTeO6 (ATTO) catalysts with defect pyrochlore structure were prepared by solid-state and ion-exchange methods, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized by various techniques to determine their chemical composition, morphology and microstructural features. The XRD studies show that both KTTO and ATTO have cubic structure (space group Fd3m) with high crystallinity. The doping of Ag altered the BET surface area of parent KTTO. The nano nature of the samples was studied by TEM images. A considerable red-shift in the absorption edge is observed for ATTO compared to KTTO. Incorporation of Ag+ in the KTTO lattice is clearly identified from EDX, elemental mapping and XPS results. Degradation of methyl violet and solar water splitting reactions were used to access the photocatalytic activity of KTTO and ATTO. The results obtained suggest that compared to KTTO, the ATTO showed higher photocatalytic activity in both cases. The favourable properties such as high surface area, more surface hydroxyl groups, stronger light absorption in visible region and narrower band gap energy were supposed to be the reasons for the high activity observed in ATTO.

Re-examination of the crystal structure of the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs 2O 6 by X-ray and convergent-beam electron diffraction analyses

Science.gov (United States)

Yamaura, Jun-Ichi; Hiroi, Zenji; Tsuda, Kenji; Izawa, Koichi; Ohishi, Yasuo; Tsutsui, Satoshi

2009-01-01

The crystal structure of the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs 2O 6 is re-examined. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis at room temperature first revealed that the compound crystallizes in a cubic structure with the centrosymmetric space group Fd3¯m, as in conventional pyrochlore oxides. Later, however, Schuck et al. claimed a different non-centrosymmetric F4¯3m structure based on their single-crystal XRD analysis. To unambiguously determine the true crystal structure of KOs 2O 6, we carried out high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray and convergent-beam electron diffraction measurements at room temperature. The space group was determined with high reliability to be centrosymmetric Fd3¯m, not F4¯3m. This confirms the importance of the K atom location in a high-symmetry site, which causes unusually large rattling of the K atom.

Solubility behaviour of antimony(III) and antimony(V) solids in basic aqueous solutions at 300{sup o}C

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lemire, R.J.; Tosello, N.B.; Halliday, J.D

1999-12-01

The major contributions of the isotopes {sup 122}Sb and {sup 124}Sb to activity transport in a CANDU reactor primary heat transport system (HTS), have been associated with oxygen ingress during reactor shutdown. As part of a program to minimize the release and redeposition of these isotopes, the solubilities of antimony(III) and (V) oxides and salts have been measured in basic solutions at temperatures from 25 to 300{sup o}C. The results provide information on the charge and the stability as a function of temperature of antimony solution species and, hence, a guide to the trends in the temperature dependence of the solubilities of antimony solids. In solutions in which oxidation of antimony(III) to antimony(V) is minimized, the solubility of Sb{sub 2}O{sub 3} increases by about two orders of magnitude between 25 and 200{sup o}C, and then levels out or decreases slightly. At 250{sup o}C, in oxidizing solutions, Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5}{center_dot}xH{sub 2}O and simple sodium antimonate(V) were found to be unstable in sodium hydroxide solutions with respect to the solid, Na{sub 2{alpha}}[H(H{sub 2}O)]{sub 2-2{alpha}}Sb{sub 2}O{sub 6}, which has a pyrochlore structure. The solubility of this partially protonated sodium antimonate increases from 25 to 200{sup o}C and decreases at temperatures above 250{sup o}C. These solubility changes for the antimony (V) solids reflect changes in the stability of the anionic antimony solution species (SbO{sub 3}{sup -} or Sb(OH){sub 6}{sup -}), even though the compositions of antimony-containing solids in basic oxidizing solutions are strongly dependent on the cations and their aqueous phase concentrations. All solids used in the present experiments would be expected to generate total solution antimony concentrations {>=} 0.00005 mol{center_dot}dm{sup -3} in any neutral or basic aqueous solutions (assuming no added sodium salts). Therefore, under HTS conditions, precipitation of any antimony oxides or mixed oxides is unlikely. It cannot be

Solid Matter

CERN Document Server

Angelo, Joseph A

2011-01-01

Supported by a generous quantity of full-color illustrations and interesting sidebars, Solid Matter introduces the basic characteristics and properties of solid matter. It briefly describes the cosmic connection of the elements, leading readers through several key events in human pre-history that resulted in more advanced uses of matter in the solid state. Chapters include:. -Solid Matter: An Initial Perspective. -Physical Behavior of Matter. -The Gravity of Matter. -Fundamentals of Materials Science. -Rocks and Minerals. -Metals. -Building Materials. -Carbon Earth's Most Versatile Element. -S

A spin-liquid with pinch-line singularities on the pyrochlore lattice.

Science.gov (United States)

Benton, Owen; Jaubert, L D C; Yan, Han; Shannon, Nic

2016-05-26

The mathematics of gauge theories lies behind many of the most profound advances in physics in the past 200 years, from Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism to Einstein's theory of general relativity. More recently it has become clear that gauge theories also emerge in condensed matter, a prime example being the spin-ice materials which host an emergent electromagnetic gauge field. In spin-ice, the underlying gauge structure is revealed by the presence of pinch-point singularities in neutron-scattering measurements. Here we report the discovery of a spin-liquid where the low-temperature physics is naturally described by the fluctuations of a tensor field with a continuous gauge freedom. This gauge structure underpins an unusual form of spin correlations, giving rise to pinch-line singularities: line-like analogues of the pinch points observed in spin-ice. Remarkably, these features may already have been observed in the pyrochlore material Tb2Ti2O7.

Safe management of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle: Role of mineralogy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ewing, R.C.

2011-01-01

During the past 60 years, more than 1800 metric tonnes of Pu, and substantial quantities of the 'minor' actinides, such as Np, Am and Cm, have been generated in nuclear reactors. Some of these transuranium elements can be a source of energy in fission reactions (e.g., 239 Pu), a source of fissile material for nuclear weapons (e.g., 239 Pu and 237 Np), and of environmental concern because of their long-half lives and radiotoxicity (e.g., 239 Pu and 237 Np). There are two basic strategies for the disposition of these heavy elements: (1) to 'burn' or transmute the actinides using nuclear reactors or accelerators; (2) to 'sequester' the actinides in chemically durable, radiation-resistant materials that are suitable for geologic disposal. There has been substantial interest in the use of actinide-bearing minerals, especially isometric pyrochlore, A 2 B 2 O 7 (A rare earths; B = Ti, Zr, Sn, Hf), for the immobilization of actinides, particularly plutonium, both as inert matrix fuels and nuclear waste forms. Systematic studies of rare-earth pyrochlores have led to the discovery that certain compositions (B = Zr, Hf) are stable to very high doses of alpha-decay event damage. Recent developments in our understanding of the properties of heavy element solids have opened up new possibilities for the design of advanced nuclear fuels and waste forms. (author)

Solid - solid and solid - liquid phase transitions of iron and iron alloys under laser shock compression

Science.gov (United States)

Harmand, M.; Krygier, A.; Appel, K.; Galtier, E.; Hartley, N.; Konopkova, Z.; Lee, H. J.; McBride, E. E.; Miyanishi, K.; Nagler, B.; Nemausat, R.; Vinci, T.; Zhu, D.; Ozaki, N.; Fiquet, G.

2017-12-01

An accurate knowledge of the properties of iron and iron alloys at high pressures and temperatures is crucial for understanding and modelling planetary interiors. While Earth-size and Super-Earth Exoplanets are being discovered in increasingly large numbers, access to detailed information on liquid properties, melting curves and even solid phases of iron and iron at the pressures and temperatures of their interiors is still strongly limited. In this context, XFEL sources coupled with high-energy lasers afford unique opportunities to measure microscopic structural properties at far extreme conditions. Also the achievable time resolution allows the shock history and phase transition mechanisms to be followed during laser compression, improving our understanding of the high pressure and high strain experiments. Here we present recent studies devoted to investigate the solid-solid and solid-liquid transition in laser-shocked iron and iron alloys (Fe-Si, Fe-C and Fe-O alloys) using X-ray diffraction and X-ray diffuse scattering. Experiment were performed at the MEC end-station of the LCLS facility at SLAC (USA). Detection of the diffuse scattering allowed the identification of the first liquid peak position along the Hugoniot, up to 4 Mbar. The time resolution shows ultrafast (between several tens and several hundreds of picoseconds) solid-solid and solid-liquid phase transitions. Future developments at XFEL facilities will enable detailed studies of the solid and liquid structures of iron and iron alloys as well as out-of-Hugoniot studies.

Electronic Structure of the Pyrochlore-Type Ru Oxides through the Metal--Insulator Transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okamoto, J.; Fujimori, S.I.; Okane, T.; Fujimori, A.; Abbate, M.; Yoshii, S.; Sato, M.

2003-01-01

The electronic structures of the pyrochlore-type Ru oxides Sm 2-x Ca x Ru 2 O 7 and Sm 2-x Bi x Ru 2 O 7 , which show metal-insulator transition with increasing Ca or Bi concentration, have been studied by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Spectral changes near the Fermi level are different but reflect the tendency of their transport properties in both systems. The Sm 2-x Ca x Ru 2 O 7 system shows an energy shift, which is expected from the increase of hole in the Ru 4d t 2g band and the Sm 2 - x Bi x Ru 2 O 7 system shows spectral weight transfer within the Ru 4d t 2g band, which is expected to be observed in bandwidth-control Mott-Hubbard system. (author)

The European Plate Observing System (EPOS): Integrating Thematic Services for Solid Earth Science

Science.gov (United States)

Atakan, Kuvvet; Bailo, Daniele; Consortium, Epos

2016-04-01

The mission of EPOS is to monitor and understand the dynamic and complex Earth system by relying on new e-science opportunities and integrating diverse and advanced Research Infrastructures in Europe for solid Earth Science. EPOS will enable innovative multidisciplinary research for a better understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes that control earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ground instability and tsunami as well as the processes driving tectonics and Earth's surface dynamics. Through integration of data, models and facilities EPOS will allow the Earth Science community to make a step change in developing new concepts and tools for key answers to scientific and socio-economic questions concerning geo-hazards and geo-resources as well as Earth sciences applications to the environment and to human welfare. EPOS, during its Implementation Phase (EPOS-IP), will integrate multidisciplinary data into a single e-infrastructure. Multidisciplinary data are organized and governed by the Thematic Core Services (TCS) and are driven by various scientific communities encompassing a wide spectrum of Earth science disciplines. These include Data, Data-products, Services and Software (DDSS), from seismology, near fault observatories, geodetic observations, volcano observations, satellite observations, geomagnetic observations, as well as data from various anthropogenic hazard episodes, geological information and modelling. In addition, transnational access to multi-scale laboratories and geo-energy test-beds for low-carbon energy will be provided. TCS DDSS will be integrated into Integrated Core Services (ICS), a platform that will ensure their interoperability and access to these services by the scientific community as well as other users within the society. This requires dedicated tasks for interactions with the various TCS-WPs, as well as the various distributed ICS (ICS-Ds), such as High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities, large scale data storage

The earths innermost core

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanda, J.N.

1989-01-01

A new earth model is advanced with a solid innermost core at the centre of the Earth where elements heavier than iron, over and above what can be retained in solution in the iron core, are collected. The innermost core is separated from the solid iron-nickel core by a shell of liquid copper. The innermost core has a natural vibration measured on the earth's surface as the long period 26 seconds microseisms. The earth was formed initially as a liquid sphere with a relatively thin solid crust above the Byerly discontinuity. The trace elements that entered the innermost core amounted to only 0.925 ppm of the molten mass. Gravitational differentiation must have led to the separation of an explosive thickness of pure 235 U causing a fission explosion that could expel beyond the Roche limit a crustal scab which would form the centre piece of the moon. A reservoir of helium floats on the liquid copper. A small proportion of helium-3, a relic of the ancient fission explosion present there will spell the exciting magnetic field. The field is stable for thousands of years because of the presence of large quantity of helium-4 which accounts for most of the gaseous collisions that will not disturb the atomic spin of helium-3 atoms. This field is prone to sudden reversals after long periods of stability. (author). 14 refs

The interaction of the cretaceous-tertiary extinction bolide with the atmosphere, ocean, and solid earth

Science.gov (United States)

Okeefe, J. D.; Ahrens, T. J.

1981-01-01

A number of investigations, including those reported by Orth et al. (1981), have provided physical evidence for the impact of an extraterrestrial object on earth 65 million years ago. This time corresponds to the end of the cretaceous period. This impact could, therefore, be responsible for the observed extinction of biological species at the end of the Mesozoic era. Among the species becoming extinct are found also flying and walking dinosaurs, which include all land animals that had masses greater than 25 kg. The present investigation is concerned with a study of the possibilities for the collision of earth with 10 km-size object, and the consequences produced by such a collision. It is found that the penetration of the atmosphere by the bolide creates a temporary hole in the atmosphere. The resulting flow fields can inject melt droplets and finely commuted solid particles into the atmosphere. Short-term effects of heating, followed by dust induced worldwide cooling, may provide several mechanisms for the observed extinction of the species.

Laser cooling of solids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Epstein, Richard I [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Sheik-bahae, Mansoor [UNM

2008-01-01

We present an overview of solid-state optical refrigeration also known as laser cooling in solids by fluorescence upconversion. The idea of cooling a solid-state optical material by simply shining a laser beam onto it may sound counter intuitive but is rapidly becoming a promising technology for future cryocooler. We chart the evolution of this science in rare-earth doped solids and semiconductors.

Rare earth silicate (Ce, La, Nd, Ca, Th) SiO4 and cheralite (Th, Ca, Ce, La) (Psi)O4 are the responsible minerals for the anomalies of Morro de Ferro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fujimori, K.

1982-01-01

The Rare Earth silicate (La, Ce, Nd, Ca, Th)SiO 4 and cheralite (identified by Prof. Freeborn on a sample prepared from drilling core) were recognized as the most probable radioactive minerals that gave origin to high radioactive anomaly at Morro do Ferro hill together with coffinite, thorite, pyrochlore, apatite, etc., that are found in small quantity. The acids produced by decomposition of pyrite and fluorite have etched these radioactive minerals giving the high radioactive anomaly caracterized by high grade desiquilibrium of 232 Th serie. (Author) [pt

Phase transition and water incorporation into Eu2Sn2O7 pyrochlore at high pressure

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, F. X.; Lang, M.; Ewing, R. C.

2016-04-01

Structural changes of europium stannate pyrochlore, Eu2Sn2O7, have been investigated at high pressures with in situ Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The XRD measurements suggest that a pressure-induced phase transition starts at 34.4 GPa. The PL spectrum from Eu3+ cations also suggests a phase transition above 36 GPa. XRD analysis shows that the unit cell of the cubic phase deviates from the equation of state at pressures above 23.8 GPa. This is due to the incorporation of water from the pressure medium in the structure at high pressures, which is confirmed by optical spectroscopy measurements.

Distribution of rare-earths in solid solution crandalita- goyazita of Sapucaia (Bonito-Para)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, M.L. da; Melo Costa, W.A. de

1987-01-01

The Crandallite are predominant in the lateritic phosphates of Sapucaia, in the form of the solid solution Crandallite (Cn)- Goyazite (Gz)-Florencite (Fl). The Crandallite-Goyazite is predominant, where the maximum proportion of Florencite is Cn 60 Cz 34.8 Fl 5.2 - This proportion of Florencite is relatively high for laterites, and for this case having up to 1,374% weight of TR 2 O 3 in the total sample. The light rare elements are predominant over the heavy ores, and are illustrated in the distribution curve normalized for the chondrites. This curve is partially comparable with the curve for Apatite presents slight negative anomaly for the element Europium, and slight positive anomaly for The elements Thulium. The geochemical caracteristics for the rare earths in this group allow the prediction for the original rock for the laterites. (author) [pt

First-principles study of strong correlation effects in pyrochlore iridates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shinaoka, Hiroshi [Department of Physics, Saitama University (Japan); Hoshino, Shintaro [Department of Basic Science, The University of Tokyo (Japan); Troyer, Matthias [Theoretische Physik, ETH Zuerich (Switzerland); Werner, Philipp [Department of Physics, University of Fribourg (Switzerland)

2016-07-01

The pyrochlore iridates A{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7} (A=Pr, Nd, Y, etc.) are an ideal system to study fascinating phenomena induced by strong electron correlations and spin-orbit coupling. In this talk, we study strong correlation effects in the prototype compound Y{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7} using the local density approximation and dynamical mean-field theory (LDA+DMFT). We map out the phase diagram in the space of temperature, onsite Coulomb repulsion U, and filling. Consistent with experiments, we find that an all-in/all-out ordered insulating phase is stable for realistic values of U. We reveal the importance of the hybridization between j{sub eff} = 1/2 and j{sub eff} = 3/2 states under the Coulomb interaction and trigonal crystal field. We demonstrate a substantial band narrowing in the paramagnetic metallic phase and non-Fermi liquid behavior in the electron/hole doped system originating from long-lived quasi-spin moments induced by nearly flat bands. We further compare our results with recent experimental results of Eu{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7} under hydrostatic pressure.

Rare earth germanates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bondar', I.A.; Vinogradova, N.V.; Dem'yanets, L.N.

1983-01-01

From the viewpoint of structural chemistry and general regularities controlling formation reactions of compounds and phases in melts, solid and gaseous states, recent achievements in the chemistry of rare earth germanates are generalized. Methods of synthesizing germanates, systems on the base of germanium oxides and rare earths are considered. The data on crystallochemical characteristics are tabulated. Individual compounds of scandium germanate are also characterized. Processes of germanate formation using the data of IR-spectroscopy, X-ray phase analysis are studied. The structure and morphotropic series of rare earth germanates and silicates are determined. Fields of their present and possible future application are considered

Process for treatment of pyrochlore concentrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charlot, G.

1976-01-01

A continuous process is described for extraction of niobium, rare earths and thorium from niobium ore concentrates which includes digesting the ore with a hot solution containing 13 to 16 moles of sulphuric acid per liter, diluting the solution to a concentration of 10 to 13 moles of sulphuric acid per liter, separating the insolubles from the solution which includes alkaline earth sulphates and the sulphates of thorium and rare earths that are present, reducing titanium in solution to the trivalent state and diluting the solution to a concentration of 5 to 7 moles of sulphuric acid per liter, separating the precipitated niobium oxide and sulphates of thorium and rare earths, and then concentrating the resulting solution to the level desired for recycle to the digestion stage. 10 Claims, No Drawings

Diffraction and spectroscopic study of pyrochlores Bi{sub 2−x}Fe{sub 1+x}SbO{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou, Qingdi; Blanchard, Peter E.R. [School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 (Australia); Kennedy, Brendan J., E-mail: kennedyb@chem.usyd.edu.au [School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 (Australia); Ling, Chris D.; Liu, Samuel [School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 (Australia); Avdeev, Max [Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234 (Australia); Aitken, Jade B. [Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168 (Australia); Institute of Materials Structure Science, KEK, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801 (Japan); School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 (Australia); Tadich, Anton; Brand, Helen E.A. [Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168 (Australia)

2014-03-15

Highlights: • Fe rich pyrochlores of the type Bi{sub 2−x}Fe{sub 1+x}SbO{sub 7} were prepared by solid state methods. • Structures determined using a combination of neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. • Fe partially occupies the 8-coordinate site. • Dispacive disorder of the Bi cations observed as a consequence of the 6s{sup 2} electrons. • Non-Vegard behaviour seen at low Fe contents due to disorder. -- Abstract: The structural and electronic properties of the series Bi{sub 2−x}Fe{sub 1+x}SbO{sub 7} (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.6) were investigated using a combination of diffraction and spectroscopy. Synchrotron and neutron diffraction analysis show that Fe{sup 3+} cations substitute for Bi{sup 3+} onto the A site with increasing x, which was further confirmed by analysis of the Fe K/L-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectra. The diffraction analysis indicated the presence of displacive disorder along the A{sub 2}O chains, likely the result of the Bi{sup 3+} 6s{sup 2} lone pair, as well as non-Vegard-like behaviour of the lattice parameters in the Fe-poor region. Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis of Bi{sub 2}FeSbO{sub 7} confirmed the displacive disorder of the Bi{sup 3+} cations as well as Sb{sup 5+} and Fe{sup 3+} disorder on the B site.

Origin of the earth and moon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ringwood, A.E.

1981-01-01

The composition of the Earth's interior and its bearing on the Earth's origin are discussed. It seems likely that the terrestrial planets formed by the accretion of solid planetisimals from the nebula of dust and gas left behind during the formation of the Sun. The scenario proposed is simpler than others. New evidence based upon a comparison of siderophile element abundances in the Earth's mantle and in the Moon imply that the Moon was derived from the Earth's mantle after the Earth's core had segregated

Fundamental aspects of Am and Cm in zirconia-based materials. Investigations using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raison, P.E.; Haire, R.G.; Assefa, Z.

2002-01-01

We have investigated incorporation of americium and curium in selected zirconia-based materials. Fundamental aspects were explored via X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. First explored was the pseudo ternary system, AmO 2 -ZrO 2 -Y 2 O 3 . It was found that stable, cubic solid solutions (Am x Zr 1-x Y y )O 2-2/y can be obtained for selected compositions. The cell parameters of the cubic phases were established as being linear with the AmO 2 content. For the Cm 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 system, it was determined that diphasic materials are produced, except for two compositions: 25 mol% and 50 mol% of CmO 1.5 . For these compositions a single-phase cubic fluorite type solid solution (a=5.21A±0.01) and a pyrochlore oxide Cm 2 Zr 2 O 7 (a=10.63A±0.02) are formed, respectively. The stability of pyrochlore oxides is also being investigated as a function of self-irradiation, using shorter-lived isotopes, one being the californium pyrochlore 249 Cf 2 Zr 2 O 7 . We obtained evidence that after six months of storage the pyrochlore oxide is undergoing structural change. Additional studies are in progress. (author)

Chemical synthesis and characterization of nano-sized rare-earth ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

2

pyrochlore samples indicated a single phase crystalline material with a cubic ... vary with the size and the surface area of the particles.6 Thus, a method to ..... From qualitative band-model consideration of the type discussed by Goodenough.

Safe management of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle: Role of mineralogy; La gestion des actinides dans le cycle du combustible nucleaire: le role de la mineralogie

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ewing, R.C. [Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Department of Geological Sciences, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1005 (United States)

2011-02-15

During the past 60 years, more than 1800 metric tonnes of Pu, and substantial quantities of the 'minor' actinides, such as Np, Am and Cm, have been generated in nuclear reactors. Some of these transuranium elements can be a source of energy in fission reactions (e.g., {sup 239}Pu), a source of fissile material for nuclear weapons (e.g., {sup 239}Pu and {sup 237}Np), and of environmental concern because of their long-half lives and radiotoxicity (e.g., {sup 239}Pu and {sup 237}Np). There are two basic strategies for the disposition of these heavy elements: (1) to 'burn' or transmute the actinides using nuclear reactors or accelerators; (2) to 'sequester' the actinides in chemically durable, radiation-resistant materials that are suitable for geologic disposal. There has been substantial interest in the use of actinide-bearing minerals, especially isometric pyrochlore, A{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} (A rare earths; B = Ti, Zr, Sn, Hf), for the immobilization of actinides, particularly plutonium, both as inert matrix fuels and nuclear waste forms. Systematic studies of rare-earth pyrochlores have led to the discovery that certain compositions (B = Zr, Hf) are stable to very high doses of alpha-decay event damage. Recent developments in our understanding of the properties of heavy element solids have opened up new possibilities for the design of advanced nuclear fuels and waste forms. (author)

Recycling of rare earths from Hg-containing fluorescent lamp scraps by solid state chlorination; Rueckgewinnung Seltener Erden aus quecksilberbelasteten Leuchtstoffen mittels Feststoffchlorierung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lorenz, Tom; Froehlich, Peter; Bertau, Martin [TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany); Golon, Katja [FNE Entsorgungsdienste GmbH, Freiberg (Germany)

2015-10-15

Solid state chlorination with NH{sub 4}Cl comprises a method for rare earth recycling apart from pyro- or hydrometallurgical strategies. The examined partially Hg-containing fluorescent lamp scraps are rich in rare earths like La, Ce, Tb and Gd, but especially in Y and Eu. By mixing with NH{sub 4}Cl and heating up to NH{sub 4}Cl decomposition temperature in a sublimation reactor, Y and Eu could be transferred selectively into their respective metal chlorides with high yields. The yield and selectivity depend on temperature and the ratio of NH{sub 4}Cl to fluorescent lamp scraps, which were varied systematically.

GeoFramework: A Modeling Framework for Solid Earth Geophysics

Science.gov (United States)

Gurnis, M.; Aivazis, M.; Tromp, J.; Tan, E.; Thoutireddy, P.; Liu, Q.; Choi, E.; Dicaprio, C.; Chen, M.; Simons, M.; Quenette, S.; Appelbe, B.; Aagaard, B.; Williams, C.; Lavier, L.; Moresi, L.; Law, H.

2003-12-01

As data sets in geophysics become larger and of greater relevance to other earth science disciplines, and as earth science becomes more interdisciplinary in general, modeling tools are being driven in new directions. There is now a greater need to link modeling codes to one another, link modeling codes to multiple datasets, and to make modeling software available to non modeling specialists. Coupled with rapid progress in computer hardware (including the computational speed afforded by massively parallel computers), progress in numerical algorithms, and the introduction of software frameworks, these lofty goals of merging software in geophysics are now possible. The GeoFramework project, a collaboration between computer scientists and geoscientists, is a response to these needs and opportunities. GeoFramework is based on and extends Pyre, a Python-based modeling framework, recently developed to link solid (Lagrangian) and fluid (Eulerian) models, as well as mesh generators, visualization packages, and databases, with one another for engineering applications. The utility and generality of Pyre as a general purpose framework in science is now being recognized. Besides its use in engineering and geophysics, it is also being used in particle physics and astronomy. Geology and geophysics impose their own unique requirements on software frameworks which are not generally available in existing frameworks and so there is a need for research in this area. One of the special requirements is the way Lagrangian and Eulerian codes will need to be linked in time and space within a plate tectonics context. GeoFramework has grown beyond its initial goal of linking a limited number of exiting codes together. The following codes are now being reengineered within the context of Pyre: Tecton, 3-D FE Visco-elastic code for lithospheric relaxation; CitComS, a code for spherical mantle convection; SpecFEM3D, a SEM code for global and regional seismic waves; eqsim, a FE code for dynamic

How Inge Lehmann Discovered the Inner Core of the Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Rousseau, Christiane

2013-01-01

The mathematics behind Inge Lehmann's discovery that the inner core of the Earth is solid is explained using data collected around the Earth on seismic waves and their travel time through the Earth.

Geodesy by radio interferometry - Determinations of baseline vector, earth rotation, and solid earth tide parameters with the Mark I very long baseline radio interferometery system

Science.gov (United States)

Ryan, J. W.; Clark, T. A.; Coates, R. J.; Ma, C.; Wildes, W. T.

1986-01-01

Thirty-seven very long baseline radio interferometry experiments performed between 1972 and 1978 are analyzed and estimates of baseline vectors between six sites, five in the continental United States and one in Europe are derived. No evidence of significant changes in baseline length is found. For example, with a statistical level of confidence of approximately 85 percent, upper bounds on such changes within the United States ranged from a low of 10 mm/yr for the 850 km baseline between Westford, Massachusetts, and Green Bank, West Virginia, to a high of 90 mm/yr for the nearly 4000 km baseline between Westford and Goldstone, California. Estimates for universal time and for the x component of the position of the earth's pole are obtained. For the last 15 experiments, the only ones employing wideband receivers, the root-mean-square differences between the derived values and the corresponding ones published by the Bureau International de l'Heure are 0.0012 s and 0.018 arc sec respectively. The average value obtained for the radial Love number for the solid earth is 0.62 + or - 0.02 (estimated standard error).

Sudden Disappearance of the First-Order Transition in β-Pyrochlore KOs2O6 under Low Pressure

Science.gov (United States)

Umeo, Kazunori; Kubo, Hirokazu; Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Hiroi, Zenji; Takabatake, Toshiro

2009-12-01

We report the first observation of the pressure effect on the first-order transition at Tp = 7.5 K in the β-pyrochlore oxide superconductor KOs2O6 by specific-heat measurement. The peak in the specific heat at Tp disappeared at a low pressure of 0.02 GPa. With increasing pressure up to 0.02 GPa, the coefficient of the T5 dependence of the specific heat increases by 30%. This finding implies that low-energy excitations of phonons are enhanced by the suppression of the first-order transition. However, the specific-heat jump at Tc is unchanged with pressure up to 1 GPa, indicating that the strong coupling superconductivity is rather robust under pressure.

Absence of magnetic long-range order in Y2CrSbO7 : Bond-disorder-induced magnetic frustration in a ferromagnetic pyrochlore

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, L.; Greaves, C.; Riyat, R.; Hansen, T. C.; Blackburn, E.

2017-09-01

The consequences of random nonmagnetic-ion dilution for the pyrochlore family Y2(M 1 -xN x)2O7 (M = magnetic ion, N = nonmagnetic ion) have been investigated. As a first step, we experimentally examine the magnetic properties of Y2CrSbO7 (x =0.5 ), in which the magnetic sites (Cr3 +) are percolative. Although the effective Cr-Cr spin exchange is ferromagnetic, as evidenced by a positive Curie-Weiss temperature, ΘCW ≃19.5 K , our high-resolution neutron powder diffraction measurements detect no sign of magnetic long-range order down to 2 K. In order to understand our observations, we construct a lattice model to numerically study the bond disorder introduced by the ionic size mismatch between M and N , which reveals that the bond disorder percolates at xb ≃0.23 , explaining the absence of magnetic long-range order. This model could be applied to a series of frustrated magnets with a pyrochlore sublattice, for example, the spinel compound Zn (Cr1 -xGax )2O4 , wherein a Néel to spin glass phase transition occurs between x =0.2 and 0.25 [Lee et al., Phys. Rev. B 77, 014405 (2008), 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.014405]. Our study stresses the non-negligible role of bond disorder on magnetic frustration, even in ferromagnets.

Crystal structure and Mössbauer effect in multiferroic 0.5BiFeO3-0.5Pb(Fe0.5Ta0.5O3 solid solution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stoch Agata

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Multiferroic 0.5BiFeO3-0.5Pb(Fe0.5Ta0.5O3 solid solution is a material that exhibits ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orderings in ambient temperature. The solid solution was obtained as a result of a conventional reaction in a solid state. The obtained material is a dense, fine-grained sinter whose surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and stoichiometry was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS analysis. According to the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD measurements, the main phase is R3c space group with admixture of Pm-3m regular phase. Small contribution of pyrochlore-like phase was also observed. Mössbauer spectroscopy suggested random distribution of Fe3+/Ta5+ cations in the B sites of ABO3 compound. Reduction of the magnetic hyperfine field with an increase in the substitution of Ta5+ in Fe3+ neighbourhood was also observed.

A survey of the theory of the Earth's rotation

Science.gov (United States)

Cannon, W. H.

1981-01-01

The theory of the Earth's rotation and the geophysical phenomena affecting it is examined. First principles are reviewed and the problem of polar motion and UT1 variations is formulated in considerable generality and detail. The effects of Earth deformations and the solid Earth tides are analyzed.

Order and disorder in the local and long-range structure of the spin-glass pyrochlore, Tb{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang, Yu; Huq, Ashfia; Booth, Corwin H.; Ehlers, Georg; Greedan, John E.; Gardner, Jason S.

2011-02-11

To understand the origin of the spin-glass state in molybdate pyrochlores, the structure of Tb{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7} is investigated using two techniques: the long-range lattice structure was measured using neutron powder diffraction (NPD), and local structure information was obtained from the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique. While the long-range structure appears generally well ordered, enhanced mean-squared site displacements on the O(1) site and the lack of temperature dependence of the strongly anisotropic displacement parameters for both the Mo and O(1) sites indicate some disorder exists. Likewise, the local structure measurements indicate some Mo-Mo and Tb-O(1) nearest-neighbor disorder exists, similar to that found in the related spin-glass pyrochlore, Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Although the freezing temperature in Tb{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}, 25 K, is slightly higher than in Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}, 22 K, the degree of local pair distance disorder is actually less in Tb{sub 2}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}. This apparent contradiction is considered in light of the interactions involved in the freezing process.

Sintering Characteristics of Multilayered Thermal Barrier Coatings Under Thermal Gradient and Isothermal High Temperature Annealing Conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Rai, Amarendra K.; Schmitt, Michael P.; Bhattacharya, Rabi; Zhu, Dongming; Wolfe, Douglas E.

2014-01-01

Pyrochlore oxides have most of the relevant attributes for use as next generation thermal barrier coatings such as phase stability, low sintering kinetics and low thermal conductivity. One of the issues with the pyrochlore oxides is their lower toughness and therefore higher erosion rate compared to the current state-of-the-art TBC material, yttria (6 to 8 wt%) stabilized zirconia (YSZ). In this work, sintering characteristics were investigated for novel multilayered coating consisted of alternating layers of pyrochlore oxide viz Gd2Zr2O7 and t' low k (rare earth oxide doped YSZ). Thermal gradient and isothermal high temperature (1316 C) annealing conditions were used to investigate sintering and cracking in these coatings. The results are then compared with that of relevant monolayered coatings and a baseline YSZ coating.

Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Home; Journals; Bulletin of Materials Science. N J KARALE. Articles written in Bulletin of Materials Science. Volume 40 Issue 7 December 2017 pp 1335-1345. Chemical synthesis and characterization of nano-sized rare-earth ruthenium pyrochlore compounds Ln 2 Ru 2 O 7 (Ln = rare earth) · R A PAWAR A K NIKUMBH ...

Long-Period Tidal Variations of the Earth's Rotation Rate

Science.gov (United States)

Desai, S.; Gross, R.; Wahr, J.

1999-01-01

Long-period tidal variations of the Earth's rotation rate are caused by the redistribution of mass associated with the respective elastic solid Earth tides, the ocean tide heights, and the anelasticity of the Earth's mantle, and by the relative angular momentum associated with the long-period ocean tide currents.

Observation of magnetic polarons in the magnetoresistive pyrochlore Lu2V2O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Storchak, Vyacheslav G; Brewer, Jess H; Eshchenko, Dmitry G; Mengyan, Patrick W; Zhou Haidong; Wiebe, Christopher R

2013-01-01

Materials that exhibit colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) have attracted much attention due to their potential technological applications. One particularly interesting model for the magnetoresistance of low-carrier-density ferromagnets involves mediation by magnetic polarons (MP)—electrons localized in nanoscale ferromagnetic ‘droplets’ by their exchange interaction. However, MP have not previously been directly detected and their size has been difficult to determine from macroscopic measurements. In order to provide this crucial information, we have carried out muon spin rotation measurements on the magnetoresistive semiconductor Lu 2 V 2 O 7 in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K and in magnetic fields up to 7 T. Magnetic polarons with characteristic radius R ≈ 0.4 nm are detected below about 100 K, where Lu 2 V 2 O 7 exhibits CMR; at higher temperature, where the magnetoresistance vanishes, these MP also disappear. This observation confirms the MP-mediated model of CMR and reveals the microscopic size of the MP in magnetoresistive pyrochlores. (paper)

Free oscillation of the Earth

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Y. Abedini

2000-06-01

Full Text Available   This work is a study of the Earths free oscillations considering a merge of solid and liquid model. At the turn of 19th century Geophysicists presented the theory of the free oscillations for a self-gravitating, isotropic and compressible sphere. Assuming a steel structure for an Earth size sphere, they predicted a period of oscillation of about 1 hour. About 50 years later, the free oscillations of stars was studied by Cowling and others. They classified the oscillation modes of the stars into acoustic and gravity modes on the basis of their driving forces. These are pressure and buoyancy forces respectively. The earliest measurements for the period of the free oscillations of the Earth was made by Benyove from a study of Kamchathca earthquake. Since then, the Geophysicists have been trying to provide a theoretical basis for these measurements. Recently, the theory concerning oscillations of celestial fluids is extended by Sobouti to include the possible oscillations of the Earthlike bodies. Using the same technique, we study the free oscillations of a spherically symmetric, non-rotating and elastic model for the Earth.   We used the actual data of the Earths interior structure in our numerical calculations. Numerical results show that there exist three distinct oscillation modes namely acoustic, gravity and toroidal modes. These modes are driven by pressure, buoyancy and shear forces respectively. The shear force is due to the elastic properties of the solid part of the Earth. Our numerical results are consistent with the seismic data recorded from earthquake measurements.

The Earth's Mantle Is Solid: Teachers' Misconceptions About the Earth and Plate Tectonics.

Science.gov (United States)

King, Chris

2000-01-01

Discusses the misconceptions revealed by the teachers' answers and outlines more accurate answers and explanations based on established evidence and uses these to provide a more complete understanding of plate tectonic process and the structure of Earth. (Author/YDS)

Unusual seeding mechanism for enhanced performance in solid-phase magnetic extraction of Rare Earth Elements

Science.gov (United States)

Polido Legaria, Elizabeth; Rocha, Joao; Tai, Cheuk-Wai; Kessler, Vadim G.; Seisenbaeva, Gulaim A.

2017-03-01

Due to the increasing demand of Rare Earth Elements (REE or RE), new and more efficient techniques for their extraction are necessary, suitable for both mining and recycling processes. Current techniques such as solvent extraction or solid adsorbents entail drawbacks such as using big volumes of harmful solvents or limited capacity. Hybrid nanoadsorbents based on SiO2 and highly stable γ-Fe2O3-SiO2 nanoparticles, proved recently to be very attractive for adsorption of REE, yet not being the absolute key to solve the problem. In the present work, we introduce a highly appealing new approach in which the nanoparticles, rather than behaving as adsorbent materials, perform as inducers of crystallization for the REE in the form of hydroxides, allowing their facile and practically total removal from solution. This induced crystallization is achieved by tuning the pH, offering an uptake efficiency more than 20 times higher than previously reported (up to 900 mg RE3+/g vs. 40 mg RE3+/g). The obtained phases were characterized by SEM-EDS, TEM, STEM and EFTEM and 13C and 29Si solid state NMR. Magnetic studies showed that the materials possessed enough magnetic properties to be easily removed by a magnet, opening ways for an efficient and industrially applicable separation technique.

Precipitation of the rare earth double sodium and rare earths from the sulfuric liquor and the conversion into rare earth hydroxides through meta ethic reaction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abreu, Renata D.; Oliveira, Ester F.; Brito, Walter de; Morais, Carlos A.

2007-01-01

This work presents the purification study of the rare earths through precipitation of rare earth and sodium (Na TR (SO 4 ) 2 . x H 2 O)) double sulfate and his conversion to rare earths hydroxide TR(OH) 3 by meta ethic reaction through the addition of sodium hydroxide solution to the solid double sulfate. The study used the sulfuric liquor as rare earth sample, generated in the chemical processing of the monazite with sulfuric acid by the Industrias Nucleares do Brasil - INB, Brazil, after the thorium and uranium extraction. The work investigated the influence of the main variables involved in the precipitation of Na TR(SO 4 ) 2 .xH 2 O and in the conversion for the TR(OH) 3 , as follows: type and excess of the precipitation agent, temperature and time reaction. The obtained solid composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and chemical analysis. The double sulfate diffractogram indicated the Na TR(SO 4 ) 2 mono-hydrated. The characterization of the metatese products has shown that, for obtaining the complete conversion of NaTR(SO 4 ) 2 .H 2 O into TR(OH) 3 , the reaction must be hot processed (∼70 deg C) and with small excess of Na OH (≤ 5 percent). (author)

Ternary and quaternary solid solutions in rare earth alloy phases with the CaCu5-type structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Malani, G.K.; Raman, A.; Mohanty, R.C.

1992-01-01

Crystal structural data were analyzed in seleced CaCu 5 -type ternary and quaternary solid solutions to assess the crystal chemical characteristics and stability features of the CaCu 5 -type structure in rare earth containing alloy phases. LaNi 5 was found to dissolve 100 mol% LaCu 5 , 100 mol% ErNi 5 , about 50 mol% LaIr 5 , 40 mol% 'LaMn 5 ', 20 mol% 'LaFe 5 ', and 25 mol% ErRh 5 . In contrast, LaCo 5 did not dissolve any Mn or any of the other elements other than Al - it dissolved about 20 mol% 'LaAl 5 '. LaCu 5 behaves similar to LaNi 5 in solid solutions. From the lack of solubility of any other element in LaFe 5 , LaCo 5 , LaRh 5 , and LaIr 5 and their great instability, these are inferred to be borderline cases in the realm of the CaCu 5 -type structure. In the CaCu 5 and related crystal structures, Ir is compatible with Ni, but not with Co or Rh, and Rh is not compatible with either Ni or Ir. (orig.) [de

Looking at the earth from space

Science.gov (United States)

Geller, Marvin A.

1988-01-01

Some of the scientific accomplishments attained in observing the earth from space are discussed. A brief overview of findings concerning the atmosphere, the oceans and sea ice, the solid earth, and the terrestrial hydrosphere and biosphere is presented, and six examples are examined in which space data have provided unique information enabling new knowledge concerning the workings of the earth to be derived. These examples concern stratospheric water vapor, hemispheric differences in surface and atmosphere parameters, Seasat altimeter mesoscale variability, variability of Antarctic sea ice, variations in the length of day, and spaceborne radar imaging of ancient rivers. Future space observations of the earth are briefly addressed.

Development of reduction technology for oxide fuel. Behaviour of rare-earth in lithium reduction process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kato, Tetsuya; Usami, Tsuyoshi; Yuda, Ryoichi; Kurata, Masateru; Moriyama, Hirotake

2000-01-01

Solubility measurements of rare-earth oxides in molten LiCl-Li 2 O salt and reduction tests of UO 2 doped with rare-earth oxides were carried out to determine the behavior of rare-earths in lithium reduction process. The solubility of rare-earth oxides increases in the order of Gd 2 O concentration. In multi-element systems including 6 rare-earth oxides, the solubility of each element is smaller than that in the individual systems. In the reduction tests, more than 90% of UO 2 was reduced within 1 hour after starting reduction and about 7% of rare-earths eluded into the LiCl molten salt bath containing Li 2 O which is formed by the reduction of UO 2 . The rare-earth concentrations in the bath were evaluated using the solubility data, assuming that rare-earth oxides in multi-element systems form solid solution as the equilibrium solid phase and that the activity coefficients in the solid phase are independent of the compositions. The calculated concentrations are consistent with the experimental ones obtained in the reduction tests. (author)

Investigation and analysis to the content of natural radionuclides at rate-earth ore and solid waste in China through the first nationwide pollution source survey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lou Jianjun; Liu Guifang; Sun Qinghong

2011-01-01

China has launched the First Nationwide Pollution Source Survey (FNPSS) during 2006-2009. Ministry Environmental Protection (MEP) sponsored the campaign of measuring the natural radionuclide contents. And the Ministry Environmental Protection (MEP) organized the measurements of natural radionuclide contents of in the factories and mines associated with rare-earth, niobium/tantalum, zircon, tin, lead/zinc, copper, iron, phosphate, coal, aluminum and vanadium. This paper analyzes mainly the data on the contents of U, 232 Th and 226 Ra in the rare-earth ore and solid waste produced by the rare-earth industry in China, as one of a series of papers on naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) s investigation. It is concluded that the average of the U, 232 Th and 226 Ra for the monazite sand of rare-earth ore is 16911, 49683, and 20072 Bq/kg, respectively. The average of U, 232 Th and 226 Ra in bastnaesite is 42, 701 and 91 Bq/kg, respectively. The average of U, 232 Th and 226 Ra in the ionic type rare-earth ore is 3918.6, 2315 and 1221 Bq/kg, respectively. (authors)

Hydrogen Production from Water by Photolysis, Sonolysis and Sonophotolysis with Solid Solutions of Rare Earth, Gallium and Indium Oxides as Heterogeneous Catalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marta Penconi

2015-07-01

Full Text Available In this work, we present the hydrogen production by photolysis, sonolysis and sonophotolysis of water in the presence of newly synthesized solid solutions of rare earth, gallium and indium oxides playing as catalysts. From the experiments of photolysis, we found that the best photocatalyst is the solid solution Y0.8Ga0.2InO3 doped by sulphur atoms. In experiments of sonolysis, we optimized the rate of hydrogen production by changing the amount of water, adding ethanol and tuning the power of our piezoelectric transducer. Finally, we performed sonolysis and sonophotolysis experiments in the presence of S:Y0.8Ga0.2InO3 finding a promising synergistic effect of UV-visible electromagnetic waves and 38 kHz ultrasound waves in producing H2.

The Australian Computational Earth Systems Simulator

Science.gov (United States)

Mora, P.; Muhlhaus, H.; Lister, G.; Dyskin, A.; Place, D.; Appelbe, B.; Nimmervoll, N.; Abramson, D.

2001-12-01

Numerical simulation of the physics and dynamics of the entire earth system offers an outstanding opportunity for advancing earth system science and technology but represents a major challenge due to the range of scales and physical processes involved, as well as the magnitude of the software engineering effort required. However, new simulation and computer technologies are bringing this objective within reach. Under a special competitive national funding scheme to establish new Major National Research Facilities (MNRF), the Australian government together with a consortium of Universities and research institutions have funded construction of the Australian Computational Earth Systems Simulator (ACcESS). The Simulator or computational virtual earth will provide the research infrastructure to the Australian earth systems science community required for simulations of dynamical earth processes at scales ranging from microscopic to global. It will consist of thematic supercomputer infrastructure and an earth systems simulation software system. The Simulator models and software will be constructed over a five year period by a multi-disciplinary team of computational scientists, mathematicians, earth scientists, civil engineers and software engineers. The construction team will integrate numerical simulation models (3D discrete elements/lattice solid model, particle-in-cell large deformation finite-element method, stress reconstruction models, multi-scale continuum models etc) with geophysical, geological and tectonic models, through advanced software engineering and visualization technologies. When fully constructed, the Simulator aims to provide the software and hardware infrastructure needed to model solid earth phenomena including global scale dynamics and mineralisation processes, crustal scale processes including plate tectonics, mountain building, interacting fault system dynamics, and micro-scale processes that control the geological, physical and dynamic

Impacts on Explorer 46 from an Earth orbiting population

Science.gov (United States)

Kessler, D. J.

1985-01-01

Explorer 46 was launched into Earth orbit in August 1972 to evaluate the effectiveness of using double-wall structures to protect against meteoroids. The data from the Meteoroid Bumper Experiment on Explorer 46 is reexamined and it is concluded that most of the impacts originated from an Earth orbiting population. The probable source of this orbiting population is solid rocket motors fired in Earth orbit.

Co-deposition of metallic actinides on a solid cathode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Limmer, S. J.; Williamson, M. A.; Willit, J. L. [Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne (United States)

2008-08-15

The amount of rare earth contamination that will be found in a co-deposit of actinides is a function of the type of cathode used. A non-alloying solid cathode will result in a significantly lower rare earth contamination in the actinide co-deposit than a liquid cadmium cathode. With proper control of the cathode potential vs. a stable reference electrode, co-deposition of uranium with other more electroactive metals has been demonstrated using a non-alloying solid cathode.

Co-deposition of metallic actinides on a solid cathode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Limmer, S. J.; Williamson, M. A.; Willit, J. L.

2008-01-01

The amount of rare earth contamination that will be found in a co-deposit of actinides is a function of the type of cathode used. A non-alloying solid cathode will result in a significantly lower rare earth contamination in the actinide co-deposit than a liquid cadmium cathode. With proper control of the cathode potential vs. a stable reference electrode, co-deposition of uranium with other more electroactive metals has been demonstrated using a non-alloying solid cathode

The Pilgram's Progress: Reflections on the journey building Australia's solid earth information infrastructure (Invited)

Science.gov (United States)

Woodcock, R.

2013-12-01

Australia's AuScope provides world class research infrastructure as a framework for understanding the structure and evolution of the Australian continent. Since it conception in 2005, Data Scientists have led the Grid and Interoperability component of AuScope. The AuScope Grid is responsible for the effective management, curation, preservation and analysis of earth science data across the many organisations collaborating in AuScope. During this journey much was learned about technology and architectures but even more about organisations and people, and the role of Data Scientists in the science ecosystem. With the AuScope Grid now in operation and resulting techniques and technologies now underpinning Australian Government initiatives in solid earth and environmental information, it is beneficial to reflect upon the journey and observe what has been learned in order to make data science routine. The role of the Data Scientist is a hybrid one, of not quite belonging and yet highly valued. With the skills to support domain scientists with data and computational needs and communicate across domains, yet not quite able to do the domain science itself. A bridge between two worlds, there is tremendous satisfaction from a job well done, but paradoxically it is also best when it is unnoticeable. In the years since AuScope started much has changed for the Data Scientist. Initially misunderstood, Data Scientists are now a recognisable part of the science landscape in Australia. Whilst the rewards and incentives are still catching up, there is wealth of knowledge on the technical and soft skills required and recognition of the need for Data Scientists. These will be shared from the AuScope journey so other pilgrims may progress well.

Structural order parameter in the pyrochlore superconductor Cd sub 2 Re sub 2 O sub 7

CERN Document Server

Sergienko, I A

2003-01-01

It is shown that both structural phase transitions in Cd sub 2 Re sub 2 O sub 7 , which occur at T sub s sub 1 = 200 K and T sub s sub 2 = 120 K, are due to an instability of the Re tetrahedral network with respect to the same doubly degenerate long-wavelength phonon mode. The primary structural order parameter transforms according to the irreducible representation E sub u of the point group O sub h. We argue that the transition at T sub s sub 1 may be of the second order, in accordance with experimental data. We obtain the phase diagram in the space of phenomenological parameters and propose a thermodynamic path that Cd sub 2 Re sub 2 O sub 7 follows upon cooling. Coupling of the itinerant electronic system and localized spin states in pyrochlores and spinels to atomic displacements are discussed. (author)

The Earth System Model

Science.gov (United States)

Schoeberl, Mark; Rood, Richard B.; Hildebrand, Peter; Raymond, Carol

2003-01-01

The Earth System Model is the natural evolution of current climate models and will be the ultimate embodiment of our geophysical understanding of the planet. These models are constructed from components - atmosphere, ocean, ice, land, chemistry, solid earth, etc. models and merged together through a coupling program which is responsible for the exchange of data from the components. Climate models and future earth system models will have standardized modules, and these standards are now being developed by the ESMF project funded by NASA. The Earth System Model will have a variety of uses beyond climate prediction. The model can be used to build climate data records making it the core of an assimilation system, and it can be used in OSSE experiments to evaluate. The computing and storage requirements for the ESM appear to be daunting. However, the Japanese ES theoretical computing capability is already within 20% of the minimum requirements needed for some 2010 climate model applications. Thus it seems very possible that a focused effort to build an Earth System Model will achieve succcss.

History of Solid Rockets

Science.gov (United States)

Green, Rebecca

2017-01-01

Solid rockets are of interest to the space program because they are commonly used as boosters that provide the additional thrust needed for the space launch vehicle to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. Larger, more advanced solid rockets allow for space launch vehicles with larger payload capacities, enabling mankind to reach new depths of space. This presentation will discuss, in detail, the history of solid rockets. The history begins with the invention and origin of the solid rocket, and then goes into the early uses and design of the solid rocket. The evolution of solid rockets is depicted by a description of how solid rockets changed and improved and how they were used throughout the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Modern uses of the solid rocket include the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) on the Space Shuttle and the solid rockets used on current space launch vehicles. The functions and design of the SRB and the advancements in solid rocket technology since the use of the SRB are discussed as well. Common failure modes and design difficulties are discussed as well.

Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescent properties of a new pyrochlore type tungstate CsGa0.333W1.667O6

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Dan; Zhao, Ji; Fan, Yun-Chang; Ma, Zhao; Zhang, Rui-Juan; Liu, Bao-Zhong

2018-06-01

High temperature solution reaction leads to a new tungstate compound CsGa0.333W1.667O6, whose structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The results show that it crystallizes in pyrochlore structure with cubic space group Fd-3m and a = 10.2529 (13) Å. In this structure, Ga and W atoms are in a statistical disorder manner. The self-activated luminescent properties CsGa0.333W1.667O6 were studied. Under the excitation of 323 nm, the emission spectrum exhibits a blue emission centered at 466 nm with the chromaticity coordinates (0.1838, 0.1814).

Investigations of the magnetic properties in the pyrochlore Ho{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schoenemann, Rico; Herrmannsdoerfer, Thomas; Green, Elizabeth Lauren; Wang, Zhaosheng; Wosnitza, Joachim [Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden (Germany); Skrotzki, Richard [Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden (Germany); Department of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, TU Dresden, Dresden (Germany); Kaneko, Hiroshi; Suzuki, Haruhiko [Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa (Japan)

2013-07-01

Pyrochlore compounds such as R{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} (where R is Ho or Dy) have an highly degenerate ground state where the R{sup 3+} moments obey the ''ice rules''. This provides access to study extraordinary physical phenomena, like the formation of magnetic monopoles. Recent publications evidence monopoles which can be probed using high frequency (adiabatic) susceptibility measurements. We performed ac susceptibility measurements on a single-crystal Ho{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} sample at low temperatures down to 30 mK and magnetic fields up to 14 T. Based on isothermal frequency sweeps we were able to determine spin relaxation rates. Both the real and imaginary parts of the temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show the spins freezing below 1 K and provide insight into the magnetic-monopole density.

Phase evolution and microwave dielectric properties of A5M5O17-type ceramics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ali Murad

2017-07-01

Full Text Available A number of A5M5O17 (A = Na, Ca, Sr, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb; B = Ti, Nb, Ta type compounds were prepared by a solid-state sintering route and characterized in terms of structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties. The compatibility of rare earths with mixed niobate/tantalate and titanate phases was investigated. The larger ionic radii mismatch resulted in the formation of pyrochlore and/or mixed phases while in other cases, pure A5M5O17 phase was formed. The samples exhibited relative permittivity in the range of 35 to 82, quality factor (Q × fo = 897 GHz to 11946 GHz and temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf = -120 ppm/°C to 318 ppm/°C.

MAKE SUPER-EARTHS, NOT JUPITERS: ACCRETING NEBULAR GAS ONTO SOLID CORES AT 0.1 AU AND BEYOND

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Eve J.; Chiang, Eugene; Ormel, Chris W., E-mail: evelee@berkeley.edu, E-mail: echiang@astro.berkeley.edu, E-mail: ormel@berkeley.edu [Department of Astronomy, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3411 (United States)

2014-12-20

Close-in super-Earths having radii 1-4 R {sub ⊕} may possess hydrogen atmospheres comprising a few percent by mass of their rocky cores. We determine the conditions under which such atmospheres can be accreted by cores from their parent circumstellar disks. Accretion from the nebula is problematic because it is too efficient: we find that 10 M {sub ⊕} cores embedded in solar metallicity disks tend to undergo runaway gas accretion and explode into Jupiters, irrespective of orbital location. The threat of runaway is especially dire at ∼0.1 AU, where solids may coagulate on timescales orders of magnitude shorter than gas clearing times; thus nascent atmospheres on close-in orbits are unlikely to be supported against collapse by planetesimal accretion. The time to runaway accretion is well approximated by the cooling time of the atmosphere's innermost convective zone, whose extent is controlled by where H{sub 2} dissociates. Insofar as the temperatures characterizing H{sub 2} dissociation are universal, timescales for core instability tend not to vary with orbital distance—and to be alarmingly short for 10 M {sub ⊕} cores. Nevertheless, in the thicket of parameter space, we identify two scenarios, not mutually exclusive, that can reproduce the preponderance of percent-by-mass atmospheres for super-Earths at ∼0.1 AU, while still ensuring the formation of Jupiters at ≳ 1 AU. Scenario (a): planets form in disks with dust-to-gas ratios that range from ∼20× solar at 0.1 AU to ∼2× solar at 5 AU. Scenario (b): the final assembly of super-Earth cores from mergers of proto-cores—a process that completes quickly at ∼0.1 AU once begun—is delayed by gas dynamical friction until just before disk gas dissipates completely. Both scenarios predict that the occurrence rate for super-Earths versus orbital distance, and the corresponding rate for Jupiters, should trend in opposite directions, as the former population is transformed into the latter: as

Women in EPOS: the role of women in a large pan-European Research Infrastructure for Solid Earth sciences

Science.gov (United States)

Calignano, Elisa; Freda, Carmela; Baracchi, Laura

2017-04-01

Women are outnumbered by men in geosciences senior research positions, but what is the situation if we consider large pan-European Research Infrastructures? With this contribution we want to show an analysis of the role of women in the implementation of the European Plate Observing System (EPOS): a planned research infrastructure for European Solid Earth sciences, integrating national and transnational research infrastructures to enable innovative multidisciplinary research. EPOS involves 256 national research infrastructures, 47 partners (universities and research institutes) from 25 European countries and 4 international organizations. The EPOS integrated platform demands significant coordination between diverse solid Earth disciplinary communities, national research infrastructures and the policies and initiatives they drive, geoscientists and information technologists. The EPOS architecture takes into account governance, legal, financial and technical issues and is designed so that the enterprise works as a single, but distributed, sustainable research infrastructure. A solid management structure is vital for the successful implementation and sustainability of EPOS. The internal organization relies on community-specific Working Packages (WPs), Transversal WPs in charge of the overall EPOS integration and implementation, several governing, executive and advisory bodies, a Project Management Office (PMO) and the Project Coordinator. Driven by the timely debate on gender balance and commitment of the European Commission to promote gender equality in research and innovation, we decided to conduct a mapping exercise on a project that crosses European national borders and that brings together diverse geoscience disciplines under one management structure. We present an analysis of women representation in decision-making positions in each EPOS Working Package (WP Leader, proxy, legal, financial and IT contact persons), in the Boards and Councils and in the PMO

Waterproofing improvement of radioactive waste asphalt solid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adachi, Katsuhiko; Yamaguchi, Takashi; Ikeoka, Akira.

1981-01-01

Purpose: To improve the waterproofing of asphalt solid by adding an alkaline earth metal salt and, further, paraffin, into radioactive liquid waste when processing asphalt solidification of the radioactive liquid waste. Method: Before processing molten asphalt solidification of radioactive liquid waste, soluble salts of alkaline earth metal such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or the like is added to the radioactive liquid waste. Paraffin having a melting point of higher than 60 0 C, for example, is added to the asphalt, and waterproofing can be remarkably improved. The waste asphalt solid thus fabricated can prevent the swelling thereof, and can improve its waterproofing. (Yoshihara, H.)

Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Navrotsky, Alexandra

1994-11-01

Stressing the fundamental solid state behavior of minerals, and emphasizing both theory and experiment, this text surveys the physics and chemistry of earth materials. The author begins with a systematic tour of crystal chemistry of both simple and complex structures (with completely new structural drawings) and discusses how to obtain structural and thermodynamic information experimentally. Dr. Navrotsky also reviews the quantitative concepts of chemical bonding--band theory, molecular orbit and ionic models. She then covers physical properties and relates microscopic features to macroscopic thermodynamic behavior and treats high pressure phase transitions, amorphous materials and solid state reactions. The author concludes with a look at the interface between mineral physics and materials science. Highly illustrated throughout, this book fills the gap between undergraduate texts and specialized review volumes and is appropriate for students and researchers in earth science and materials science.

Photoluminescence properties of ‘red’ emitting La{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu pyrochlore ceramics for potential phosphor application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohapatra, M., E-mail: manojm@barc.gov.in; Rajeswari, B.; Hon, N.S.; Kadam, R.M.; Natarajan, V.

2015-10-15

Lanthanum zirconate (La{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7}=LZO) pyrochlores doped with varying concentrations of Eu were synthesized using a low temperature gel-combustion synthesis route and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopic and photoluminescence techniques. The final annealing temperature of the system could be brought down to 700 °C to produce a single phase compound. In addition, the optimum activator ion concentration for maximum luminescence yield was evaluated for the system. The site occupancy for the Eu ions was also investigated which suggested that at 500 °C, the ions were on the surface of the LZO host and later diffused into the lattice and replaced the La{sup 3+} ions on annealing at 700 °C 5 h. However, due to difference in the ionic radii, the doped RE ions were of the inversion center forming a D{sub 2d} symmetry around them. For the first time the radiative properties and the commercial utility of the LZO system have been investigated. These parameters were used to get an idea about the M–L bond covalency in the system. The radiative properties suggested the system can be used as a potential ‘red’ emitting phosphor. - Highlights: • Synthesis of lanthanum zirconate pyrochlores doped with Eu using gel-combustion route. • Optimization of dopant ion concentration and annealing temperature and evaluation of its local site symmetry. • Evaluation of various photo-physical properties for the Eu-LZO system to investigate the M–L bond covalency. • Investigation of the commercial utility of the system by calculating the color coordinates. • Comparison of the emission properties with commercial sample.

Superconducting and Structural Transitions in the β-Pyrochlore Oxide KOs2O6 under High Pressure

Science.gov (United States)

Ogusu, Hiroki; Takeshita, Nao; Izawa, Koichi; Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Ohishi, Yasuo; Tsutsui, Satoshi; Okamoto, Yoshihiko; Hiroi, Zenji

2010-11-01

Rattling-induced superconductivity in the β-pyrochlore oxide KOs2O6 is investigated under high pressure up to 5 GPa. Resistivity measurements in a high-quality single crystal reveal a gradual decrease in the superconducting transition temperature Tc from 9.7 K at 1.0 GPa to 6.5 K at 3.5 GPa, followed by a sudden drop to 3.3 K at 3.6 GPa. Powder X-ray diffraction experiments show a structural transition from cubic to monoclinic or triclinic at a similar pressure. The sudden drop in Tc is ascribed to this structural transition, by which an enhancement in Tc due to a strong electron-rattler interaction present in the low-pressure cubic phase is abrogated as the rattling of the K ion is completely suppressed or weakened in the high-pressure phase of reduced symmetry. In addition, we find two anomalies in the temperature dependence of resistivity in the low-pressure phase, which may be due to subtle changes in rattling vibration.

Studies on the rare earth complexes with pyridine derivatives and their N-oxide(II) - Synthesis and properties of fluorescent solid complexes of samarium, europium, gadolium and terbium chlorides with 2,2'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Minyu, T.; Ning, T.; Yingli, Z.; Jiyuan, B.

1985-01-01

The solid complexes of rare earth nitrates perchlorates and thiocyanates with 2,2'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide (bipyO/sub 2/) have been reported. However, the corresponding complexes of other rear earth chlorides have not been investigated except lanthanum, cerium and yttrium. As an extension of our previous work on the synthesis of complexes of praseodymium and neodymium chlorides wiht bipoyO/sub 2/, the authors have now prepared fluorescent solid complexes of samarium, europium, gadolium and terbium chlorides with biphyO/sub 2/, using methanol as a reaction medium. The new synthesized compounds have been identified by means of elemental analysis, infrared spectrometry, conductometry, differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray powder diffraction

Models of the earth's core

Science.gov (United States)

Stevenson, D. J.

1981-01-01

Combined inferences from seismology, high-pressure experiment and theory, geomagnetism, fluid dynamics, and current views of terrestrial planetary evolution lead to models of the earth's core with five basic properties. These are that core formation was contemporaneous with earth accretion; the core is not in chemical equilibrium with the mantle; the outer core is a fluid iron alloy containing significant quantities of lighter elements and is probably almost adiabatic and compositionally uniform; the more iron-rich inner solid core is a consequence of partial freezing of the outer core, and the energy release from this process sustains the earth's magnetic field; and the thermodynamic properties of the core are well constrained by the application of liquid-state theory to seismic and labroatory data.

The application of micro-column solid phase extraction techniques for the determination of rare earth elements in actinide containing matrices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carney, K.P.; Cummings, D.G.

1995-01-01

The design and characterization of an argon segmented-solid phase extraction system is described. A 200 ul volume micro-column has been constructed for the preconcentration of rare earth elements (REEs) from salt matrices containing uranium. An inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer has been utilized for simultaneous detection of Sr, Y and the REEs (namely Ce, Eu, La, Nd, Pr, Sm) at levels ranging from 5- to 2000 ppm in LiCl/KCl samples containing U. Preconcentration factors of 100 fold have been demonstrated. The precision, linear dynamic range and column performance of the system will be presented. (author). 5 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs

C60 and U ion irradiation of Gd₂Ti_xZr_2-xO₇ pyrochlore

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Jiaming; Toulemonde, Marcel; Lang, Maik; Costantini, Jean Marc; Della-Negra, Serge; Ewing, Rodney C.

2015-08-01

Gd₂Ti_xZr_2-xO₇ (x = 0 to 2) pyrochlore was irradiated by 30 MeV C₆₀ clusters, which provide an extremely high ionizing energy density. Here, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a complex ion-track structure in Gd₂Ti₂O₇ and Gd₂TiZrO₇, consisting of an amorphous core and a shell of a disordered, defect-fluorite structure.

Mass-radius relations and core-envelope decompositions of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Howe, Alex R.; Burrows, Adam [Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Peyton Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544 (United States); Verne, Wesley, E-mail: arhowe@astro.princeton.edu, E-mail: burrows@astro.princeton.edu [Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 (United States)

2014-06-01

Many exoplanets have been discovered with radii of 1-4 R {sub ⊕}, between that of Earth and Neptune. A number of these are known to have densities consistent with solid compositions, while others are 'sub-Neptunes' likely to have significant H{sub 2}-He envelopes. Future surveys will no doubt significantly expand these populations. In order to understand how the measured masses and radii of such planets can inform their structures and compositions, we construct models both for solid layered planets and for planets with solid cores and gaseous envelopes, exploring a range of core masses, H{sub 2}-He envelope masses, and associated envelope entropies. For planets in the super-Earth/sub-Neptune regime for which both radius and mass are measured, we estimate how each is partitioned into a solid core and gaseous envelope, associating a specific core mass and envelope mass with a given exoplanet. We perform this decomposition for both ''Earth-like'' rock-iron cores and pure ice cores, and find that the necessary gaseous envelope masses for this important sub-class of exoplanets must range very widely from zero to many Earth masses, even for a given core mass. This result bears importantly on exoplanet formation and envelope evaporation processes.

Mass-radius relations and core-envelope decompositions of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howe, Alex R.; Burrows, Adam; Verne, Wesley

2014-01-01

Many exoplanets have been discovered with radii of 1-4 R ⊕ , between that of Earth and Neptune. A number of these are known to have densities consistent with solid compositions, while others are 'sub-Neptunes' likely to have significant H 2 -He envelopes. Future surveys will no doubt significantly expand these populations. In order to understand how the measured masses and radii of such planets can inform their structures and compositions, we construct models both for solid layered planets and for planets with solid cores and gaseous envelopes, exploring a range of core masses, H 2 -He envelope masses, and associated envelope entropies. For planets in the super-Earth/sub-Neptune regime for which both radius and mass are measured, we estimate how each is partitioned into a solid core and gaseous envelope, associating a specific core mass and envelope mass with a given exoplanet. We perform this decomposition for both ''Earth-like'' rock-iron cores and pure ice cores, and find that the necessary gaseous envelope masses for this important sub-class of exoplanets must range very widely from zero to many Earth masses, even for a given core mass. This result bears importantly on exoplanet formation and envelope evaporation processes.

Spin correlations in the pyrochlore slab compounds Ba2Sn2Ga10-7pZnCr7pO22

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bonnet, P; Payen, C; Mutka, H; Danot, M; Fabritchnyi, P; Stewart, J R; Mellergaard, A; Ritter, C

2004-01-01

The low-temperature properties of a diluted antiferromagnetic pyrochlore slab of S = 3/2 spins are investigated through a study of the frustrated oxides Ba 2 Sn 2 Ga 10-7p ZnCr 7p O 22 (p>0.85). Powder neutron diffraction and 119 Sn Moessbauer absorption show no evidence of long-range magnetic order above 1.5 K. As in SrCr 9q Ga 12-9q O 19 , diffuse magnetic scattering, indicative of short range spin-spin correlations, is observed at low temperature. The dependence of the low-temperature sub-Curie bulk susceptibility to weak site depletion is the inverse of that observed in SrCr 9q Ga 12-9q O 19

Learning More About Our Earth: An Exploration of NASA's Contributions to Earth Science Through Remote Sensing Technologies

Science.gov (United States)

Lindsay, Francis

2017-01-01

NASA is commonly known for its pioneering work in space exploration and the technological advancements that made access to space possible. NASA is now increasingly known for the agency's research and technologies that support the Earth sciences. This is a presentation focusing on NASA's Earth science efforts told mostly through the technological innovations NASA uses to achieve a greater understanding of the Earth, making it possible to explore the Earth as a system. Enabling this science is NASA's fleet of over two dozen Earth science spacecraft, supported by aircraft, ships and ground observations. NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) is a coordinated series of polar-orbiting and low inclination satellites for long-term global observations of the land surface, biosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and oceans. With the launching of the three flagship satellite missions, Terra, Aqua and Aura, beginning in 1999, NASA's initial Mission to Planet Earth made it possible to measure aspects of the environment that touch the lives of every person around the world. NASA harnessing the unique space-based platform means, fortunately, no planet is better studied than the one we actually live on.

Impact on the earth, ocean and atmosphere

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahrens, T.J.; O'Keefe, J.D.

1987-01-01

Several hundred impact craters produced historically and at times as early as 1.9 x 10/sup 9/ years ago with diameters in the range 10/sup -2/ to 10/sup 2/ km are observed on the surface of the earth. Earth-based and spacecraft observations of the surfaces of all the terrestrial planets and their satellites, as well as many of the icy satellites of the outer planets, indicated that impact cratering was a dominant process on planetary surfaces during the early history of the solar system. Moreover, the recent observation of a circumstellar disk around the nearby star, β-Pictoris, appears to be similar to the authors' own hypothesized protosolar disk. A disk of material around our sun has been hypothesized to have been the source of the solid planetesimals from which the earth and the other planets accreted by infall and capture. Thus it appears that the earth and the other terrestrial planets formed as a result of infall and impact of planetesimals. Although the present planets grew rapidly via accretion to their present size (in --10/sup 7/ years), meteorite impacts continue to occur on the earth and other planets. Until recently meteorite impact has been considered to be a process that was important on the earth and the other planets only early in the history of the solar system. This is no longer true. The Alvarez hypothesis suggests that the extinction of some 90% of all species, including 17 classes of dinosaurs, is associated with the 1 to 150 cm thick layer of noble-element rich dust which is found all over the earth exactly at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. The enrichment of noble elements in this dust is in meteorite-like proportions. This dust is thought to represent the fine impact ejecta from a --10 km diameter asteroid interacting with the solid earth. The Alvarez hypothesis associates the extinction with the physics of a giant impact on the earth

Combined experimental–theoretical study of the optoelectronic properties of non-stoichiometric pyrochlore bismuth titanate

KAUST Repository

Noureldine, Dalal

2015-10-27

A combination of experimental and computational methods was applied to investigate the crystal structure and optoelectronic properties of the non-stoichiometric pyrochlore Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x. The detailed experimental protocol for both powder and thin-film material synthesis revealed that a non-stoichiometric Bi2−xTi2O7−1.5x structure with an x value of ∼0.25 is the primary product, consistent with the thermodynamic stability of the defect-containing structure computed using density functional theory (DFT). The approach of density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) was used along with the standard GGA PBE functional and the screened Coulomb hybrid HSE06 functional, including spin–orbit coupling, to investigate the electronic structure, the effective electron and hole masses, the dielectric constant, and the absorption coefficient. The calculated values for these properties are in excellent agreement with the measured values, corroborating the overall analysis. This study indicates potential applications of bismuth titanate as a wide-bandgap material, e.g., as a substitute for TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells and UV-light-driven photocatalysis.

High-pressure behavior of A ₂ B ₂ O ₇ pyrochlore (A=Eu, Dy; B=Ti, Zr)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rittman, Dylan R.; Turner, Katlyn M.; Park, Sulgiye; Fuentes, Antonio F.; Yan, Jinyuan; Ewing, Rodney C.; Mao, Wendy L.

2017-01-28

In situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the influence of composition on the high-pressure behavior of A₂B₂O₇ pyrochlore (A=Eu, Dy; B=Ti, Zr) up to ~50GPa. Based on X-ray diffraction results, all compositions transformed to the high-pressure cotunnite structure. The B-site cation species had a larger effect on the transition pressure than the A-site cation species, with the onset of the phase transformation occurring at ~41 GPa for B=Ti and ~16 GPa B=Zr. However, the A-site cation affected the kinetics of the phase transformation, with the transformation for compositions with the smaller ionic radii, i.e., A=Dy, proceeding faster than those with a larger ionic radii, i.e., A=Eu. These results were consistent with previous work in which the radius-ratio of the A- and B-site cations determined the energetics of disordering, and compositions with more similarly sized A- and B-site cations had a lower defect formation energy. Raman spectra revealed differences in the degree of short-range order of the different compositions. Due to the large phase fraction of cotunnite at high pressure for B=Zr compositions, Raman modes for cotunnite could be observed, with more modes recorded for A=Eu than A=Dy. These additional modes are attributed to increased short-to-medium range ordering in the initially pyrochlore structured Eu₂Zr₂O₇ as compared with the initially defect-fluorite structured Dy₂Zr₂O₇.

iSERVO: Implementing the International Solid Earth Research Virtual Observatory by Integrating Computational Grid and Geographical Information Web Services

Science.gov (United States)

Aktas, Mehmet; Aydin, Galip; Donnellan, Andrea; Fox, Geoffrey; Granat, Robert; Grant, Lisa; Lyzenga, Greg; McLeod, Dennis; Pallickara, Shrideep; Parker, Jay; Pierce, Marlon; Rundle, John; Sayar, Ahmet; Tullis, Terry

2006-12-01

We describe the goals and initial implementation of the International Solid Earth Virtual Observatory (iSERVO). This system is built using a Web Services approach to Grid computing infrastructure and is accessed via a component-based Web portal user interface. We describe our implementations of services used by this system, including Geographical Information System (GIS)-based data grid services for accessing remote data repositories and job management services for controlling multiple execution steps. iSERVO is an example of a larger trend to build globally scalable scientific computing infrastructures using the Service Oriented Architecture approach. Adoption of this approach raises a number of research challenges in millisecond-latency message systems suitable for internet-enabled scientific applications. We review our research in these areas.

X-ray dichroism of rare earth materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goedkoop, J.B.

1989-01-01

The theme of this thesis is the investigation of the strong polarization dependende, or dichroism, that occur in the X-ray absorption spectra of rare earth materials. The rare earth elements distinguish themselves from the other elements through the behaviour of the 4f electrons which form the valence shell. This shell lies deep inside the atom, with the result that influences from the surrounding solid are well screened off by the outer electrons, so that even in the solid the 4f shell behaves very much like a in free atom or ion, and is almost completely spherically symmetric. Perturbations from the solid environment however always disturb this symmetry to some extend, with the result that the absorption spectrum becomes dependent on the mutual orientation of the polarization vector of the radiation and the ion. Earlier the existence of a strong magnetic X-ray dichroism (MXD) in the 3d→4f transitions of rare earths. In this thesis this work is extended, to a small degree theoretically but mainly experimentally. MXD is used in experiments on bulk sample, terbium iron garnet, and on rare earth overlayers on a ferromagnetic surface, Ni(110). The results of the latter study show unequivocally the potential of the MXD technique. The second theme of the thesis concerns experimental developments in soft X-ray spectroscopy. A description is given of a double crystal monochromator beamline that was constructed by our group at LURE, France. Results of the use of an organic crystal - multilayer comination in such a monochromator is described. Also a method is described for the characterization of the resolution of soft X-ray monochromators. Finally a contribution to the characterization of the electron yield technique in the soft X-ray range is given. (author). 296 refs.; 64 figs.; 59 schemes; 9 tabs

Low energy trajectories for the Moon-to-Earth space flight

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

The Moon-to-Earth low energy trajectories of 'detour' type are found and studied within the frame ... km from the Earth where the Sun gravitation decreases the particle orbit perigee distance to a small value .... The solid curve in fig- ... the Moon, respectively, as is the semimajor axis .... inclination i0 = 90 .... Then, according to.

Chemical analysis of rare earth elements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsukahara, Ryoichi; Sakoh, Takefumi; Nagai, Iwao

1994-01-01

Recently attention has been paid to ICP-AES or ICP-MS, and the reports on the analysis of rare earth elements by utilizing these methods continue to increase. These reports have become to take about 30% of the reports on rare earth analysis, and this is because these methods are highly sensitive to rare earth elements, and also these methods have spread widely. In ICP-AES and ICP-MS, mostly solution samples are measured, therefore, solids must be made into solution. At the time of quantitatively determining the rare earth elements of low concentration, separation and concentration are necessary. Referring to the literatures reported partially in 1990 and from 1991 to 1993, the progress of ICP-AES and ICP-MS is reported. Rare earth oxides and the alloys containing rare earth elements are easily decomposed with acids, but the decomposition of rocks is difficult, and its method is discussed. The separation of the rare earth elements from others in geochemical samples, cation exchange process is frequently utilized. Also solvent extraction process has been studied. For the separation of rare earth elements mutually, chromatography is used. The spectral interference in spectral analysis was studied. The comparison of these methods with other methods is reported. (K.I)

A divalent rare earth oxide semiconductor: Yttrium monoxide

Science.gov (United States)

Kaminaga, Kenichi; Sei, Ryosuke; Hayashi, Kouichi; Happo, Naohisa; Tajiri, Hiroo; Oka, Daichi; Fukumura, Tomoteru; Hasegawa, Tetsuya

Rare earth sesquioxides like Y2O3 are known as widegap insulators with the highly stable closed shell trivalent rare earth ions. On the other hand, rare earth monoxides such as YO have been recognized as gaseous phase, and only EuO and YbO were thermodynamically stable solid-phase rock salt monoxides. In this study, solid-phase rock salt yttrium monoxide, YO, was synthesized in a form of epitaxial thin film by pulsed laser deposition method. YO possesses unusual valence of Y2+ ([Kr] 4d1) . In contrast with Y2O3, YO was narrow gap semiconductor with dark-brown color. The electrical conductivity was tunable from 10-1 to 103 Ω-1 cm-1 by introducing oxygen vacancies as electron donor. Weak antilocalization behavior was observed indicating significant spin-orbit coupling owing to 4 d electron carrier. The absorption spectral shape implies the Mott-Hubbard insulator character of YO. Rare earth monoixdes will be new platform of functional oxides. This work was supported by JST-CREST, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) with Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Nos. 26105002 and 26105006), and Nanotechnology Platform (Project No.12024046) of MEXT, Japan.

Vocabulary related to earth sciences through etymology

Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

DileepKumar, M.

to all aspects of earth sci- ences education for the benefit of students and educators. The author of the article is Nittala S. Sarma, Andhra University, Visak- hapatnam. In the article, Sarma has col- lected Greek, Latin, German and Celtic affixes... terms can be built solidly. My realization of the importance of etymology and the impressive effort put up by Sarma has prompted me to bring his recent publication to the attention of earth sciences students and teachers in the country...

Thermal structure of the accreting earth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turcotte, D.L.; Pflugrath, J.C.

1985-01-01

The energy associated with the accretion of the earth and the segregation of the core is more than sufficient to melt the entire earth. In order to understand the thermal evolution of the early earth it is necessary to study the relevant heat transfer mechanisms. In this paper we postulate the existence of a global magma ocean and carry out calculations of the heat flux through it in order to determine its depth. In the solid mantle heat is transferred by the upward migration of magma. This magma supplies the magma ocean. The increase in the mantle liquidus with depth (pressure) is the dominant effect influencing heat transfer through the magma ocean. We find that a magma ocean with a depth of the order of 20 km would have existed as the earth accreted. We conclude that the core segregated and an atmosphere was formed during accretion

Anomalous pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature in the β-Pyrochlore KOs2O6

Science.gov (United States)

Miyoshi, Kiyotaka; Takaichi, Yuta; Takeuchi, Jun

2009-03-01

DC magnetic measurements have been performed for β-pyrochlore superconductor KOs2O6 (Tc = 9.6 K) under pressure for the precise determination of the pressure dependence of Tc, using a miniature diamond anvil cell combined with a commercial SQUID magnetometer. It is found that the critical temperature Tc shows a maximum of ~10 K at P=0.5 GPa. The maximum of Tc is higher than that for CsOs2O6 and RbOs2O6, in both of which Tc is known to increase and saturate at Tcm = 8.8 K by the application of pressure, suggesting the enhanced superconductivity due to the rattling of K ions in an oversized cage of Os-O network. For the further application of pressure, Tc decreases linearly but the decreasing rate appears to be suddenly changed at P~2 GPa and Tc~8 K. The sharp bend of the Tc — P line probably corresponds to the transition concerning to the rattling motion which occurs at Tp=7.5 K at ambient pressure, suggesting the positive pressure dependence of Tp.

Inversion of Solid Earth's Varying Shape 2: Using Self-Consistency to Infer Static Ocean Topography

Science.gov (United States)

Blewitt, G.; Clarke, P. J.

2002-12-01

We have developed a spectral approach to invert for the redistribution of mass on the Earth's surface given precise global geodetic measurements of the solid Earth's geometrical shape. We used the elastic load Love number formalism to characterize the redistributed mass as a spherical harmonic expansion, truncated at some degree and order n. [Clarke and Blewitt, this meeting]. Here we incorporate the additional physical constraint that the sea surface in hydrostatic equilibrium corresponds to an equipotential surface, to infer the non-steric component of static ocean topography. Our model rigorously accounts for self-gravitation of the ocean, continental surface mass, and the deformed solid Earth, such that the sea surface adopts a new equipotential surface consistent with ocean-land mass exchange, deformation of the geoid, deformation of the sea floor, and the geographical configuration of the oceans and continents. We develop a self-consistent spectral inversion method to solve for the distribution of continental surface mass that would generate geographic variations in relative mean sea level such that the total (ocean plus continental) mass distribution agrees with the original geodetic estimates to degree and order n. We apply this theory to study the contribution of seasonal inter-hemispheric (degree-1) mass transfer to seasonal variation in static ocean topography, using a published empirical seasonal model for degree-1 surface loading derived using GPS coordinate time series from the global IGS network [Blewitt et al., Science 294, 2,342-2,345, 2001]. The resulting predictions of seasonal variations of relative sea level strongly depend on location, with peak variations ranging from 3 mm to 19 mm. The largest peak variations are predicted in mid-August around Antarctica and the southern hemisphere in general; the lowest variations are predicted in the northern hemisphere. Corresponding maximum continental loading occurs in Canada and Siberia at the water

Atomic-scale microstructural characterization and dielectric properties of crystalline cubic pyrochlore Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Yuan; Zhu, Xinhua; Zhou, Shunhua; Zhu, Jianmin; Liu, Zhiguo; Al-Kassab, Talaat

2013-01-01

Here, we report the atomic-scale microstructural characterization and dielectric properties of crystalline cubic pyrochlore Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) nanoparticles with mean size of 70 nm, which were synthesized by sol-gel method. The crystallinity, phase formation, morphology, and surface microstructure of the BMN nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), respectively. The phase evolution of the BMN nanoparticles investigated by XRD patterns showed that uniform cubic pyrochlore BMN nanoparticles were obtained after calcination at temperature of 800 C, and their structural information was revealed by Raman spectrum. TEM images demonstrated that the BMN nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 70 nm, and their crystalline nature was revealed by HRTEM images. In addition, HRTEM images also demonstrate a terrace-ledge-kink (TLK) surface structure at the edges of rough BMN nanoparticles, where the terrace was on the (100) plane, and the ledge on the (001) plane. The formation of such a TLK surface structure can be well explained by a theory of periodic bond chains. Due to the surface structural reconstruction in the BMN nanoparticles, the formation of a tetragonal structure in a rough BMN nanoparticle was also revealed by HRTEM image. The BMN nanoparticles exhibited dielectric constants of 50 at 100 kHz and 30 at 1 MHz, and the dielectric loss of 0.19 at 1 MHz. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Atomic-scale microstructural characterization and dielectric properties of crystalline cubic pyrochlore Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Yuan

2013-12-24

Here, we report the atomic-scale microstructural characterization and dielectric properties of crystalline cubic pyrochlore Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) nanoparticles with mean size of 70 nm, which were synthesized by sol-gel method. The crystallinity, phase formation, morphology, and surface microstructure of the BMN nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), respectively. The phase evolution of the BMN nanoparticles investigated by XRD patterns showed that uniform cubic pyrochlore BMN nanoparticles were obtained after calcination at temperature of 800 C, and their structural information was revealed by Raman spectrum. TEM images demonstrated that the BMN nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 70 nm, and their crystalline nature was revealed by HRTEM images. In addition, HRTEM images also demonstrate a terrace-ledge-kink (TLK) surface structure at the edges of rough BMN nanoparticles, where the terrace was on the (100) plane, and the ledge on the (001) plane. The formation of such a TLK surface structure can be well explained by a theory of periodic bond chains. Due to the surface structural reconstruction in the BMN nanoparticles, the formation of a tetragonal structure in a rough BMN nanoparticle was also revealed by HRTEM image. The BMN nanoparticles exhibited dielectric constants of 50 at 100 kHz and 30 at 1 MHz, and the dielectric loss of 0.19 at 1 MHz. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Direct measurement of thermal conductivity in solid iron at planetary core conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Konôpková, Zuzana; McWilliams, R Stewart; Gómez-Pérez, Natalia; Goncharov, Alexander F

2016-06-02

The conduction of heat through minerals and melts at extreme pressures and temperatures is of central importance to the evolution and dynamics of planets. In the cooling Earth's core, the thermal conductivity of iron alloys defines the adiabatic heat flux and therefore the thermal and compositional energy available to support the production of Earth's magnetic field via dynamo action. Attempts to describe thermal transport in Earth's core have been problematic, with predictions of high thermal conductivity at odds with traditional geophysical models and direct evidence for a primordial magnetic field in the rock record. Measurements of core heat transport are needed to resolve this difference. Here we present direct measurements of the thermal conductivity of solid iron at pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the cores of Mercury-sized to Earth-sized planets, using a dynamically laser-heated diamond-anvil cell. Our measurements place the thermal conductivity of Earth's core near the low end of previous estimates, at 18-44 watts per metre per kelvin. The result is in agreement with palaeomagnetic measurements indicating that Earth's geodynamo has persisted since the beginning of Earth's history, and allows for a solid inner core as old as the dynamo.

The cosmic ray actinide charge spectrum derived from a 10 m2 array of solid state nuclear track detectors in Earth orbit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Donnelly, J.; Thompson, A.; O'Sullivan, D.; Drury, L.O'C.; Wenzel, K.-P.

2001-01-01

The DIAS-ESTEC Ultra Heavy Cosmic Ray Experiment (UHCRE) on the Long Duration Exposure Facility, collected approximately 3000 cosmic ray nuclei with Z>65 in the energy region E>1.5 GeV nucleon -1 during a six year exposure in Earth orbit. The entire accessible collecting area of the solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) array has been scanned for actinides, yielding a sample of 30 from an exposure of ∼150 m 2 sr yr. The UHCRE experimental setup is described and the observed charge spectrum presented. The current best value for the cosmic ray actinide relative abundance, (Z>88)/(74≤Z≤87), is reported

The atomic structure of protons and hydrides in Sm1.92Ca0.08Sn2O7-δ pyrochlore from DFT calculations and FTIR spectroscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bork, Nicolai Christian; Eurenius, K. E. J.; Rossmeisl, Jan

2012-01-01

A combined density functional theory and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of the structure and specific site preference of protons and hydrides in the pyrochlore Sm1.92Ca0.08Sn2O7-δ is presented. Two protonic sites of particular high stability are identified, both located on O(1......) oxygen atoms closely associated with a Ca dopant. Further, the unexpected presence of Ho hydride defects in undoped, oxygen deficient Sm2Sn2O7 is reported. Finally, the stretching frequencies and relative intensities for these and other sites are calculated. The main features of the Fourier transform...

Induced quadrupolar singlet ground state of praseodymium in a modulated pyrochlore

Science.gov (United States)

van Duijn, J.; Kim, K. H.; Hur, N.; Ruiz-Bustos, R.; Adroja, D. T.; Bridges, F.; Daoud-Aladine, A.; Fernandez-Alonso, F.; Wen, J. J.; Kearney, V.; Huang, Q. Z.; Cheong, S.-W.; Perring, T. G.; Broholm, C.

2017-09-01

The complex structure and magnetism of Pr2 -xBixRu2O7 was investigated by neutron scattering and extended x-ray absorption fine structure. Pr has an approximate doublet ground state and the first excited state is a singlet. While the B -site (Ru) is well ordered throughout, this is not the case for the A -site (Pr/Bi). A broadened distribution for the Pr-O2 bond length at low temperature indicates the Pr environment varies from site to site even for x =0 . The environment about the Bi site is highly disordered ostensibly due to the 6 s lone pairs on Bi3 +. Correspondingly, we find that the non-Kramers doublet ground-state degeneracy, otherwise anticipated for Pr in the pyrochlore structure, is lifted so as to produce a quadrupolar singlet ground state with a spatially varying energy gap. For x =0 , below TN, the Ru sublattice orders antiferromagnetically, with propagation vector k =(0 ,0 ,0 ) as for Y2Ru2O7 . No ordering associated with the Pr sublattice is observed down to 100 mK. The low-energy magnetic response of Pr2 -xBixRu2O7 features a broad spectrum of magnetic excitations associated with inhomogeneous splitting of the Pr quasidoublet ground state. For x =0 (x =0.97 ), the spectrum is temperature dependent (independent). It appears disorder associated with Bi alloying enhances the inhomogeneous Pr crystal-field level splitting so that intersite interactions become irrelevant for x =0.97 . The structural complexity for the A -site may be reflected in the hysteretic uniform magnetization of B -site ruthenium in the Néel phase.

Rare earths: harvesting basic research for technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jagatap, B.N.

2014-01-01

In recent years, rare earths are increasingly becoming a versatile platform for basic research that presents enormous technological potentials. A variety of nano-sized inorganic matrices varying from oxides, phosphates, gallates and aluminates, tungstates, stannates, vanadates to fluorides doped with different lanthanide ions have been synthesized and their optical properties have been investigated in the Chemistry Group, BARC. Another interesting application is laser cooling of solids using rare earth doped glasses with potential applications in remote cooling of electronic devices. Combining the luminescence properties of rare earths with photonic crystals is yet another potent area with wide ranging applications. In this presentation we provide an overview of these developments with examples from the R and D programs of the Chemistry Group, BARC

SWARM - An earth Observation Mission investigating Geospace

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Friis-Christensen, Eigil; Lühr, H.; Knudsen, D.

2008-01-01

The Swarm mission was selected as the 5th mission in ESA's Earth Explorer Programme in 2004. This mission aims at measuring the Earth's magnetic field with unprecedented accuracy. This will be done by a constellation of three satellites, where two will fly at lower altitude, measuring the gradient...... of the magnetic field, and one satellite will fly at higher altitude. The measured magnetic field is the sum of many contributions including both magnetic fields and currents in the Earth's interior and electrical currents in Geospace. In order to separate all these sources electric field and plasma measurements...... will also be made to complement the primary magnetic field measurements. Together these will allow the deduction of information on a series of solid earth processes responsible for the creation of the fields measured. The completeness of the measurements on each satellite and the constellation aspect...

Organic chemistry in a CO2 rich early Earth atmosphere

Science.gov (United States)

Fleury, Benjamin; Carrasco, Nathalie; Millan, Maëva; Vettier, Ludovic; Szopa, Cyril

2017-12-01

The emergence of life on the Earth has required a prior organic chemistry leading to the formation of prebiotic molecules. The origin and the evolution of the organic matter on the early Earth is not yet firmly understood. Several hypothesis, possibly complementary, are considered. They can be divided in two categories: endogenous and exogenous sources. In this work we investigate the contribution of a specific endogenous source: the organic chemistry occurring in the ionosphere of the early Earth where the significant VUV contribution of the young Sun involved an efficient formation of reactive species. We address the issue whether this chemistry can lead to the formation of complex organic compounds with CO2 as only source of carbon in an early atmosphere made of N2, CO2 and H2, by mimicking experimentally this type of chemistry using a low pressure plasma reactor. By analyzing the gaseous phase composition, we strictly identified the formation of H2O, NH3, N2O and C2N2. The formation of a solid organic phase is also observed, confirming the possibility to trigger organic chemistry in the upper atmosphere of the early Earth. The identification of Nitrogen-bearing chemical functions in the solid highlights the possibility for an efficient ionospheric chemistry to provide prebiotic material on the early Earth.

The cosmic ray actinide charge spectrum derived from a 10 m{sup 2} array of solid state nuclear track detectors in Earth orbit

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Donnelly, J. E-mail: jd@cp.dias.ie; Thompson, A.; O' Sullivan, D.; Drury, L.O' C.; Wenzel, K.-P

2001-06-01

The DIAS-ESTEC Ultra Heavy Cosmic Ray Experiment (UHCRE) on the Long Duration Exposure Facility, collected approximately 3000 cosmic ray nuclei with Z>65 in the energy region E>1.5 GeV nucleon{sup -1} during a six year exposure in Earth orbit. The entire accessible collecting area of the solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) array has been scanned for actinides, yielding a sample of 30 from an exposure of {approx}150 m{sup 2} sr yr. The UHCRE experimental setup is described and the observed charge spectrum presented. The current best value for the cosmic ray actinide relative abundance, (Z>88)/(74{<=}Z{<=}87), is reported.

Rare earth impact on glass structure and alteration kinetics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molieres, E.

2012-01-01

This work is related to the question of the geological deep repository of high-level waste glass. These wastes include fission products and minor actinides, elements which can be simulated by rare earths. As new glass compositions could enable increased rare earth concentrations, it is crucial to know and understand rare earth impact on glass structure on the one hand, and on glass alteration kinetics or their incorporation into an altered layer. This work studied simplified borosilicate glasses in order to limit synergetic effects between rare earths and other elements. Various complementary techniques were used to characterize pristine and altered glasses (solid-high resolution NMR, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence, SIMS, SAXS). Firstly, the structural role of a rare earth is discussed and is compared to a calcium cation. The local environment of rare earths is also probed. Secondly, rare earth (nature and concentration) impact on several alteration regimes was studied (initial rate, rate drop). Then, after alteration, rare earth elements being retained within the altered layer, the structural impact of rare earth elements (and their local environment) in this alteration layer was also investigated. (author) [fr

Sensing Planet Earth - Chalmers' MOOCs on Earth observation

Science.gov (United States)

Hobiger, Thomas; Stöhr, Christian; Murtagh, Donal; Forkman, Peter; Galle, Bo; Mellquist, Johan; Soja, Maciej; Berg, Anders; Carvajal, Gisela; Eriksson, Leif; Haas, Rüdiger

2016-04-01

An increasing number of universities around the globe produce and conduct Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). In the beginning of 2016, Chalmers University of Technology ran two MOOCs on the topic of Earth observations on the edX platform. Both four week long courses were at introductory level and covered topics related to solid Earth, atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere. It was discussed how one can measure and trace global change and use remote sensing tools for disaster monitoring. Research has attempted to assess the learners' motivations to participate in MOOCs, but there is a need for further case studies about motivations, opportunities and challenges for teachers engaging in MOOC development. In our presentation, we are going to report about the experiences gained from both the MOOC production and the actual course run from the instructors' perspective. After brief introduction to MOOCs in general and at Chalmers in particular, we share experiences and challenges of developing lecture and assessment material, the video production and coordination efforts between and within different actors involved in the production process. Further, we reflect upon the actual run of the course including course statistics and feedback from the learners. We discuss issues such as learner activation and engagement with the material, teacher-learner and student-student interaction as well as the scalability of different learning activities. Finally, we will present our lessons-learned and conclusions on the applicability of MOOCs in the field of Earth science teaching.

Nuclear orientation on rare earth nickel alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishimura, K.

1998-01-01

A hyperfine interaction study of the light rare earth elements, Ce, Pr, Nd and Pm, in the rare earth nickel and CeNi 2 Al 5 compounds by means of the low temperature nuclear orientation is summarised. The magnitudes and directions of the magnetic hyperfine fields obtained through measurements of γ-ray anisotropy and angular distributions reveal the magnetic structures of the ions. The experiments extracted peculiar results for the magnetic properties of the ions, and show certain novel features of the technique to the study of solid-state magnetism. Copyright (1998) Australian Journal of Physics

GRACE, time-varying gravity, Earth system dynamics and climate change

Science.gov (United States)

Wouters, B.; Bonin, J. A.; Chambers, D. P.; Riva, R. E. M.; Sasgen, I.; Wahr, J.

2014-11-01

Continuous observations of temporal variations in the Earth's gravity field have recently become available at an unprecedented resolution of a few hundreds of kilometers. The gravity field is a product of the Earth's mass distribution, and these data—provided by the satellites of the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE)—can be used to study the exchange of mass both within the Earth and at its surface. Since the launch of the mission in 2002, GRACE data has evolved from being an experimental measurement needing validation from ground truth, to a respected tool for Earth scientists representing a fixed bound on the total change and is now an important tool to help unravel the complex dynamics of the Earth system and climate change. In this review, we present the mission concept and its theoretical background, discuss the data and give an overview of the major advances GRACE has provided in Earth science, with a focus on hydrology, solid Earth sciences, glaciology and oceanography.

Uncovering the end uses of the rare earth elements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Du, Xiaoyue, E-mail: xiaoyue.du@empa.ch [Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen (Switzerland); Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven CT 06511 (United States); Graedel, T.E. [Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven CT 06511 (United States)

2013-09-01

The rare earth elements (REE) are a group of fifteen elements with unique properties that make them indispensable for a wide variety of emerging and conventional established technologies. However, quantitative knowledge of REE remains sparse, despite the current heightened interest in future availability of the resources. Mining is heavily concentrated in China, whose monopoly position and potential restriction of exports render primary supply vulnerable to short term disruption. We have drawn upon the published literature and unpublished materials in different languages to derive the first quantitative annual domestic production by end use of individual rare earth elements from 1995 to 2007. The information is illustrated in Sankey diagrams for the years 1995 and 2007. Other years are available in the supporting information. Comparing 1995 and 2007, the production of the rare earth elements in China, Japan, and the US changed dramatically in quantities and structure. The information can provide a solid foundation for industries, academic institutions and governments to make decisions and develop strategies. - Highlights: • We have derived the first quantitative end use information of the rare earths (REE). • The results are for individual REE from 1995 to 2007. • The end uses of REE in China, Japan, and the US changed dramatically in quantities and structure. • This information can provide solid foundation for decision and strategy making.

Origin of the Earth and planets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Safronov, V.S.; Ruskol, E.L.

1982-01-01

The present state of the Schmidt hypothesis on planets formation by combining cold solid particles and bodies in the protoplanet dust cloud is briefly outlined in a popular form. The most debatable problems of the planet cosmogony: formation of and processes in a protoplanet cloud, results of analytical evaluations and numerical simulation of origin of the Earth and planets-giants are discussed [ru

Characterising Super-Earths

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valencia D.

2011-02-01

Full Text Available The era of Super-Earths has formally begun with the detection of transiting low-mass exoplanets CoRoT-7b and GJ 1214b. In the path of characterising super-Earths, the first step is to infer their composition. While the discovery data for CoRoT-7b, in combination with the high atmospheric mass loss rate inferred from the high insolation, suggested that it was a rocky planet, the new proposed mass values have widened the possibilities. The combined mass range 1−10 M⊕ allows for a volatile-rich (and requires it if the mass is less than 4 M⊕ , an Earth-like or a super-Mercury-like composition. In contrast, the radius of GJ 1214b is too large to admit a solid composition, thus it necessarily to have a substantial gas layer. Some evidence suggests that within this gas layer H/He is a small but non-negligible component. These two planets are the first of many transiting low-mass exoplanets expected to be detected and they exemplify the limitations faced when inferring composition, which come from the degenerate character of the problem and the large error bars in the data.

Solid adsorbents for removal of hydrogen sulphide from hot gas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Furimsky, E.; Yumura, Motoo

1986-04-01

A wide range of solids have been tested as potential adsorbents for H/sub 2/S removal from hot gas. These solids can be divided into two main groups, i.e., the adsorbents containing alkaline earth metals and those containing transition metals. Among the former, calcium oxide and naturally occurring materials such as limestone, dolomite and calcium silicate have attracted a great deal of attention. The adsorbents of the second group include iron oxide alone or in combination with some supports, zinc oxide, zinc ferrite and manganese oxide. The materials containing both the alkaline earth metals and transition metals, e.g., manganese nodules, fly ash and the reject from the aluminium industry (red mud) have been evaluated as well.

Earth Science Literacy: Building Community Consensus

Science.gov (United States)

Wysession, M.; Ladue, N.; Budd, D.; Campbell, K.; Conklin, M.; Lewis, G.; Raynolds, R.; Ridky, R.; Ross, R.; Taber, J.; Tewksbury, B.; Tuddenham, P.

2008-12-01

During 2008, the Earth Sciences Literacy Initiative (ESLI) constructed a framework of earth science "Big Ideas" and "Supporting Concepts". Following the examples of recent literacy efforts in the ocean, atmosphere and climate research communities, ESLI has distilled the fundamental understandings of the earth science community into a document that all members of the community will be able to refer to when working with educators, policy-makers, the press and members of the general public. This document is currently in draft form for review and will be published for public distribution in 2009. ESLI began with the construction of an organizing committee of a dozen people who represent a wide array of earth science backgrounds. This group then organized and ran two workshops in 2008: a 2-week online content workshop and a 3-day intensive writing workshop. For both workshops, participants were chosen so as to cover the full breadth of earth science related to the solid earth, surficial processes, and fresh-water hydrology. The asynchronous online workshop included 350 scientists and educators participating from around the world and was a powerful way to gather ideas and information while retaining a written record of all interactions. The writing workshop included 35 scientists, educators and agency representatives to codify the extensive input of the online workshop. Since September, 2008, drafts of the ESLI literacy framework have been circulated through many different channels to make sure that the document accurately reflects the current understandings of earth scientists and to ensure that it is widely accepted and adopted by the earth science communities.

Mechanical behavior and microstructure during compression of semi-solid ZK60-RE magnesium alloy at high solid content

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shan Weiwei; Luo Shoujing

2007-01-01

Mechanical behavior during compression of semi-solid ZK60-RE magnesium alloy at high solid content is researched in this paper. The alloy was prepared from ZK60 alloy and rare earth elements by casting, equal channel angular extruding, and liquidus forging. Semi-solid isothermal pre-treatment was carried out to make the grains globular before the compression. Here, several groups of true strain-true stress curves with different variables during compression are given to make comparisons of their mechanical behaviors. Liquid paths were the most essential to deformation, and its variation during compression depends on the strain rate. Here, thixotropic strength is defined as the true stress at the first peak in the true stress-true strain curve

Rare Earth Garnet Selective Emitter

Science.gov (United States)

Lowe, Roland A.; Chubb, Donald L.; Farmer, Serene C.; Good, Brian S.

1994-01-01

Thin film Ho-YAG and Er-YAG emitters with a platinum substrate exhibit high spectral emittance in the emission band (epsilon(sub lambda) approx. = 0.75, sup 4)|(sub 15/2) - (sup 4)|(sub 13/2),for Er-YAG and epsilon(sub lambda) approx. = 0.65, (sup 5)|(sub 7) - (sup 5)|(sub 8) for Ho-YAG) at 1500 K. In addition, low out-of-band spectral emittance, epsilon(sub lambda) less than 0.2, suggest these materials would be excellent candidates for high efficiency selective emitters in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems operating at moderate temperatures (1200-1500 K). Spectral emittance measurements of the thin films were made (1.2 less than lambda less than 3.0 microns) and compared to the theoretical emittances calculated using measured values of the spectral extinction coefficient. In this paper we present the results for a new class of rare earth ion selective emitters. These emitters are thin sections (less than 1 mm) of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) single crystal with a rare earth substitutional impurity. Selective emitters in the near IR are of special interest for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion. The most promising solid selective emitters for use in a TPV system are rare earth oxides. Early spectral emittance work on rare earth oxides showed strong emission bands in the infrared (0.9 - 3 microns). However, the emittance outside the emission band was also significant and the efficiency of these emitters was low. Recent improvements in efficiency have been made with emitters fabricated from fine (5 - 10 microns) rare earth oxide fibers similar to the Welsbach mantle used in gas lanterns. However, the rare earth garnet emitters are more rugged than the mantle type emitters. A thin film selective emitter on a low emissivity substrate such as gold, platinum etc., is rugged and easily adapted to a wide variety of thermal sources. The garnet structure and its many subgroups have been successfully used as hosts for rare earth ions, introduced as substitutional

Radiation-induced reactions of amino acids adsorbed on solid surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lopez-Esquivel Kranksith, L.; Negron-Mendoza, A. [Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM. Cd. Universitaria, A.P. 70-543, 04510 Mexico D.F. (Mexico); Mosqueira, F.G. [Direcion General de Divulgacion de la Ciencia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Cd. Universitaria, AP. 70-487 Mexico D.F. (Mexico); Ramos-Bernal, Sergio, E-mail: ramos@nucleares.unam.m [Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM. Cd. Universitaria, A.P. 70-543, 04510 Mexico D.F. (Mexico)

2010-07-21

The purpose of this work is to study the adsorption of compounds such as amino acids on clays and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a possible phase in the chemical evolution that may have occurred on the primitive Earth or in extraterrestrial environments. We further study the behavior of amino acids adsorbed on these solid surfaces at different conditions of pH and levels of irradiation, simulating a high-radiation field at early Earth conditions. The relevance of this work is to explain the possible contribution of solids (clays and CNTs) as promoters of polymerization and as shields for the adsorbed organic compounds against external sources of energy. To this end, tryptophan, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were adsorbed on fixed amounts of solid surfaces and were irradiated by a {sup 60}Co source for different periods of time at fixed dose rates. After irradiation, the amino acids were extracted from the solid and analyzed with UV and IR spectroscopes and high-performance liquid chromatography. The most efficient surface for adsorption of amino acids was clay, followed by CNTs. Studies of the gamma irradiation of amino acids adsorbed on clay (in the solid phase) show a low yield of recovery of the amino acid.

Preparation and physical properties of rare earth, alkaline earth, and transition metal ternary chalcogenides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Georgobiani, A.N.

1997-01-01

A study was made on current-voltage characteristics, temperature dependences of electric conductivity and currents of thermoinduced depolarization of monocrystals, including EuGa 2 S 4 and (Ga 2 S 3 ) 1-x (Eu 2 O 3 ) x solid solutions. It is shown that these compounds, activated by europium, cerium, neodymium and other rare earths, manifest effective luminescence under the effect of ultraviolet and X-radiation, as well as under the effect of electron beams and electric field

A novel high-temperature commensurate superstructure in a natural bariopyrochlore: A structural study by means of a multiphase crystal structure refinement

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Bindi, L.; Petříček, Václav; Withers, R. L.; Zoppi, M.; Bonazzi, P.

2006-01-01

Roč. 179, - (2006), s. 716-725 ISSN 0022-4596 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA202/03/0430 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100521 Keywords : pyrochlore * superstructure * X-ray data * multiphase structure refinement * TEM study Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.107, year: 2006

Quasiparticle Breakdown and Spin Hamiltonian of the Frustrated Quantum Pyrochlore Yb_{2}Ti_{2}O_{7} in a Magnetic Field.

Science.gov (United States)

Thompson, J D; McClarty, P A; Prabhakaran, D; Cabrera, I; Guidi, T; Coldea, R

2017-08-04

The frustrated pyrochlore magnet Yb_{2}Ti_{2}O_{7} has the remarkable property that it orders magnetically but has no propagating magnons over wide regions of the Brillouin zone. Here we use inelastic neutron scattering to follow how the spectrum evolves in cubic-axis magnetic fields. At high fields we observe, in addition to dispersive magnons, a two-magnon continuum, which grows in intensity upon reducing the field and overlaps with the one-magnon states at intermediate fields leading to strong renormalization of the dispersion relations, and magnon decays. Using heat capacity measurements we find that the low- and high-field regions are smoothly connected with no sharp phase transition, with the spin gap increasing monotonically in field. Through fits to an extensive data set of dispersion relations combined with magnetization measurements, we reevaluate the spin Hamiltonian, finding dominant quantum exchange terms, which we propose are responsible for the anomalously strong fluctuations and quasiparticle breakdown effects observed at low fields.

Quasiparticle Breakdown and Spin Hamiltonian of the Frustrated Quantum Pyrochlore Yb2 Ti2 O7 in a Magnetic Field

Science.gov (United States)

Thompson, J. D.; McClarty, P. A.; Prabhakaran, D.; Cabrera, I.; Guidi, T.; Coldea, R.

2017-08-01

The frustrated pyrochlore magnet Yb2 Ti2 O7 has the remarkable property that it orders magnetically but has no propagating magnons over wide regions of the Brillouin zone. Here we use inelastic neutron scattering to follow how the spectrum evolves in cubic-axis magnetic fields. At high fields we observe, in addition to dispersive magnons, a two-magnon continuum, which grows in intensity upon reducing the field and overlaps with the one-magnon states at intermediate fields leading to strong renormalization of the dispersion relations, and magnon decays. Using heat capacity measurements we find that the low- and high-field regions are smoothly connected with no sharp phase transition, with the spin gap increasing monotonically in field. Through fits to an extensive data set of dispersion relations combined with magnetization measurements, we reevaluate the spin Hamiltonian, finding dominant quantum exchange terms, which we propose are responsible for the anomalously strong fluctuations and quasiparticle breakdown effects observed at low fields.

Digital Cellular Solid Pressure Vessels: A Novel Approach for Human Habitation in Space

Science.gov (United States)

Cellucci, Daniel; Jenett, Benjamin; Cheung, Kenneth C.

2017-01-01

It is widely assumed that human exploration beyond Earth's orbit will require vehicles capable of providing long duration habitats that simulate an Earth-like environment - consistent artificial gravity, breathable atmosphere, and sufficient living space- while requiring the minimum possible launch mass. This paper examines how the qualities of digital cellular solids - high-performance, repairability, reconfigurability, tunable mechanical response - allow the accomplishment of long-duration habitat objectives at a fraction of the mass required for traditional structural technologies. To illustrate the impact digital cellular solids could make as a replacement to conventional habitat subsystems, we compare recent proposed deep space habitat structural systems with a digital cellular solids pressure vessel design that consists of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) digital cellular solid cylindrical framework that is lined with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) skin. We use the analytical treatment of a linear specific modulus scaling cellular solid to find the minimum mass pressure vessel for a structure and find that, for equivalent habitable volume and appropriate safety factors, the use of digital cellular solids provides clear methods for producing structures that are not only repairable and reconfigurable, but also higher performance than their conventionally manufactured counterparts.

Down to Earth with an electric hazard from space

Science.gov (United States)

Love, Jeffrey J.; Bedrosian, Paul A.; Schultz, Adam

2017-01-01

In reaching across traditional disciplinary boundaries, solid-Earth geophysicists and space physicists are forging new collaborations to map magnetic-storm hazards for electric-power grids. Future progress in evaluation storm time geoelectric hazards will come primarily through monitoring, surveys, and modeling of related data.

Change of sulfide inclusions in steel microalloying with rare earth and alkaline-earth elements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Averin, V.V.; Polonskaya, S.M.; Chistyakov, V.F.

1977-01-01

The conditions for the formation of sulfides in molten and solid iron were determined by considering the thermodynamics of the interaction of sulfur and of oxygen with various components. It was shown in casting of low-carbon steel under a blanket of slag-forming briquettes, calcium of the silicocalcium partly passes to iron and to the sulfide phase. The sulfide inclusions with calcium in rolling become lens-shaped and acquire a greater strength, proportional to the content of calcium, thus ensuring a lesser anisotropy of steel. The change in the shape and the composition of sulfide inclusions effects the fracture of the metal which changes in type from separation along lamellar inclusions to a plastic fracture, i.e., enhances resilience. It is thus noted that rare-earth and alkali-earth elements, in particular, cerium and calcium are promising agents for desulfurating molten iron

GRACE, time-varying gravity, Earth system dynamics and climate change

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wouters, B; Bonin, J A; Chambers, D P; Riva, R E M; Sasgen, I; Wahr, J

2014-01-01

Continuous observations of temporal variations in the Earth's gravity field have recently become available at an unprecedented resolution of a few hundreds of kilometers. The gravity field is a product of the Earth's mass distribution, and these data—provided by the satellites of the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE)—can be used to study the exchange of mass both within the Earth and at its surface. Since the launch of the mission in 2002, GRACE data has evolved from being an experimental measurement needing validation from ground truth, to a respected tool for Earth scientists representing a fixed bound on the total change and is now an important tool to help unravel the complex dynamics of the Earth system and climate change. In this review, we present the mission concept and its theoretical background, discuss the data and give an overview of the major advances GRACE has provided in Earth science, with a focus on hydrology, solid Earth sciences, glaciology and oceanography. (review article)

Spectrofluorimetric determination of rare earth elements using solidmatrix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suh, I.S.; Chi, K.Y.

1982-01-01

In this experiment, rare earth elements are separated from uranium by using the alumina column, anion exchange resin column, and 20% TOA in xylene and fluorescence characteristics were found in the solid matrix to analyze these elements without preseparation from each other. It becomes clear that the YVO 4 matrix is more sensitive than the Y 2 O 3 matrix when the red filter is used to minimized the second order peak intensity. And micro quantity of the rare earth elements in the yellow cake are analyzed by the using of the YVO 4 soid matrix. (Author)

Preparation and structure of carbonated calcium hydroxyapatite substituted with heavy rare earth ions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yasukawa, Akemi, E-mail: yasukawa@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp [School of Home Economics, Faculty of Education, Hirosaki University, 1-bunkyo, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8560 (Japan); Kandori, Kazuhiko [School of Chemistry, Osaka University of Education, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka, Kashiwara, Osaka 582-8582 (Japan); Tanaka, Hidekazu [Department of Material Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504 (Japan); Gotoh, Keiko [Faculty of Human Life and Environment, Nara Women' s University, Kita-uoya-nishi, Nara 630-8506 (Japan)

2012-05-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer LnCaHap solid solution particles were prepared using five types of heavy rare earth ions by a precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The length and the crystallinity of the LnCaHap particles first increased and then decreased with increasing Ln{sup 3+} contents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A series of YCaHap solid solution particles formed with Y/(Y + Ca) = 0-0.10 were investigated using various methods in detail. -- Abstract: Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHap) particles substituted five types of heavy rare earth ions (Ln: Y{sup 3+}, Gd{sup 3+}, Dy{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}) were synthesized using a precipitation method and characterized using various means. These Ln ions strongly affected the crystal phases and the structures of the products. With increasing Ln/(Ln + Ca) in the starting solution ([X{sub Ln}]), the length and the crystallinity of the particles first increased and then decreased. The rare earth metal-calcium hydroxyapatite (LnCaHap) solid solution particles were obtained at [X{sub Y}] {<=} 0.10 for substituting Y system and at [X{sub Ln}] {<=} 0.01-0.03 for substituting the other Ln systems. LnPO{sub 4} was mixed with LnCaHap at higher [X{sub Ln}] for all Ln systems. A series of yttrium-calcium hydroxyapatite (YCaHap) solid solutions with [X{sub Y}] = 0-0.10 were investigated using XRD, TEM, ICP-AES, IR and TG-DTA in detail.

Preparation and structure of carbonated calcium hydroxyapatite substituted with heavy rare earth ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yasukawa, Akemi; Kandori, Kazuhiko; Tanaka, Hidekazu; Gotoh, Keiko

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► LnCaHap solid solution particles were prepared using five types of heavy rare earth ions by a precipitation method. ► The length and the crystallinity of the LnCaHap particles first increased and then decreased with increasing Ln 3+ contents. ► A series of YCaHap solid solution particles formed with Y/(Y + Ca) = 0–0.10 were investigated using various methods in detail. -- Abstract: Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHap) particles substituted five types of heavy rare earth ions (Ln: Y 3+ , Gd 3+ , Dy 3+ , Er 3+ and Yb 3+ ) were synthesized using a precipitation method and characterized using various means. These Ln ions strongly affected the crystal phases and the structures of the products. With increasing Ln/(Ln + Ca) in the starting solution ([X Ln ]), the length and the crystallinity of the particles first increased and then decreased. The rare earth metal-calcium hydroxyapatite (LnCaHap) solid solution particles were obtained at [X Y ] ≤ 0.10 for substituting Y system and at [X Ln ] ≤ 0.01–0.03 for substituting the other Ln systems. LnPO 4 was mixed with LnCaHap at higher [X Ln ] for all Ln systems. A series of yttrium-calcium hydroxyapatite (YCaHap) solid solutions with [X Y ] = 0–0.10 were investigated using XRD, TEM, ICP-AES, IR and TG–DTA in detail.

Signatures of a gearwheel quantum spin liquid in a spin-1/2 pyrochlore molybdate Heisenberg antiferromagnet

Science.gov (United States)

Iqbal, Yasir; Müller, Tobias; Riedl, Kira; Reuther, Johannes; Rachel, Stephan; Valentí, Roser; Gingras, Michel J. P.; Thomale, Ronny; Jeschke, Harald O.

2017-12-01

We theoretically investigate the low-temperature phase of the recently synthesized Lu2Mo2O5N2 material, an extraordinarily rare realization of a S =1 /2 three-dimensional pyrochlore Heisenberg antiferromagnet in which Mo5 + are the S =1 /2 magnetic species. Despite a Curie-Weiss temperature (ΘCW) of -121 (1 ) K, experiments have found no signature of magnetic ordering or spin freezing down to T*≈0.5 K. Using density functional theory, we find that the compound is well described by a Heisenberg model with exchange parameters up to third nearest neighbors. The analysis of this model via the pseudofermion functional renormalization group method reveals paramagnetic behavior down to a temperature of at least T =| ΘCW|/100 , in agreement with the experimental findings hinting at a possible three-dimensional quantum spin liquid. The spin susceptibility profile in reciprocal space shows momentum-dependent features forming a "gearwheel" pattern, characterizing what may be viewed as a molten version of a chiral noncoplanar incommensurate spiral order under the action of quantum fluctuations. Our calculated reciprocal space susceptibility maps provide benchmarks for future neutron scattering experiments on single crystals of Lu2Mo2O5N2 .

Untitled

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Materials Science Research Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 600 036,. India. MS received 10 May 1980. Abstract. Complete series of solid solutions exist in the mixed oxide pyrochlore system, Erº (Vºl. Feºf) vs W:O, with the crystal structure changing from cubic to rhombohedral at x = 0.25. The compounds are ...

Physics of the Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Stacey, Frank D.; Davis, Paul M.

he fourth edition of Physics of the Earth maintains the original philosophy of this classic graduate textbook on fundamental solid earth geophysics, while being completely revised, updated, and restructured into a more modular format to make individual topics even more accessible. Building on the success of previous editions, which have served generations of students and researchers for nearly forty years, this new edition will be an invaluable resource for graduate students looking for the necessary physical and mathematical foundations to embark on their own research careers in geophysics. Several completely new chapters have been added and a series of appendices, presenting fundamental data and advanced mathematical concepts, and an extensive reference list, are provided as tools to aid readers wishing to pursue topics beyond the level of the book. Over 140 student exercises of varying levels of difficulty are also included, and full solutions are available online at www.cambridge.org/9780521873628.

Solid state mechanics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Habib, P.

1988-01-01

The 1988 progress report of the Solid State Mechanics laboratory (Polytechnic School, France) is presented. The research program domains are the following: investigations concerning the stability and bifurcation of the reversible or irreversible mechanical systems, the problems related to the theoretical and experimental determination of the materials rheological properties, the fatigue crack formation and propagation in multiple-axial stress conditions, the expert systems, and the software applied in the reinforced earth structures dimensioning. Moreover, the published papers, the books, the congress communications, the thesis, and the patents are listed [fr

Bioleaching of rare earth elements from monazite sand.

Science.gov (United States)

Brisson, Vanessa L; Zhuang, Wei-Qin; Alvarez-Cohen, Lisa

2016-02-01

Three fungal strains were found to be capable of bioleaching rare earth elements from monazite, a rare earth phosphate mineral, utilizing the monazite as a phosphate source and releasing rare earth cations into solution. These organisms include one known phosphate solubilizing fungus, Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015, as well as two newly isolated fungi: an Aspergillus terreus strain ML3-1 and a Paecilomyces spp. strain WE3-F. Although monazite also contains the radioactive element Thorium, bioleaching by these fungi preferentially solubilized rare earth elements over Thorium, leaving the Thorium in the solid residual. Adjustments in growth media composition improved bioleaching performance measured as rare earth release. Cell-free spent medium generated during growth of A. terreus strain ML3-1 and Paecilomyces spp. strain WE3-F in the presence of monazite leached rare earths to concentrations 1.7-3.8 times those of HCl solutions of comparable pH, indicating that compounds exogenously released by these organisms contribute substantially to leaching. Organic acids released by the organisms included acetic, citric, gluconic, itaconic, oxalic, and succinic acids. Abiotic leaching with laboratory prepared solutions of these acids was not as effective as bioleaching or leaching with cell-free spent medium at releasing rare earths from monazite, indicating that compounds other than the identified organic acids contribute to leaching performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spectroscopic properties of rare earths in optical materials

CERN Document Server

Parisi, Jürgen; Osgood, R; Warlimont, Hans; Liu, Guokui; Jacquier, Bernard

2005-01-01

Aimed at researchers and graduate students, this book provides up-to-date information for understanding electronic interactions that impact the optical properties of rare earth ions in solids. Its goal is to establish a connection between fundamental principles and the materials properties of rare-earth activated luminescent and laser optical materials. The theoretical survey and introduction to spectroscopic properties include electronic energy level structure, intensities of optical transitions, ion-phonon interactions, line broadening, and energy transfer and up-conversion. An important aspect of the book lies in its deep and detailed discussions on materials properties and the potential of new applications such as optical storage, information processing, nanophotonics, and molecular probes that have been identified in recent experimental studies. This volume will be a valuable reference book on advanced topics of rare earth spectroscopy and materials science.

Handbook on the physics and chemistry of rare earths

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gschneidner, K.A. Jr.; Eyring, L.

1982-01-01

This handbook is a six-volume work which covers the entire rare earth field in an integrated manner. Each chapter is a comprehensive, up-to-date, critical review of a particular segment of the field. The first volume is devoted to the rare earth metals, the second to rare earth alloys and intermetallics, and the third and fourth volumes to the non-metallic rare earth materials, including solutions, complexes and bioinorganic substances, in addition to solid inorganic compounds. The electronic structure of these unique elements is the primary basis of understanding their physical, metallurgical and chemical natures. The interrelationship of the 4f and valence electrons and the observed optical, electrical, magnetic, crystallographic, elastic, thermal, mechanical, chemical, geochemical and biological behaviors is brought forth time and again throughout the chapters. Also discussed are the preparative, separation and solution chemistry of the elements and their compounds and the various chemical and physical analytical methods for determining the rare earths in various materials and impurities in a rare earth matrix. Vol. 5 is a update complement of the previous volumes. Volume 6 is concerned with ternary and higher order materials. (Auth.)

Preparation, structural characterization, and enhanced electrical conductivity of pyrochlore-type (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xia, X.L. [Institute for Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin (China); Institute of Oceanography Instruments, Shandong Academy of Science, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Marine Monitoring Equipment, Qingdao (China); Liu, Z.G.; Ouyang, J.H. [Institute for Advanced Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin (China); Zheng, Y. [Institute of Oceanography Instruments, Shandong Academy of Science, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Marine Monitoring Equipment, Qingdao (China)

2012-08-15

(Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} (0 {<=} x {<=} 1.0) samples are prepared by solid state reaction method using Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and ZrO{sub 2} as starting materials. The phase composition and microstructure of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. XRD and TEM show that all the samples exhibit a single pyrochlore-type structure. HRTEM observation indicates that the whole grain interior of Sm{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramic is a perfect crystal free of any dislocation. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the degree of structural disorder of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics increases gradually with increasing Eu content. The electrical conductivity of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics is investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the air and hydrogen atmospheres, respectively. The electrical conductivity of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} ceramics increases with increasing Eu content at identical temperature levels. Both the activation energy E{sub g} and the pre-exponential factor {sigma}{sub 0g} for the grain conductivity gradually increase with increasing Eu content. As the ionic conductivity shows no obvious change in both air and hydrogen atmospheres, the conduction of (Sm{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}){sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} is purely ionic with negligible electronic conduction. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

A magma ocean and the Earth's internal water budget

Science.gov (United States)

Ahrens, Thomas J.

1992-01-01

There are lines of evidence which relate bounds on the primordial water content of the Earth's mantle to a magma ocean and the accompanying Earth accretion process. We assume initially (before a magma ocean could form) that as the Earth accreted, it grew from volatile- (H2O, CO2, NH3, CH4, SO2, plus noble) gas-rich planetesimals, which accreted to form an initial 'primitive accretion core' (PAC). The PAC retained the initial complement of planetesimal gaseous components. Shock wave experiments in which both solid, and more recently, the gaseous components of materials such as serpentine and the Murchison meteorite have demonstrated that planetesimal infall velocities of less than 0.5 km/sec, induce shock pressures of less than 0.5 GPa and result in virtually complete retention of planetary gases.

Using GPS and GRACE data to assess Solid Earth elastic parameters at regional scale

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Barletta, Valentina Roberta; Borghi, A.; Aoudia, A.

2012-01-01

We propose a way to combine GPS and GRACE data for regional scale cross check and validation especially of the most commonly used PREM (Preliminary Earth Reference Model). In form of h and k Love numbers, global PREM is very often used to simulate elastic rebound due to present-day ice mass loss......, to derive the mass distribution produced by the observed GRACE time series, and it is also used for atmospheric loading correction both in GPS and in GRACE dealiasing products. GRACE data provide load estimates, usually given as water equivalent mass distribution, from which one derives the Earth elastic...... response, by convolution with suitable elastic green functions, relying on selected Earth model and related layering and elastic parameters. We calculate at regional scale the time series of monthly uplift associated with the mass redistribution observed by GRACE implementing the high resolution technique...

Lunar Fluid Core and Solid-Body Tides

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, J. G.; Boggs, D. H.; Ratcliff, J. T.

2005-01-01

Variations in rotation and orientation of the Moon are sensitive to solid-body tidal dissipation, dissipation due to relative motion at the fluid-core/solid-mantle boundary, and tidal Love number k2 [1,2]. There is weaker sensitivity to flattening of the core-mantle boundary (CMB) [2-5] and fluid core moment of inertia [1]. Accurate Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) measurements of the distance from observatories on the Earth to four retroreflector arrays on the Moon are sensitive to lunar rotation and orientation variations and tidal displacements. Past solutions using the LLR data have given results for dissipation due to solid-body tides and fluid core [1] plus Love number [1-5]. Detection of CMB flattening has been improving [3,5] and now seems significant. This strengthens the case for a fluid lunar core.

Universities Earth System Scientists Program

Science.gov (United States)

Estes, John E.

1995-01-01

This document constitutes the final technical report for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Grant NAGW-3172. This grant was instituted to provide for the conduct of research under the Universities Space Research Association's (USRA's) Universities Earth System Scientist Program (UESSP) for the Office of Mission to Planet Earth (OMTPE) at NASA Headquarters. USRA was tasked with the following requirements in support of the Universities Earth System Scientists Programs: (1) Bring to OMTPE fundamental scientific and technical expertise not currently resident at NASA Headquarters covering the broad spectrum of Earth science disciplines; (2) Conduct basic research in order to help establish the state of the science and technological readiness, related to NASA issues and requirements, for the following, near-term, scientific uncertainties, and data/information needs in the areas of global climate change, clouds and radiative balance, sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and the processes that control them, solid earth, oceans, polar ice sheets, land-surface hydrology, ecological dynamics, biological diversity, and sustainable development; (3) Evaluate the scientific state-of-the-field in key selected areas and to assist in the definition of new research thrusts for missions, including those that would incorporate the long-term strategy of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). This will, in part, be accomplished by study and evaluation of the basic science needs of the community as they are used to drive the development and maintenance of a global-scale observing system, the focused research studies, and the implementation of an integrated program of modeling, prediction, and assessment; and (4) Produce specific recommendations and alternative strategies for OMTPE that can serve as a basis for interagency and national and international policy on issues related to Earth sciences.

All-in-all-out magnetic domain size in pyrochlore iridate thin films as probed by local magnetotransport

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujita, T. C.; Uchida, M., E-mail: uchida@ap.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Kozuka, Y.; Ogawa, S. [Department of Applied Physics and Quantum-Phase Electronics Center (QPEC), University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656 (Japan); Tsukazaki, A. [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Tokyo 102-0075 (Japan); Arima, T. [Department of Advanced Materials Science, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8561 (Japan); RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), Wako 351-0198 (Japan); Kawasaki, M. [Department of Applied Physics and Quantum-Phase Electronics Center (QPEC), University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656 (Japan); RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), Wako 351-0198 (Japan)

2016-01-11

Pyrochlore iridates have attracted growing attention because of a theoretical prediction of a possible topological semimetal phase originating from all-in-all-out spin ordering. Related to the topological band structure, recent findings of the magnetic domain wall conduction have stimulated investigations of magnetic domain distribution in this system. Here, we investigate the size of magnetic domains in Eu{sub 2}Ir{sub 2}O{sub 7} single crystalline thin films by magnetoresistance (MR) using microscale Hall bars. Two distinct magnetic domains of the all-in-all-out spin structure are known to exhibit linear MR but with opposite signs, which enables us to estimate the ratio of the two domains in the patterned channel. The linear MR for 80 × 60 μm{sup 2} channel is nearly zero after zero-field cooling, suggesting random distribution of domains smaller than the channel size. In contrast, the wide distribution of the value of the linear MR is detected in 2 × 2 μm{sup 2} channel, reflecting the detectable domain size depending on each cooling-cycle. Compared to simulation results, we estimate the average size of a single all-in-all-out magnetic domain as 1–2 μm.

Opportunities for Small Satellites in NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program

Science.gov (United States)

Peri, Frank; Law, Richard C.; Wells, James E.

2014-01-01

NASA's Earth Venture class (EV) of missions are competitively selected, Principal Investigator (PI) led, relatively low cost and narrowly focused in scientific scope. Investigations address a full spectrum of earth science objectives, including studies of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, polar ice regions, and solid Earth. EV has three program elements: EV-Suborbital (EVS) are suborbital/airborne investigations; EV-Mission (EVM) element comprises small complete spaceborne missions; and EV-Instrument (EVI) element develops spaceborne instruments for flight as Missions-of-Opportunity (MoO). To ensure the success of EV, frequent opportunities for selecting missions has been established in NASA's Earth Science budget. This paper will describe those opportunities and how the management approach of each element is tailored according to the specific needs of the element.

Evolution and dynamics of Earth from a molten initial stage

Science.gov (United States)

Louro Lourenço, D. J.; Tackley, P.

2016-12-01

It is now well established that most of the terrestrial planets underwent a magma ocean stage during their accretion. On Earth, it is probable that at the end of accretion, giant impacts like the hypothesised Moon-forming impact, together with other sources of heat, melted a substantial part of the mantle. The thermal and chemical evolution of the resulting magma ocean most certainly had dramatic consequences on the history of the planet. Considerable research has been done on magma oceans using simple 1-D models (e.g.: Abe, PEPI 1997; Solomatov, Treat. Geophys. 2007; Elkins-Tanton EPSL 2008). However, some aspects of the dynamics may not be adequately addressed in 1-D and require the use of 2-D or 3-D models. Moreover, new developments in mineral physics that indicate that melt can be denser than solid at high pressures (e.g.: de Koker et al., EPSL 2013) can have very important impacts on the classical views of the solidification of magma oceans (Labrosse et al., Nature 2007; Labrosse et al., The Early Earth 2015). The goal of our study is to understand and characterize the influence of melting on the long-term thermo-chemical evolution of rocky planet interiors, starting from an initial molten state (magma ocean). Our approach is to model viscous creep of the solid mantle, while parameterizing processes that involve melt as previously done in 1-D models, including melt-solid separation at all melt fractions, the use of an effective diffusivity to parameterize turbulent mixing, coupling to a parameterized core heat balance and a radiative surface boundary condition. These enhancements have been made to the numerical code StagYY (Tackley, PEPI 2008). We present results for the evolution of an Earth-like planet from a molten initial state to present day, while testing the effect of uncertainties in parameters such as melt-solid density differences, surface heat loss and efficiency of turbulent mixing. Our results show rapid cooling and crystallization until the

Zaccaria Lilio and the shape of the earth: A brief response to Allegro's "Flat earth science".

Science.gov (United States)

Nothaft, C Philipp E

2017-12-01

This is a response to James J. Allegro's article "The Bottom of the Universe: Flat Earth Science in the Age of Encounter," published in Volume 55, Number 1, of this journal. Against the solid consensus of modern scholars, Allegro contends that the decades around 1500 saw a resurgence of popular and learned doubts about the existence of a southern hemisphere and the concept of a spherical earth more generally. It can be shown that a substantial part of Allegro's argument rests on an erroneous reading of his main textual witness, Zaccaria Lilio's Contra Antipodes (1496), and on a failure adequately to place this source in the context of the cosmographical debate of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Once this context is taken into account, the notion that Lilio was a flat-earther falls flat.

Solid state laser technology - A NASA perspective

Science.gov (United States)

Allario, F.

1985-01-01

NASA's program for developing solid-state laser technology and applying it to the Space Shuttle and Space Platform is discussed. Solid-state lasers are required to fulfill the Earth Observation System's requirements. The role of the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology in developing a NASA tunable solid-state laser program is described. The major goals of the program involve developing a solid-state pump laser in the green, using AlGaAs array technology, pumping a Nd:YAG/SLAB crystal or glass, and fabricating a lidar system, with either a CO2 laser at 10.6 microns or a Nd:YAG laser at 1.06 microns, to measure tropospheric winds to an accuracy of + or - 1 m/s and a vertical resolution of 1 km. The procedures to be followed in order to visualize this technology plan include: (1) material development and characterization, (2) laser development, and (3) implementation of the lasers.

Use of satellite gravimetry for estimating recent solid Earth changes

Science.gov (United States)

Ramillien, Guillaume

2014-05-01

Since its launch in March 2002, the Gravity Recovery & Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission provides a global mapping of the time variations of the Earth's gravity field for the recent period. Official centers such as Center of Space Research (CSR) in Austin, TX, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA and GeoForschungZentrum (GFZ) in Potsdam, Germany, provide 10-day and monthly solutions of Stokes coefficients (i.e., spherical harmonic coefficients of the geopotential) up to harmonic degree 50-60 (or, equivalently, a spatial resolution of 300-400 km) for the timespan 2002-2012. Tiny variations of the gravity measured by GRACE are mainly due to the total water storage change on continents. Therefore, these solutions of water mass can be used to correct other datasets, and then isolate the gravity signatures of large and sudden earthquakes, as well as of the continuous Post Glacial Rebound (PGR) rate. As these measured seasonal variations of continental hydrology represent the variations of water mass load, it is also possible to derive the deformation of the terrestrial surface associated to this varying load using Love numbers. These latter numbers are obtained by assuming an elastic Earth model. In the center of the Amazon basin, the seasonal displacements of the surface due to hydrology reach amplitudes of a few centimeters typically. Time-series of GRACE-based radial displacement of the surface can be analysed and compared with independent local GPS records for validation.

Crystal field and magnetism with Wannier functions: Orthorhombic rare-earth manganites

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Novák, Pavel; Nekvasil, Vladimír; Knížek, Karel

358-359, MAY (2014), s. 228-232 ISSN 0304-8853 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA13-25251S Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : crystal field * rare- earth magnetism Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.970, year: 2014

Scale-dependent response from the invariant rescaling of stress in a self-gravitating thermomechanical Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Watkinson, John; Patton, Regan

2014-05-01

It is widely known that gravitation can be accounted for via general relativity in a four-dimensional manifold called spacetime. A direct corollary of this is that the observable characteristics of any self-gravitating body in space are closely tied to its 'rheology' - how stress and deformation are related to one another. The large-scale/long-term response of terrestrial planets to loading is arguably dissipative, which can be modeled using purely viscous rheology. Evidence for this includes Earth's flattened ellipsoidal configuration, the likely result of self-gravity and rotation. On the other hand, the small scale, short-term response of solid earth materials is arguably conservative, which can be modeled using purely elastic rheology. Evidence for this includes the propagation of shear waves throughout the crust and mantle. These general observations, combined with long-term creep and attenuation of seismic signals at the longest wavelengths, seems to suggest that networks of springs, dash pots, and sliding masses, although vogue, comprise only one possible family of an otherwise infinite number of rheological models. The response of solid earth materials to loading is a scale-dependent process and involves both elasticity (strain-energy storage) and viscosity (energy dissipation). Tectonic processes are controlled by regional stratification, lithology, thermal structure, fluid content, metamorphic reactions, and deformation rates, many aspects of which are inherited through geological time. Clearly, topography and igneous activity on terrestrial planets are closely allied phenomena, consistent with global and regional isostatic balance demonstrated through gravity-topography analysis. It is reasonable to conclude that crustal stratification and igneous activity are inherent features of the Earth system, which must be predicted by any self-consistent model. We have assumed that solid earth rheology can be modeled using the differential grade-2 (DG-2) material

Sintering, microstructure and electrical conductivity of gadolinia-doped ceria with SrO, TiO2 and SrTiO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dias, Maria Cely Freitas

2013-01-01

Ceria containing trivalent rare-earths is a solid electrolyte with higher ionic conductivity than the standard yttria fully-stabilized zirconia ionic conductor. This property turns these ceria-based ionic conductors promising materials for application in solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures (500-700 deg C). One of the most utilized approaches to optimize the electrical conductivity and other properties of these materials is the introduction of a second additive. In this work, ceria-20 mol% gadolinia with additions of 1, 2.5 and 5 mol% of SrO, TiO 2 and SrTiO 3 as co-additives were prepared by solid state reaction. The main purpose was to investigate the effects of the co-additives on densification, microstructure and electrical conductivity of the solid electrolyte. Sintered pellets were characterized by apparent density, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electrical conductivity by impedance spectroscopy. The additives were found to exert different influences in all studied properties. The way they influence the solid electrolyte properties depends on the type and content of the additive. SrO addition to doped ceria improves the intergranular conductivity, but decreases the apparent density of the pellets. Increase of densification was obtained with TiO 2 addition. This additive promotes increase of the blocking of charge carriers at the grain boundaries due to solute exsolution and formation of the pyrochlore Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 phase at grain boundaries for contents in excess of the solubility limit. No influence on densification was found for SrTiO 3 additions. (author)

Two main and a new type rare earth elements in Mg alloys: A review

Science.gov (United States)

Kong, Linghang

2017-09-01

Magnesium (Mg) alloys stand for the lightest structure engineering materials. Moreover, the strengthening of Mg alloys in ductility, toughness and corrosion predominates their wide applications. With adding rare earth elements in Mg, the mechanical properties will be improved remarkably, especially their plasticity and strength. A brief overview of the addition of rare earth elements for Mg alloys is shown. The basic mechanisms of strengthening Mg alloys with rare earth elements are reviewed, including the solid solution strengthening, grain refinement and long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Furthermore, the available rare earth elements are summarized by type, chemical or physical effects and other unique properties. Finally, some challenge problems that the research is facing and future expectations of ra-re-earth Mg alloys are stated and discussed.

Tidal Friction in the Earth and Ocean

Science.gov (United States)

Ray, R. D.

2006-12-01

"Tidal Friction" is a classic subject in geophysics, with ties to some of the great scientists of the Victorian era. The subject has been reinvigorated over the past decade by space geodesy, and particularly by the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimeter mission. In fact, the topic has now taken on some significance in oceanography, with potential implications for problems of mixing, thermocline maintenance, and the thermohaline circulation. Likewise, tidal measurements have become sufficiently precise to reveal new information about the solid earth. In this respect, the tidal force is an invaluable "probe" of the earth, at frequencies well outside the seismic band. This talk will "follow the energy" of tides while noting some important geophysical implications at each stage. In the present earth-moon-sun configuration, energy for tides is extracted from the earth's rotation. Ancient eclipses bear witness to this, and the discrepancy between Babylonian (and other) observations and tidal predictions yields unique information about the mantle and the overlying fluid envelope. Complementary information comes from tidal anelasticity estimates, which are now available at frequencies ranging from semidiurnal to fortnightly, monthly, and 18.6 years. These data, when combined with various kinds of gravity measurements, are relevant to the present-day sea-level problem. Solid-earth tidal dissipation represents less than 5% of the system total. As has long been realized, the largest energy sink is the ocean. About 70% of the oceanic dissipation occurs in shallow seas (the traditional sink) and 30% in the deep ocean, generally near rugged bottom topography. The latter represents a substantial amount of power, roughly 1 gigawatt, available for generation of internal tides and other baroclinic motions. Experiments like HOME are helping unravel the links between barotropic tides, internal tides, turbulence, and mixing. The latter opens possible linkages to climate, and recent work

Using Interactive Visualization to Analyze Solid Earth Data and Geodynamics Models

Science.gov (United States)

Kellogg, L. H.; Kreylos, O.; Billen, M. I.; Hamann, B.; Jadamec, M. A.; Rundle, J. B.; van Aalsburg, J.; Yikilmaz, M. B.

2008-12-01

The geological sciences are challenged to manage and interpret increasing volumes of data as observations and simulations increase in size and complexity. Major projects such as EarthScope and GeoEarthScope are producing the data needed to characterize the structure and kinematics of Earth's surface and interior at unprecedented resolution. At the same time, high-performance computing enables high-precision and fine- detail simulation of geodynamics processes, complementing the observational data. To facilitate interpretation and analysis of these datasets, to evaluate models, and to drive future calculations, we have developed methods of interactive visualization with a special focus on using immersive virtual reality (VR) environments to interact with models of Earth's surface and interior. VR has traditionally been used primarily as a presentation tool allowing active navigation through data. Reaping the full intellectual benefits of immersive VR as a tool for accelerated scientific analysis requires building on the method's strengths, that is, using both 3D perception and interaction with observed or simulated data. Our approach to VR takes advantage of the specialized skills of geoscientists who are trained to interpret geological and geophysical data generated from field observations. Interactive tools allow the scientist to explore and interpret geodynamic models, tomographic models, and topographic observations, while feature extraction tools support quantitative measurement of structures that emerge from numerical simulations or field observations. The use of VR technology enables us to improve our interpretation of crust and mantle structure and of geodynamical processes. Mapping tools based on computer visualization allow virtual "field studies" in inaccessible regions, and an interactive tool allows us to construct digital fault models for use in numerical models. Using the interactive tools on a high-end platform such as an immersive virtual reality

SEPARATION OF TRANSURANIC ELEMENTS FROM RARE EARTH COMPOUNDS

Science.gov (United States)

Kohman, T.P.

1961-11-21

A process of separating neptunium and plutonium values from rare earths and alkaline earth fission products present on a solid mixed actinide carrier (Th or U(IV) oxalate or fluoride) --fission product carrier (LaF/sub 3/, CeF/sub 3/, SrF/sub 2/, CaF/sub 2/, YF/sub 3/, La oxalate, cerous oxalate, Sr oxalate, Ca oxalate or Y oxalate) by extraction of the actinides at elevated temperature with a solution of ammonium fluoride and/or ammonium oxalate is described. Separation of the fission-product-containing carriers from the actinide solution formed and precipitation of the neptunium and plutonium from the solution with mineral acid are also accomplished. (AEC)

Radio-luminescence efficiency and rare-earth dispersion in Tb-doped silica glasses

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Fasoli, M.; Moretti, F.; Lauria, A.; Chiodini, N.; Vedda, A.; Nikl, Martin

2007-01-01

Roč. 42, - (2007), s. 784-787 ISSN 1350-4487 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100521 Keywords : sol-gel * scintillators * silica * rare earths * terbium Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.054, year: 2007

Commercial alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses for sealing solid oxide cell stacks. Part I: Development of glass-ceramic microstructure and thermomechanical properties

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Agersted, Karsten; Balic-Zunic, Tonci

2018-01-01

Sealing performance in solid oxide cell (SOC) stacks and the devitrification process of commercially available alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses containing 48‐61 mol% SiO2, 18‐28 mol% CaO, 1‐7 mol% MgO, 7‐10 mol% Al2O3, 1‐11 mol% B2O3 plus minor amounts of Na2O, K2O, FeO, and TiO2 were...... investigated and quantified through analysis of phase assemblages as function of heat treatments above the glass transition temperatures using the electron microprobe and powder X‐ray diffraction. For two of these glasses devitrification behavior was compared to the devitrification behavior of similar glasses...... produced in the laboratory. Glasses were characterized after annealing in air at 800°C and 850°C for up to 6 weeks. Even though the glasses lie within a relatively narrow compositional range, sealing performance and the resulting microstructures differed significantly. Best thermomechanical properties...

Unifying the Universe the physics of heaven and earth

CERN Document Server

Padamsee, Hasan S

2003-01-01

Unifying the Universe: The Physics of Heaven and Earth provides a solid background in basic physics. With a humanistic perspective, it shows how science is significant for more than its technological consequences. The book includes clear and well-planned links to the arts and philosophies of relevant historical periods to bring science and the humanities together.

Magnetic-field induced phase transitions in intermetallic rare-earth ferrimagnets with a compensation point

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Sabdenov, Ch.K.; Davydova, M.D.; Zvezdin, K.A.; Gorbunov, Denis; Tereshina, I. S.; Andreev, Alexander V.; Zvezdin, A. K.

2017-01-01

Roč. 43, č. 5 (2017), s. 551-558 ISSN 1063-777X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA16-03593S Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : rare-earth intermetallics * phase diagram * field-induced transition * magnetic anisotropy * high magnetic fields Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism OBOR OECD: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.) Impact factor: 0.804, year: 2016

Optimization of leaching process for sum of rare earth and calcium oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Troyanier, L.S.; Elunkina, Z.A.; Nikonov, V.N.; Lobov, V.I.

1978-01-01

Presented are the results of investigation of leaching process for rare earth and calcium oxides by sulfuric acid. The method of planning experiment has been used for this investigation. Mixtures of cerium, yttrium and neodyum oxides, taken in the relation of 1:1:0.5, have been used as rare earth elements. Received are adequate models characterizing dependence of solubility of rare earth and calcium oxides on some factors (H 2 SO 4 concentration, CaO:R 2 O 3 relation, liquid to solid ratio, solution temperature, mixing time). Dependences of solubility of rare earth elements and calcium on the process parameters are received and presented in a form of regression equations. Dependences received can be used for choice of optimum regime of the process as well as for its control

Differential Rotation within the Earth's Outer Core

Science.gov (United States)

Hide, R.; Boggs, D. H.; Dickey, J. O.

1998-01-01

Non-steady differential rotation drive by bouyancy forces within the Earth's liquid outer core (OC) plays a key role not only in the generation of the main geomagnetic field by the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) dynamo process but also in the excitation of irregular fluctuations in the angular speed of rotation of the overlying solid mantle, as evidenced by changes in the length of the day (LOD) on decadal and longer timescales (1-8).

Crystal field and magnetism with Wannier functions: rare-earth dopedaluminum garnets

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Mihóková, Eva; Novák, Pavel; Laguta, Valentyn

2015-01-01

Roč. 33, č. 12 (2015), 1316-1323 ISSN 1002-0721 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA13-09876S Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : crystal field * ab initio calculations * garnets * rare earths Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.188, year: 2015

Method of forming magnetostrictive rods from rare earth-iron alloys

Science.gov (United States)

McMasters, O. Dale

1986-09-02

Rods of magnetrostructive alloys of iron with rare earth elements are formed by flowing a body of rare earth-iron alloy in a crucible enclosed in a chamber maintained under an inert gas atmosphere, forcing such molten rare-earth-iron alloy into a hollow mold tube of refractory material positioned with its lower end portion within the molten body by means of a pressure differential between the chamber and mold tube and maintaining a portion of the molten alloy in the crucible extending to a level above the lower end of the mold tube so that solid particles of higher melting impurities present in the alloy collect at the surface of the molten body and remain within the crucible as the rod is formed in the mold tube.

AxiSEM3D: broadband seismic wavefields in 3-D aspherical Earth models

Science.gov (United States)

Leng, K.; Nissen-Meyer, T.; Zad, K. H.; van Driel, M.; Al-Attar, D.

2017-12-01

Seismology is the primary tool for data-informed inference of Earth structure and dynamics. Simulating seismic wave propagation at a global scale is fundamental to seismology, but remains as one of most challenging problems in scientific computing, because of both the multiscale nature of Earth's interior and the observable frequency band of seismic data. We present a novel numerical method to simulate global seismic wave propagation in realistic 3-D Earth models. Our method, named AxiSEM3D, is a hybrid of spectral element method and pseudospectral method. It reduces the azimuthal dimension of wavefields by means of a global Fourier series parameterization, of which the number of terms can be locally adapted to the inherent azimuthal smoothness of the wavefields. AxiSEM3D allows not only for material heterogeneities, such as velocity, density, anisotropy and attenuation, but also for finite undulations on radial discontinuities, both solid-solid and solid-fluid, and thereby a variety of aspherical Earth features such as ellipticity, topography, variable crustal thickness, and core-mantle boundary topography. Such interface undulations are equivalently interpreted as material perturbations of the contiguous media, based on the "particle relabelling transformation". Efficiency comparisons show that AxiSEM3D can be 1 to 3 orders of magnitude faster than conventional 3-D methods, with the speedup increasing with simulation frequency and decreasing with model complexity, but for all realistic structures the speedup remains at least one order of magnitude. The observable frequency range of global seismic data (up to 1 Hz) has been covered for wavefield modelling upon a 3-D Earth model with reasonable computing resources. We show an application of surface wave modelling within a state-of-the-art global crustal model (Crust1.0), with the synthetics compared to real data. The high-performance C++ code is released at github.com/AxiSEM3D/AxiSEM3D.

Structural, morphological, and electrical properties of doped ceria as a solid electrolyte for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

KAUST Repository

Stojmenović, M.

2015-03-11

The solid solutions of CeO2 with one or more rare-earth oxides among Yb2O3, Sm2O3, and Gd2O3 are synthesized by either modified glycine nitrate procedure (MGNP) or self-propagating reaction at room temperature (SPRT). The overall mole fraction of rare-earth oxide dopants was x = 0.2. The characterization was committed by XRPD, TEM, BET, and Raman Spectroscopy methods. According to XRPD and Raman spectroscopy, the obtained products presented the single-phase solid solutions with basic fluorite-type CeO2 structure, regardless on the number and the concentration of dopants. Both XRPD and TEM analysis evidenced the nanometer particle dimensions. The defect model was applied to calculate lattice parameters of single-, co-, and multi-doped solids. The sintering of the sample nanopowders was performed at 1550 °C, in air atmosphere. The sintered samples were characterized by XRPD, SEM, and complex impedance methods. The sintering did not affect the concentration ratios of the constituents. The highest conductivity at 700 °C amounting to 2.14 × 10−2 and 1.92 × 10−2 Ω−1 cm−1 was measured for the sample Ce0.8Sm0.08Gd0.12O2−δ, synthesized by SPRT and MGNP methods, respectively. The corresponding activation energies of conductivity, measured in the temperature range 500–700 °C, amounted to 0.24 and 0.23 eV.

Structural, morphological, and electrical properties of doped ceria as a solid electrolyte for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

KAUST Repository

Stojmenović, M.; Zunic, Milan; Gulicovski, J.; Bajuk-Bogdanović, D.; Holclajtner-Antunović, I.; Dodevski, V.; Mentus, S.

2015-01-01

The solid solutions of CeO2 with one or more rare-earth oxides among Yb2O3, Sm2O3, and Gd2O3 are synthesized by either modified glycine nitrate procedure (MGNP) or self-propagating reaction at room temperature (SPRT). The overall mole fraction of rare-earth oxide dopants was x = 0.2. The characterization was committed by XRPD, TEM, BET, and Raman Spectroscopy methods. According to XRPD and Raman spectroscopy, the obtained products presented the single-phase solid solutions with basic fluorite-type CeO2 structure, regardless on the number and the concentration of dopants. Both XRPD and TEM analysis evidenced the nanometer particle dimensions. The defect model was applied to calculate lattice parameters of single-, co-, and multi-doped solids. The sintering of the sample nanopowders was performed at 1550 °C, in air atmosphere. The sintered samples were characterized by XRPD, SEM, and complex impedance methods. The sintering did not affect the concentration ratios of the constituents. The highest conductivity at 700 °C amounting to 2.14 × 10−2 and 1.92 × 10−2 Ω−1 cm−1 was measured for the sample Ce0.8Sm0.08Gd0.12O2−δ, synthesized by SPRT and MGNP methods, respectively. The corresponding activation energies of conductivity, measured in the temperature range 500–700 °C, amounted to 0.24 and 0.23 eV.

EDITORIAL: A physicist's journey to the centre of the Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Hipkin, Roger

1999-07-01

It is a paradox that, despite it being the planet on which all our experience is founded, the bulk Earth is as inaccessible as a remote galaxy. In South African diamond mines, man has penetrated about 3 km into the solid Earth; intact core from boreholes has been recovered from about 7 km and, in the Kola Peninsula of northern Russia, drill chippings have been sluiced up from about 13 km. Nevertheless, even if we had the resources to pepper the outer layer with exploratory boreholes, direct observation of the remaining 99% of the Earth's volume will always remain an impossibility. And yet we know some quite detailed properties of the interior of the Earth. Contrary to primitive cosmologies inspired by watching volcanoes erupt, and although below 2890 km there is a core of molten steel, we know that only in rare, shallow and isolated pockets are the rocks of the Earth's interior molten. The interior of the Earth is like an onion-skin: properties (density, electrical conductivity, sound speed etc) change mainly with depth. Taking the Earth's response to stress as one example, the material behaves like a brittle elastic solid only to depths of about 10-20 km. Below that, Earth materials exhibit the properties of both a solid and a liquid: to short-period effects like sound waves, they respond as a conventional solid but, when subjected to long-period stress, they can also flow like a liquid with a very high viscosity. Viscosity is initially controlled by the increasing mobility of atoms as temperature increases (viscosity decreases from about 1025 Pa s in the upper 20 km to about 1020 Pa s at a depth of 250 km); but atomic mobility is then offset by the counteracting effects of increasing pressure (viscosity increases to perhaps 1023 Pa s at 2500 km). We also have a quantitative physical picture of Earth behaviour stretching back over 4.5 billion years, despite having only 4500 years of recorded scientific observations about the Earth. Using the same physics that

Uranium prospecting in alkaline mountain chimneys of Serra Negra and Salitre - Minas Gerais, Brasil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza Filho, J.G.C.

1974-01-01

The occurence of radioactive minerals such as apatite and pyrochlore, in the alkaline chimneys of Serra Negra and Salitre (Minas Gerais, Brazil), is discussed. Also mentioned are other minerals of interest associated with the alkaline magma such as columbite, fluorite, monazite, zircon, baddeleyite, etc, which in favourable conditions may occur in deposits of great economical value, and which may present high contents of rare earths, thorium and uranium

Innovative Approaches to Remote Sensing in NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program

Science.gov (United States)

Peri, Frank; Volz, Stephen

2013-01-01

NASA's Earth Venture class (EV) of mission are competitively selected, Principal Investigator (PI) led, relatively low cost and narrowly focused in scientific scope. Investigations address a full spectrum of earth science objectives, including studies of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, polar ice regions, and solid Earth. EV has three program elements: EV-Suborbital (EVS) are suborbital/airborne investigations; EV-Mission (EVM) element comprises small complete spaceborne missions; and EV-Instrument (EVI) element develops spaceborne instruments for flight as missions-of-opportunity (MoO). To ensure the success of EV, the management approach of each element is tailored according to the specific needs of the element.

Solid Oxide Galvanic Cell to determine thermochemical data of Dy6UO12(s)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahu, Manjulata; Dash, Smruti; Sen, B.K.; Venugopal, V.

2010-01-01

The rare earth elements such as Sm, Eu, Gd, and Dy have very high thermal neutron absorption cross sections and their oxides are utilized as burnable poisons in nuclear reactor to maintain constant reactivity of the core. These oxides form solid solution with urania as their ionic radii are within 20% of that of urania. Rare earth oxides-urania solid solutions are also beneficial in preventing oxidation of UO 2 (s). RE 6 UO I2 (s) (RE = rare earth) type of compounds are known to exist in RE-U-O system and their formation cannot be ruled out under transient conditions. The data on Gibbs energy of formation of compounds in RE-U-O system is therefore essential to predict the feasibility. Theoretically, the measurement of the e.m.f. of a suitable galvanic cell is one of the most accurate methods to obtain Gibbs energy of formation of compounds if e.m.f cell operates reversibly. In this study, the standard molar Gibbs energy of formation of Dy 6 UO I2 (s) was determined using solid oxide galvanic cell technique. The Gibbs energy of formation of Dy 6 UO 12 (s) is reported for the first time

Atomic scale simulations of pyrochlore oxides with a tight-binding variable-charge model: implications for radiation tolerance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sattonnay, G; Tétot, R

2014-01-01

Atomistic simulations with new interatomic potentials derived from a tight-binding variable-charge model were performed in order to investigate the lattice properties and the defect formation energies in Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 and Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 pyrochlores. The main objective was to determine the role played by the defect stability on the radiation tolerance of these compounds. Calculations show that the titanate has a more covalent character than the zirconate. Moreover, the properties of oxygen Frenkel pairs, cation antisite defects and cation Frenkel pairs were studied. In Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 the cation antisite defect and the Ti-Frenkel pair are not stable: they evolve towards more stable defect configurations during the atomic relaxation process. This phenomenon is driven by a decrease of the Ti coordination number down to five which leads to a local atomic reorganization and strong structural distortions around the defects. These kinds of atomic rearrangements are not observed around defects in Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 . Therefore, the defect stability in A 2 B 2 O 7 depends on the ability of B atoms to accommodate high coordination number (higher than six seems impossible for Ti). The accumulation of structural distortions around Ti-defects due to this phenomenon could drive the Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 amorphization induced by irradiation. (paper)

Recycling of Rare Earth Elements

Science.gov (United States)

Lorenz, Tom; Bertau, Martin

2017-01-01

Any development of an effective process for rare earth (RE) recycling has become more and more challenging, especially in recent years. Since 2011, when commodity prices of REs had met their all-time maximum, prices have dropped rapidly by more than 90 %. An economic process able to offset these fluctuations has to take unconventional methods into account beside well-known strategies like acid/basic leaching or solvent extraction. The solid-state chlorination provides such an unconventional method for mobilizing RE elements from waste streams. Instead of hydrochloric acid this kind of chlorination decomposes NH4Cl thermally to release up to 400 °C hot HCl gas. After cooling the resulting solid metal chlorides may be easily dissolved in pH-adjusted water. Without producing strongly acidic wastes and with NH4Cl as cheap source for hydrogen chloride, solid-state chlorination provides various advantages in terms of costs and disposal. In the course of the SepSELSA project this method was examined, adjusted and optimized for RE recycling from fluorescent lamp scraps as well as Fe14Nd2B magnets. Thereby many surprising influences and trends required various analytic methods to examine the reasons and special mechanisms behind them.

V, Cr, and Mn in the Earth, Moon, EPB, and SPB and the origin of the Moon: Experimental studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Drake, M.J.; Capobianco, C.J.; Newsom, H.E.

1989-01-01

The abundances of V, Cr, and Mn inferred for the mantles of the Earth and Moon decrease in that order and are similar, but are distinct from those inferred for the mantles of the Eucrite Parent Body (EPB) and Shergottite Parent Body (SPB). This similarity between Earth and Moon has been used to suggest that the Moon is derived substantially or entirely from Earth mantle material following terrestrial core formation. To test this hypothesis, the authors have determined the partitioning of V, Cr, and Mn between solid iron metal, S-rich metallic liquid, and synthetic basaltic silicate liquid at 1,260 degree C and one bar pressure. The sequence of compatibility in the metallic phases is Cr > V > Mn at high oxygen fugacity and V > Cr > Mn at low oxygen fugacities. Solubilities in liquid metal always exceed solubilities in solid metal. These partition coefficients suggest that the abundances of V, Cr, and Mn do not reflect core formation in the Earth. Rather, they are consistent with the relative volatilities of these elements. The similarity in the depletion patterns of V, Cr, and Mn inferred for the mantles of the Earth and Moon is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the Moon to have been derived wholly or in part from the Earth's mantle

Precipitation of the rare earth double sodium and rare earths from the sulfuric liquor and the conversion into rare earth hydroxides through meta ethic reaction; Precipitacao do sulfato duplo de terras raras e sodio a partir de licor sulfurico e sua conversao em hidroxido de terras raras mediante reacao metatetica

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abreu, Renata D.; Oliveira, Ester F.; Brito, Walter de; Morais, Carlos A. [Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN-MG), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil)]. E-mails: rda@cdtn.br; esterfo@cdtn.br; britow@cdtn.br; cmorais@cdtn.br

2007-07-01

This work presents the purification study of the rare earths through precipitation of rare earth and sodium (Na TR (SO{sub 4}){sub 2}. x H{sub 2}O)) double sulfate and his conversion to rare earths hydroxide TR(OH){sub 3} by meta ethic reaction through the addition of sodium hydroxide solution to the solid double sulfate. The study used the sulfuric liquor as rare earth sample, generated in the chemical processing of the monazite with sulfuric acid by the Industrias Nucleares do Brasil - INB, Brazil, after the thorium and uranium extraction. The work investigated the influence of the main variables involved in the precipitation of Na TR(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}.xH{sub 2}O and in the conversion for the TR(OH){sub 3}, as follows: type and excess of the precipitation agent, temperature and time reaction. The obtained solid composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and chemical analysis. The double sulfate diffractogram indicated the Na TR(SO{sub 4}){sub 2} mono-hydrated. The characterization of the metatese products has shown that, for obtaining the complete conversion of NaTR(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O into TR(OH){sub 3}, the reaction must be hot processed ({approx}70 deg C) and with small excess of Na OH ({<=} 5 percent). (author)

A new series of rhenium VII compounds: sodium-rare earth perrhenates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slimane, Z.A.A.; Silvestre, J.-P.; Freundlich, William

1978-01-01

Synthesis by solid state reaction or in aqueous solution and radiocrystallographical study of the hexagonal sodium-rare earth perrhenates NaLn(ReO 4 ) 4 (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Er) and of the tetragonal tetrahydrates NaLn(ReO 4 ) 4 , 4H 2 O (Ln=Eu, Gd, Er, Lu) [fr

Properties of zirconium ceramics and film stabilized by yttrium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Korobova, N.

2004-01-01

Full text: Unstable zirconium dioxide phase transformation can be eliminated by stabilization of the cubic phase with an addition of a selected alkaline earth or rare-earth oxide. Stabilized ZrO 2 has been widely utilized in various high-temperature refractory applications. These stabilized ZrO 2 -base solid solutions also possess rather unique electrical properties, and as a result have considerable potential as solid electrolytes in galvanic and fuel cells and, possibly, as heating elements in high-temperature furnaces. The complex study of synthesis processes, structure and properties of metal alkoxide organic sols have been developed. These have allowed to create main principles of their formation and to show the practical realization of obtained theoretical and experimental results. The correlation between hydrolysis conditions of (Zr+Y) metal alkoxide sols and synthesis of stable colloid multi-component systems has been established. Systematic research of zirconium and yttrium bi-alkoxide electrophoretic deposition was conducted for the first time. The formation mechanism of electrophoretic deposits has been offered and general scientific principles of the electrophoretic process have been formulated. The model of gel deposits structure was proposed. It has enabled to analyze the main (for example, cluster) effects, which have been exhibited in technological procedure for thin film preparation. The structure investigation of stabilized zirconium dioxide thin films and ceramics has been studied. The researches were based on the comparative analysis of the initial gel microstructure and dried gel by the various drying methods. The new approach for drying of gel electrophoretic deposits was formulated theoretically and experimentally has been proved. The modeling of the aggregate kinetics as a type of 'cluster-cluster' has been proposed like a qualitative description of the process. The data of fractal dimensions of aggregates which have been formed at the

Crystal chemical analysis of formation of solid solutions on the basis of compounds with garnet structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuz'micheva, G.M.; Kozlikin, S.N.

1989-01-01

Crystal chemical formulas permitting to evaluate the character of changes in interatomic distances during isomorphous substitution and, hence, the probability of formation of internal solid solutions and successive isomorphous substitution, are presented. The possibility of formation of introduction solid solutions is considered, using as an example Sc, Y oxides, rare earths with garnet structure

Synthesis, characterization and luminescence study of Eu3+ doped Y2Sn2O7 nano-particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nigam, Sandeep; Sudarsan, V.; Vatsa, R.K.

2011-01-01

In recent years, advanced materials derived from Pyrochlore-type oxides (A 2 B 2 O 7 ), have been of extensive scientific and technological interest. Chemical substitution of A or B sites of pyrochlore oxide by rare earth ions is a widely used approach to prepare thermally stable, lanthanide ion doped luminescent materials. The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of Eu 3+ doped Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 : nanoparticles prepared by the hydrolysis of Y 3+ , Sn 4+ , and Eu 3+ in ethylene glycol medium followed by heating at 700 deg C for 4 hours. As prepared samples are amorphous in nature and 700 deg C heated sample showed well crystalline pyrochlore structure in XRD studies. Average particle size is calculated from the width of the X-ray diffraction peaks and found to t be around 5 nm. Luminescence measurements were carried out for as prepared and 700 deg C heated samples. The undoped as prepared sample showed a broad emission peak around 420 nm after excitation at 285 nm. While for 700 deg C undoped heated sample, the peak maxima was shifted to 435 nm. The emission spectrum for doped as prepared samples is characterized by both host emission around 420 nm along with the characteristic Eu 3+ emission peaks in the visible region. However, very poor Eu 3+ emission from heated sample was observed

Incorporation of natural radionuclides and rare earth element into a salt tolerant plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Summerton, A.P.

1992-01-01

A highly salt tolerant shrub, samphire (Halosarcia halocnemoides), found growing in the solid alkaline residues in an evaporation pond at a former uranium and monazite treatment plant, has been analysed for natural radionuclides and rare earths. The data obtained have been copared with that for plants from the local natural environment. Vegetation-to-soil concentration ratios have been determined. The radionuclide concentration ratios for samples from the contaminated site are similar to those from the natural environment. Significant differences have been noted in the case of the rare earth elements with an apparent preferential incorporation of the light rare earth elements into the plant growing in the chemical residues. (author) 10 refs.; 1 fig.; 2 tabs

A magnetic filter with permanent magnets on the basis of rare earths

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Žežulka, Václav; Straka, Pavel; Mucha, Pavel

2004-01-01

Roč. 268, - (2004), s. 219-226 ISSN 0304-8853 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IBS3046004 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z3046908 Keywords : magnetic filtration * rare earth magnets * high gradient magnetic Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.031, year: 2004

Cross-relaxation solid state lasers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Antipenko, B.M.

1989-01-01

Cross-relaxation functional diagrams provide a high quantum efficiency for pumping bands of solid state laser media and a low waste heat. A large number of the cross-relaxation mechanisms for decay rare earth excited states in crystals have been investigated. These investigations have been a starting-point for development of the cross-relaxation solid state lasers. For example, the cross-relaxation interactions, have been used for the laser action development of LiYF 4 :Gd-Tb. These interactions are important elements of the functional diagrams of the 2 μm Ho-doped media sensitized with Er and Tm and the 3 μm Er-doped media. Recently, new efficient 2 μm laser media with cross-relaxation pumping diagrams have been developed. Physical aspects of these media are the subject of this paper. A new concept of the Er-doped medium, sensitized with Yb, is illustrated

Syntheses and characterizations of rare earth doped phospho-silicated apatites: application to nuclear waste confinement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyer, Laurent

1998-01-01

Apatite matrices have been developed for the conditioning of actinides from spent fuels of PWR reactors. Silicated apatites (britholites) containing actinides and lanthanides have been discovered in the natural environment. Synthetic analogues of these britholites can be obtained by solid-solid reaction at high temperature. The compounds of the solid solution of fluorinated britholites are synthesized by the double substitution of (Ca 2+ , PO 4 3- ) by (Ln 3+ , SiO 4 4- ). Trivalent lanthanides are chemical analogues of trivalent actinides. The synthesis was performed with La, Nd and Eu. This study allows to demonstrate that the chemical immobilization comes from the fixation of rare earths at the atomic scale, thanks to their participation to the mineral structure. In part 1, the criteria for the formulation of a matrix for the conditioning of separate radionuclides are given. The structure and the different methods of apatite preparation are shown. Part 2 treats of the study of the solid solution, of the elaboration of the Ca 9 Nd 1 (SiO 4 ) 5 F 2 ceramic and of its physico chemical characterization. The last part deals with the localization of rare earths in the apatite structure, determined by europium luminescence and X-ray diffraction on monocrystal. (J.S.) [fr

Synthesis and study of rare earth complexonates with ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitrofanova, N.D.; Martynenko, L.I.; Kolleganov, M.Yu.

1986-01-01

Solid complexonates with ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid of HMZxnH 2 O and KMLxnH 2 O composition are synthesized for the Y, Sc and rare earths. The compounds were studied by different physicochemical methods. According to data on IR and electron spectroscopy the conclusion is made on-COOH-group coordination in protonated HML complexes. The complexes are X-ray amorphous, they have polymeric structure

Development of the AuScope Australian Earth Observing System

Science.gov (United States)

Rawling, T.

2017-12-01

Advances in monitoring technology and significant investment in new national research initiatives, will provide significant new opportunities for delivery of novel geoscience data streams from across the Australian continent over the next decade. The AuScope Australian Earth Observing System (AEOS) is linking field and laboratory infrastructure across Australia to form a national sensor array focusing on the Solid Earth. As such AuScope is working with these programs to deploy observational infrastructure, including MT, passive seismic, and GNSS networks across the entire Australian Continent. Where possible the observational grid will be co-located with strategic basement drilling in areas of shallow cover and tied with national reflection seismic and sampling transects. This integrated suite of distributed earth observation and imaging sensors will provide unprecedented imaging fidelity of our crust, across all length and time scales, to fundamental and applied researchers in the earth, environmental and geospatial sciences. The AEOS will the Earth Science community's Square Kilometer Array (SKA) - a distributed telescope that looks INTO the earth rather than away from it - a 10 million SKA. The AEOS is strongly aligned with other community strategic initiatives including the UNCOVER research program as well as other National Collaborative Research Infrastructure programs such as the Terrestrial Environmental Research Network (TERN) and the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) providing an interdisciplinary collaboration platform across the earth and environmental sciences. There is also very close alignment between AuScope and similar international programs such as EPOS, the USArray and EarthCube - potential collaborative linkages we are currently in the process of pursuing more fomally. The AuScope AEOS Infrastructure System is ultimately designed to enable the progressive construction, refinement and ongoing enrichment of a live, "FAIR" four

Sintering, microstructure and electrical conductivity of gadolinia-doped ceria with SrO, TiO{sub 2} and SrTiO{sub 3}; Sinterizacao, microestrutura e condutividade eletrica da ceria-gadolinia com adicoes de SrO, TiO{sub 2} e SrTiO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dias, Maria Cely Freitas

2013-07-01

Ceria containing trivalent rare-earths is a solid electrolyte with higher ionic conductivity than the standard yttria fully-stabilized zirconia ionic conductor. This property turns these ceria-based ionic conductors promising materials for application in solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures (500-700 deg C). One of the most utilized approaches to optimize the electrical conductivity and other properties of these materials is the introduction of a second additive. In this work, ceria-20 mol% gadolinia with additions of 1, 2.5 and 5 mol% of SrO, TiO{sub 2} and SrTiO{sub 3} as co-additives were prepared by solid state reaction. The main purpose was to investigate the effects of the co-additives on densification, microstructure and electrical conductivity of the solid electrolyte. Sintered pellets were characterized by apparent density, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electrical conductivity by impedance spectroscopy. The additives were found to exert different influences in all studied properties. The way they influence the solid electrolyte properties depends on the type and content of the additive. SrO addition to doped ceria improves the intergranular conductivity, but decreases the apparent density of the pellets. Increase of densification was obtained with TiO{sub 2} addition. This additive promotes increase of the blocking of charge carriers at the grain boundaries due to solute exsolution and formation of the pyrochlore Gd{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} phase at grain boundaries for contents in excess of the solubility limit. No influence on densification was found for SrTiO{sub 3} additions. (author)

Space Geodesy: The Cross-Disciplinary Earth science (Vening Meinesz Medal Lecture)

Science.gov (United States)

Shum, C. K.

2012-04-01

Geodesy during the onset of the 21st Century is evolving into a transformative cross-disciplinary Earth science field. The pioneers before or after the discipline Geodesy was defined include Galileo, Descartes, Kepler, Newton, Euler, Bernoulli, Kant, Laplace, Airy, Kelvin, Jeffreys, Chandler, Meinesz, Kaula, and others. The complicated dynamic processes of the Earth system manifested by interactions between the solid Earth and its fluid layers, including ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere and hydrosphere, and their feedbacks are linked with scientific problems such as global sea-level rise resulting from natural and anthropogenic climate change. Advances in the precision and stability of geodetic and fundamental instrumentations, including clocks, satellite or quasar tracking sensors, altimetry and lidars, synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR), InSAR altimetry, gravimetry and gradiometry, have enabled accentuate and transformative progress in cross-disciplinary Earth sciences. In particular, advances in the measurement of the gravity with modern free-fall methods have reached accuracies of 10-9 g (~1 μGal or 10 nm/s2) or better, allowing accurate measurements of height changes at ~3 mm relative to the Earth's center of mass, and mass transports within the Earth interior or its geophysical fluids, enabling global quantifications of climate-change signals. These contemporary space geodetic and in situ sensors include, but not limited to, satellite radar and laser altimetry/lidars, GNSS/SLR/VLBI/DORIS, InSAR, spaceborne gravimetry from GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment twin-satellite mission) and gradiometry from GOCE (Global Ocean Circulation Experiment), tide gauges, and hydrographic data (XBT/MBT/Argo). The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) study, the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), substantially narrowed the discrepancy between observation and the known geophysical causes of sea-level rise, but significant uncertainties

Rare earth elements and oxides in liquid phase epitaxy

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Procházková, Olga; Grym, Jan; Zavadil, Jiří; Kopecká, M.

2006-01-01

Roč. 100, č. 8 (2006), s. 640-- ISSN 0009-2770. [Sjezd chemických společností /58./. Ústí nad Labem, 04.09.2006-08.09.2006] R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA102/06/0153 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20670512 Keywords : semiconductor technology * rare earth metals Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.431, year: 2006

Rare earth element recycling from waste nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiuli; Zhang, Junwei; Fang, Xihui

2014-08-30

With an increase in number of waste nickel-metal hydride batteries, and because of the importance of rare earth elements, the recycling of rare earth elements is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we investigate the effects of temperature, hydrochloric acid concentration, and leaching time to optimize leaching conditions and determine leach kinetics. The results indicate that an increase in temperature, hydrochloric acid concentration, and leaching time enhance the leaching rate of rare earth elements. A maximum rare earth elements recovery of 95.16% was achieved at optimal leaching conditions of 70°C, solid/liquid ratio of 1:10, 20% hydrochloric acid concentration, -74μm particle size, and 100min leaching time. The experimental data were best fitted by a chemical reaction-controlled model. The activation energy was 43.98kJ/mol and the reaction order for hydrochloric acid concentration was 0.64. The kinetic equation for the leaching process was found to be: 1-(1-x)(1/3)=A/ρr0[HCl](0.64)exp-439,8008.314Tt. After leaching and filtration, by adding saturated oxalic solution to the filtrate, rare earth element oxalates were obtained. After removing impurities by adding ammonia, filtering, washing with dilute hydrochloric acid, and calcining at 810°C, a final product of 99% pure rare earth oxides was obtained. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extraction studies on rare earths using dinonyl phenyl phosphoric acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anitha, M.; Singh, D.K.; Kotekar, M.K.; Vijayalakshmi, R.; Singh, H.

2011-01-01

Rare earths are widely used in phosphor materials, magnetic substances, alloys, catalyst, lasers, superconductors, solid oxide fuel cells and in nuclear applications. The high value of these elements depends on their effective separation into high purity compounds. The separation into individual rare earths is very difficult to achieve, due to the very low separation factors between two adjacent rare earths arising due to similar chemical properties. Taking the advantage of variation in basicity, the separation is generally accomplished by solvent extraction or ion exchange. There are several references on the separation of rare earth in different media employing various types of extractants such as 2-ethylhexyl 2-ethyhexylphosphonic acid (EHEHPA) and di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) which have been widely used for the separation and purification of rare earths. Dinonyl phenyl phosphoric acid (DNPPA) is an organo phosphorus extractant (pKa = 2.54) and is an aromatic analogue of D2EHPA, which extracts metal ion by cation exchange mechanism. DNPPA was explored to recover rare earths from phosphate media such as wet process phosphoric acid and merchant grade acid. However, there is no information available in literature on DNPPA for RE extraction from chloride medium. Therefore, an attempt has been made in the present study to investigate the feasibility of using DNPPA for extraction of La(III), Dy(III) and Y(III) from chloride medium

Earth mortars and earth-lime renders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria Fernandes

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Earth surface coatings play a decorative architectural role, apart from their function as wall protection. In Portuguese vernacular architecture, earth mortars were usually applied on stone masonry, while earth renders and plasters were used on indoors surface coatings. Limestone exists only in certain areas of the country and consequently lime was not easily available everywhere, especially on granite and schist regions where stone masonry was a current building technique. In the central west coast of Portugal, the lime slaking procedure entailed slaking the quicklime mixed with earth (sandy soil, in a pit; the resulting mixture would then be combined in a mortar or plaster. This was also the procedure for manufactured adobes stabilized with lime. Adobe buildings with earth-lime renderings and plasters were also traditional in the same region, using lime putty and lime wash for final coat and decoration. Classic decoration on earth architecture from the 18th-19th century was in many countries a consequence of the François Cointeraux (1740-1830 manuals - Les Cahiers d'Architecture Rurale" (1793 - a French guide for earth architecture and building construction. This manual arrived to Portugal in the beginning of XIX century, but was never translated to Portuguese. References about decoration for earth houses were explained on this manual, as well as procedures about earth-lime renders and ornamentation of earth walls; in fact, these procedures are exactly the same as the ones used in adobe buildings in this Portuguese region. The specific purpose of the present paper is to show some cases of earth mortars, renders and plasters on stone buildings in Portugal and to explain the methods of producing earth-lime renders, and also to show some examples of rendering and coating with earth-lime in Portuguese adobe vernacular architecture.

Kepler-62: a five-planet system with planets of 1.4 and 1.6 Earth radii in the habitable zone.

Science.gov (United States)

Borucki, William J; Agol, Eric; Fressin, Francois; Kaltenegger, Lisa; Rowe, Jason; Isaacson, Howard; Fischer, Debra; Batalha, Natalie; Lissauer, Jack J; Marcy, Geoffrey W; Fabrycky, Daniel; Désert, Jean-Michel; Bryson, Stephen T; Barclay, Thomas; Bastien, Fabienne; Boss, Alan; Brugamyer, Erik; Buchhave, Lars A; Burke, Chris; Caldwell, Douglas A; Carter, Josh; Charbonneau, David; Crepp, Justin R; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jørgen; Christiansen, Jessie L; Ciardi, David; Cochran, William D; DeVore, Edna; Doyle, Laurance; Dupree, Andrea K; Endl, Michael; Everett, Mark E; Ford, Eric B; Fortney, Jonathan; Gautier, Thomas N; Geary, John C; Gould, Alan; Haas, Michael; Henze, Christopher; Howard, Andrew W; Howell, Steve B; Huber, Daniel; Jenkins, Jon M; Kjeldsen, Hans; Kolbl, Rea; Kolodziejczak, Jeffery; Latham, David W; Lee, Brian L; Lopez, Eric; Mullally, Fergal; Orosz, Jerome A; Prsa, Andrej; Quintana, Elisa V; Sanchis-Ojeda, Roberto; Sasselov, Dimitar; Seader, Shawn; Shporer, Avi; Steffen, Jason H; Still, Martin; Tenenbaum, Peter; Thompson, Susan E; Torres, Guillermo; Twicken, Joseph D; Welsh, William F; Winn, Joshua N

2013-05-03

We present the detection of five planets--Kepler-62b, c, d, e, and f--of size 1.31, 0.54, 1.95, 1.61 and 1.41 Earth radii (R⊕), orbiting a K2V star at periods of 5.7, 12.4, 18.2, 122.4, and 267.3 days, respectively. The outermost planets, Kepler-62e and -62f, are super-Earth-size (1.25 R⊕ planet radius ≤ 2.0 R⊕) planets in the habitable zone of their host star, respectively receiving 1.2 ± 0.2 times and 0.41 ± 0.05 times the solar flux at Earth's orbit. Theoretical models of Kepler-62e and -62f for a stellar age of ~7 billion years suggest that both planets could be solid, either with a rocky composition or composed of mostly solid water in their bulk.

Bouncing continents: insights into the physics of the polar regions of the Earth from the POLENET project in the International Polar Year

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reading, Anya M

2008-01-01

When ice sheets melt, and reduce the load on the surface of the Earth, the land areas beneath them bounce back up. New, accurate observations are needed to investigate this uplift and its implications effectively. This article provides a topical starting point for investigating some applications of physics applied to the polar regions of the Earth, and interaction between the solid Earth, ice and oceans

Partition of rare-earths in phosphates laterites from Maicuru, Brazil - PA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lemos, V.P.; Costa, M.L. da.

1987-01-01

The phosphatic laterites of Maicuru-Para are formed of aluminium phosphates, mainly of the crandallite group, followed by wardite, augellite and senegallite. The crandallite group is represented in the form of the solid solution goyazite-florencite-crandallite, in variable proportions. In three samples, the florencite occurs as the predominant member, while in the others crandallite is the main mineral. The unit-cell dimension of florencites, in two samples, measured are the same as those of the florencites from other deposits. The rare earths occur mainly in this mineral group with predominance of the light rare earth elements. This is well observed in the condrite normalized REE patterns. These enrichments are not regular. The geochemical characteristics of the rare earth distribution in the crandallites of Maicuru, leads tho suggest this mineral was formed from distinct lithologies. (author) [pt

Professional Development for Researchers in Solid Earth Science Evolved to Include Scientific and Educational Content

Science.gov (United States)

Eriksson, S. C.; Arrowsmith, R.; Olds, S. E.

2011-12-01

Integrated measures of crustal deformation provide valuable insight about tectonic and human-induced processes for scientists and educators alike. UNAVCO in conjunction with EarthScope initiated a series of short courses for researchers to learn the processing and interpretation of data from new technologies such as high precision GPS, Strainmeter, InSar and LiDAR that provide deformation information relevant to many geoscience sub-disciplines. Intensive short courses of a few days and the widespread availability of processed data through large projects such as EarthScope and GEON enable more geoscientists to incorporate these data into diverse projects. Characteristics of the UNAVCO Short Course Series, reaching over 400 participants since 2005, include having short course faculty who have pioneered development of each technology; open web-access to course materials; processing software installed on class-ready computers; no course fees; scholarships for students, post-doctoral fellows, and emerging faculty when needed; formative evaluation of the courses; community-based decisions on topics; and recruitment of participants across relevant geoscience disciplines. In 2009, when EarthScope airborne LiDAR data became available to the public through OpenTopographhy, teaching materials were provided to these researchers to incorporate the latest technologies into teaching. Multiple data sets across technologies have been developed with instructions on how to access the various data sets and incorporate them into geological problem sets. Courses in GPS, airborne LiDAR, strainmeter, and InSAR concentrate on data processing with examples of various geoscience applications. Ground-based LiDAR courses also include data acquisition. Google Earth is used to integrate various forms of data in educational applications. Various types of EarthScope data can now be used by a variety of geoscientists, and the number of scientists who have the skills and tools to use these various

Earth's core formation due to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ida, S.; Nakagawa, Y.; Nakazawa, K.

1987-01-01

A protoearth accretion stage configuration consisting of an undifferentiated solid core, an intermediate metal-melt layer, and an outer silicate-melt layer, is presently taken as the initial state in an investigation of Rayleigh-Taylor instability-induced core formation. The Ida et al. (to be published) quantitative results on the instability in a self-gravitating fluid sphere are used. The instability is found to occur through the translational mode on a time-scale of about 10 hr, in the case where the metal-melt layer is greater than about 1 km; this implies that the earth's core formed due to the undifferentiated solid core's translation upon the outer layer's melting. Differentiation would then have occurred in the late accretion stage. 17 references

A fluid Foucault pendulum: the impossibility of achieving solid-body rotation on Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Blum, Robert; Zimmerman, Daniel; Triana, Santiago; Lathrop, Daniel

2012-11-01

Rotating fluid dynamics is key to our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and core, along with a plethora of astrophysical objects. Laboratory study of these natural systems often involves spinning experimental devices, which are assumed to tend to rigid rotation when unstirred. We present results showing that even at the tabletop scale, there is a measurable oscillatory flow driven by the precession of the experiment's axis as the earth rotates. We measure this flow in a rotating cylinder with an adjustable aspect ratio. The horizontal flow in the rotating frame is measured using particle tracking. The steady state is well-described by an inertial mode whose amplitude is maximum when the height to diameter ratio is 0.995, which matches theoretical predictions. We also quantify the resonant amplitude of the inertial mode in the cylinder and estimate the amplitude in other devices. We compare our results to similar studies done in spherical devices. [Triana et al., JGR, 117 (2012), B04103][Boisson et al., EPL, 98 (2012), 59002].

A divalent rare earth oxide semiconductor: Yttrium monoxide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaminaga, Kenichi; Sei, Ryosuke [Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033 (Japan); Department of Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); Hayashi, Kouichi [Department of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555 (Japan); Happo, Naohisa [School of Information Sciences, Hiroshima City University, Hiroshima 731-3194 (Japan); Tajiri, Hiroo [Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)/SPring-8, Sayo 679-5198 (Japan); Oka, Daichi; Fukumura, Tomoteru, E-mail: tomoteru.fukumura.e4@tohoku.ac.jp [Department of Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan); Hasegawa, Tetsuya [Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033 (Japan)

2016-03-21

Rare earth oxides are usually widegap insulators like Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} with closed shell trivalent rare earth ions. In this study, solid phase rock salt structure yttrium monoxide, YO, with unusual valence of Y{sup 2+} (4d{sup 1}) was synthesized in a form of epitaxial thin film by pulsed laser deposition method. YO has been recognized as gaseous phase in previous studies. In contrast with Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, YO was dark-brown colored and narrow gap semiconductor. The tunable electrical conductivity ranging from 10{sup −1} to 10{sup 3} Ω{sup −1 }cm{sup −1} was attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies serving as electron donor. Weak antilocalization behavior observed in magnetoresistance indicated significant role of spin-orbit coupling as a manifestation of 4d electron carrier.

GIS Analysis in the Siting of Incinerators as a Panacea for Solid Waste

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Sanda Dogara & Auwal Abdul

which can reduce the cost of solid waste disposal as well as pollution and ... The fast tracking development in Kaduna metropolis is surpassing .... System (GPS) and images from Google Earth was used to depict ... vehicle to drive in and out.

Variable valence of praseodymium in rare-earth oxide solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kravchinskaya, M.V.; Merezhinskii, K.Y.; Tikhonov, P.A.

1986-01-01

Solid solutions of elevated praseodymium oxide content have interesting electrical properties, making them the basis for the manufacture of high-temperature electrically conducting materials. Establishment of the composition-structure-valence state relationships enables control of the material properties. The authors performed investigations using a thermogravimetric apparatus with an electronic microbalance of type EM-5-3M, and using x-ray phase analysis of powders (DRON-1 diffractometer, CuK /SUB alpha/ -radiation). The authors also studied the kinetics of praseodymium oxidation with a thermogravimetric apparatus under isothermal conditions. Evaluation of the results with the equation of Kolmogorov, Erofeev, and Avraam indicates that the process is limited by the chemical oxidation of praseodymium and not by diffusion

Earth Construction and Landfill Disposal Options for Slaker Grits

OpenAIRE

Risto Pöykiö; G. Watkins; H. Nurmesniemi and O. Dahl

2010-01-01

Slaker grits, an industrial residue originating from the chemical recovery process at sulfate (kraft) pulp mills, are typically disposed of to landfill in Finland. However, due to the relatively low total heavy metal and low leachable heavy metal, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, Dissolved O rganic Carbon (DOC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations, the residue is a potential earth construction material. This paper gives an overview of the relevant Finnish legislation on the use of indu...

First-principles study on cubic pyrochlore iridates Y2Ir2O7 and Pr2Ir2O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishii, Fumiyuki; Mizuta, Yo Pierre; Kato, Takehiro; Ozaki, Taisuke; Weng Hongming; Onoda, Shigeki

2015-01-01

Fully relativistic first-principles electronic structure calculations based on a noncollinear local spin density approximation (LSDA) are performed for pyrochlore iridates Y 2 Ir 2 O 7 and Pr 2 Ir 2 O 7 . The all-in, all-out antiferromagnetic (AF) order is stablized by the on-site Coulomb repulsion U > U c in the LSDA+U scheme, with U c ∼ 1.1 eV and 1.3 eV for Y 2 Ir 2 O 7 and Pr 2 Ir 2 O 7 , respectively. AF semimetals with and without Weyl points and then a topologically trivial AF insulator successively appear with further increasing U. For U = 1.3 eV, Y 2 Ir 2 O 7 is a topologically trivial narrow-gap AF insulator having an ordered local magnetic moment ∼0.5μ B /Ir, while Pr 2 Ir 2 O 7 is barely a paramagnetic semimetal with electron and hole concentrations of 0.016/Ir, in overall agreements with experiments. With decreasing oxygen position parameter x describing the trigonal compression of IrO 6 octahedra, Pr 2 Ir 2 O 7 is driven through a non-Fermi-liquid semimetal having only an isolated Fermi point of Γ 8 + , showing a quadratic band touching, to a Z 2 topological insulator. (author)

Nanometric solid solutions of the fluorite and perovskite type crystal structures: Synthesis and properties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Snežana Bošković

2012-09-01

Full Text Available In this paper a short review of our results on the synthesis of nanosized CeO2, CaMnO3 and BaCeO3 solid solutions are presented. The nanopowders were prepared by two innovative methods: self propagating room temperature synthesis (SPRT and modified glycine/nitrate procedure (MGNP. Different types of solid solutions with rare earth dopants in concentrations ranging from 0–0.25 mol% were synthesized. The reactions forming solid solutions were studied. In addition, the characteristics of prepared nanopowders, phenomena during sintering and the properties of sintered samples are discussed.

Rapid formation of gas giants, ice giants and super-Earths

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boss, A P [DTM, Carnegie Institution of Washington, 5241 Broad Branch Road, NW, Washington, DC 20015 (United States)], E-mail: boss@dtm.ciw.edu

2008-08-15

Giant planets might have been formed by either of the two basic mechanisms, top-down (disk instability) or bottom-up (core accretion). The latter mechanism is the most generally accepted mechanism and it begins with the collisional accumulation of solid cores that may then accrete sufficient gas to become gas giants. The former mechanism is more heretical and begins with the gravitational instability of the protoplanetary disk gas, leading to the formation of self-gravitating protoplanets, within which the dust settles to form a solid core. The disk instability mechanism has been thought of primarily as a mechanism for the formation of gas giants, but if it occurs in a disk that is being photoevaporated by the ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars, then the outer gaseous protoplanets can be photoevaporated as well and stripped of their gaseous envelopes. The result would then be ice giants (cold super-Earths), such as the objects discovered recently by microlensing orbiting two presumed M dwarf stars. M dwarfs that form in regions of future high-mass star formation would be expected to produce cold super-Earths orbiting at distances of several astronomical units (AU) and beyond, while M dwarfs that form in regions of low-mass star formation would be expected to have gas giants at those distances. Given that most stars are born in the former rather than in the latter regions, M dwarfs should have significantly more super-Earths than gas giants on orbits of several AU or more.

Rapid formation of gas giants, ice giants and super-Earths

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boss, A P

2008-01-01

Giant planets might have been formed by either of the two basic mechanisms, top-down (disk instability) or bottom-up (core accretion). The latter mechanism is the most generally accepted mechanism and it begins with the collisional accumulation of solid cores that may then accrete sufficient gas to become gas giants. The former mechanism is more heretical and begins with the gravitational instability of the protoplanetary disk gas, leading to the formation of self-gravitating protoplanets, within which the dust settles to form a solid core. The disk instability mechanism has been thought of primarily as a mechanism for the formation of gas giants, but if it occurs in a disk that is being photoevaporated by the ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars, then the outer gaseous protoplanets can be photoevaporated as well and stripped of their gaseous envelopes. The result would then be ice giants (cold super-Earths), such as the objects discovered recently by microlensing orbiting two presumed M dwarf stars. M dwarfs that form in regions of future high-mass star formation would be expected to produce cold super-Earths orbiting at distances of several astronomical units (AU) and beyond, while M dwarfs that form in regions of low-mass star formation would be expected to have gas giants at those distances. Given that most stars are born in the former rather than in the latter regions, M dwarfs should have significantly more super-Earths than gas giants on orbits of several AU or more

Influence of mantle anelasticity on the phase and amplitude of earth tides

Science.gov (United States)

Bodri, B.; Pedersen, G. P. H.

1980-05-01

The effect of the anelasticity of the mantle on the phase and amplitude of earth tides is calculated for recent models of the internal structure of the earth and its rheological characteristics. The anelastic properties of the mantle are modeled by the Maxwell and Knopoff-Lomnitz rheological bodies. For numerical calculations two different methods of solution are used. Results indicate that the effect of mantle anelasticity on tidal amplitudes is practically zero. For both types of rheological models the phase shifts of the functions characterizing solid tides are small, none of them exceeding values of some minutes of arc. These phase shifts have a very weak dependence on the variation of attenuation and viscosity within the mantle. The present study is closely related to an important problem: what proportion of the observed tidal friction arises not in the ocean but is due to the anelasticity of the mantle. The results suggest that dissipation by solid friction at present is an insignificant, almost negligible component of tidal energy sink.

Crystal field parameters with Wannier functions: application to rare-earth aluminates

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Novák, Pavel; Knížek, Karel; Kuneš, Jan

2013-01-01

Roč. 87, č. 20 (2013), "205139-1"-"205139-7" ISSN 1098-0121 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP204/11/0713 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : crystal-field * rare earths * Wannier functions Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 3.664, year: 2013 http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.205139

Radiation-induced reactions in D, L-α-alanine adsorbed in solid surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aguilar, E; Negrón-Mendoza, A.; Camargo, C.

2013-01-01

The aim of this work is to study the behavior under irradiation of D, L and D-L α-alanine adsorbed in solid surfaces, as possible phase in the chemical evolution that may have occurred on the primitive Earth or in extraterrestrial environments and to evaluate the contribution of solids (a clay mineral) as shields for the adsorbed amino acids against a external energy source. The results show that α-alanine is adsorbed in the surfaces as function of pH and its yield of decomposition in mineral suspension is lower than the system without the solid surface. These results show the importance of nuclear techniques in these types of studies. (author)

The Contribution of GGOS to Understanding Dynamic Earth Processes

Science.gov (United States)

Gross, Richard

2017-04-01

Geodesy is the science of the Earth's shape, size, gravity and rotation, including their evolution in time. Geodetic observations play a major role in the solid Earth sciences because they are fundamental for the understanding and modeling of Earth system processes. Changes in the Earth's shape, its gravitational field, and its rotation are caused by external forces acting on the Earth system and internal processes involving mass transfer and exchange of angular and linear momentum. Thus, variations in these geodetic quantities of the Earth reflect and constrain mechanical and thermo-dynamic processes in the Earth system. Mitigating the impact on human life and property of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, debris flows, landslides, land subsidence, sea level change, tsunamis, floods, storm surges, hurricanes and extreme weather is an important scientific task to which geodetic observations make fundamental contributions. Geodetic observations can be used to monitor the pre-eruptive deformation of volcanoes and the pre-seismic deformation of earthquake fault zones, aiding in the issuance of volcanic eruption and earthquake warnings. They can also be used to rapidly estimate earthquake fault motion, aiding in the modeling of tsunami genesis and the issuance of tsunami warnings. Geodetic observations are also used in other areas of the Earth sciences, not just the solid Earth sciences. For example, geodesy contributes to atmospheric science by supporting both observation and prediction of the weather by geo-referencing meteorological observing data and by globally tracking change in stratospheric mass and lower tropospheric water vapor fields. Geodetic measurements of refraction profiles derived from satellite occultation data are routinely assimilated into numerical weather prediction models. Geodesy contributes to hydrologic studies by providing a unique global reference system for measurements of: sub-seasonal, seasonal and secular movements

Rare-earth-doped materials with application to optical signal processing, quantum information science, and medical imaging technology

Science.gov (United States)

Cone, R. L.; Thiel, C. W.; Sun, Y.; Böttger, Thomas; Macfarlane, R. M.

2012-02-01

Unique spectroscopic properties of isolated rare earth ions in solids offer optical linewidths rivaling those of trapped single atoms and enable a variety of recent applications. We design rare-earth-doped crystals, ceramics, and fibers with persistent or transient "spectral hole" recording properties for applications including high-bandwidth optical signal processing where light and our solids replace the high-bandwidth portion of the electronics; quantum cryptography and information science including the goal of storage and recall of single photons; and medical imaging technology for the 700-900 nm therapeutic window. Ease of optically manipulating rare-earth ions in solids enables capturing complex spectral information in 105 to 108 frequency bins. Combining spatial holography and spectral hole burning provides a capability for processing high-bandwidth RF and optical signals with sub-MHz spectral resolution and bandwidths of tens to hundreds of GHz for applications including range-Doppler radar and high bandwidth RF spectral analysis. Simply stated, one can think of these crystals as holographic recording media capable of distinguishing up to 108 different colors. Ultra-narrow spectral holes also serve as a vibration-insensitive sub-kHz frequency reference for laser frequency stabilization to a part in 1013 over tens of milliseconds. The unusual properties and applications of spectral hole burning of rare earth ions in optical materials are reviewed. Experimental results on the promising Tm3+:LiNbO3 material system are presented and discussed for medical imaging applications. Finally, a new application of these materials as dynamic optical filters for laser noise suppression is discussed along with experimental demonstrations and theoretical modeling of the process.

Stability and anisotropy of (FexNi1-x)2O under high pressure and implications in Earth's and super-Earths' core.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Shengxuan; Wu, Xiang; Qin, Shan

2018-01-10

Oxygen is thought to be an important light element in Earth's core but the amount of oxygen in Earth's core remains elusive. In addition, iron-rich iron oxides are of great interest and significance in the field of geoscience and condensed matter physics. Here, static calculations based on density functional theory demonstrate that I4/mmm-Fe 2 O is dynamically and mechanically stable and becomes energetically favorable with respect to the assemblage of hcp-Fe and [Formula: see text]-FeO above 270 GPa, which indicates that I4/mmm-Fe 2 O can be a strong candidate phase for stable iron-rich iron oxides at high pressure, perhaps even at high temperature. The elasticity and anisotropy of I4/mmm-(Fe x Ni 1-x ) 2 O at high pressures are also determined. Based on these results, we have derived the upper limit of oxygen to be 4.3 wt% in Earth's lower outer core. On the other hand, I4/mmm-(Fe x Ni 1-x ) 2 O with high AV S is likely to exist in a super-Earth's or an ocean planet's solid core causing the locally seismic heterogeneity. Our results not only give some clues to explore and synthesize novel iron-rich iron oxides but also shed light on the fundamental information of oxygen in the planetary core.

Oxygen potentials of transuranium oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haruyoshi Otobe; Mituso Akabori; Arai Yasuo; Kazuo Minato

2008-01-01

The oxygen potentials of pyrochlore-type Pu 2 Zr 2 O 7+y , fluorite-type (Pu 0.5 Zr 0.5 )O 2-x and AmO 2-x have been measured by the electromotive force (EMF) method with a zirconia solid-electrolyte. The oxygen potentials of these oxides were reviewed. The phase relations, microstructure, equilibrium state of these oxides were discussed, referring to the isothermal curve of the oxygen potentials. (authors)

Sediments Of The Moon And Earth As End-Members For Comparative Planetology

Science.gov (United States)

Basu, Abhijit; Molinaroli, Emanuela

Processes of production, transport, deposition, lithification, and preservation of sediments of the Moon and Earth are extremely different. The differences arise primarily from the dissimilarity in the origins and sizes of the Moon and Earth. The consequence is that the Moon does not have an atmosphere, a hydrosphere (the Moon is totally dry), a biosphere (the Moon is totally life-less), a magnetosphere, and any tectonic force. Pristine rocks on the exposed surface of the Moon are principally anorthositic and basaltic, but those on the Earth are granitic (discounting suboceanic rocks). Sediments on these two bodies probably represent two end-members on rocky planetary bodies. Sediments on other rocky planetary bodies (atmosphere-free Mercury and asteroids, Venus with a thick atmosphere but possibly no water on its surface, and Mars with a currently dry surface sculptured by running water in the past) are intermediate in character. New evidence suggests that characteristics of Martian sediments may be in-between those of the Moon and Earth. For example, impacts generate most Martian sediments as on the Moon, and, Martian sediments are wind-blown to form dunes as on Earth. A comparative understanding of sediments of the Moon and Earth helps us anticipate and interpret the sedimentary record of other planetary bodies. Impact processes, large and small, have produced the sediments of the Moon. Unlike Earth, the surface of the Moon is continuously bombarded by micrometeorites and solar wind. Processes of chemical and mechanical weathering aided by biological activity produce sediments on Earth, fixing a significant amount of carbon in the solid state. Whereas solar wind produces minor chemical changes in lunar sediments, chemical weathering significantly alters and affects the character of Earth sediments. Primarily ballistic and electrostatic forces transport lunar sediments but Earth sediments are transported by air, water, and ice. Whereas Earth sediments accumulate

Effects of dynamic long-period ocean tides on changes in earth's rotation rate

Science.gov (United States)

Nam, Young; Dickman, S. R.

1990-01-01

As a generalization of the zonal response coefficient first introduced by Agnew and Farrell (1978), the zonal response function kappa of the solid earth-ocean system is defined as the ratio, in the frequency domain, of the tidal change in earth's rotation rate to the tide-generating potential. Amplitudes and phases of kappa for the monthly, fortnightly, and nine-day lunar tides are estimated from 2 1/2 years of VLBI UT1 observations, corrected for atmospheric angular momentum effects using NMC wind and pressure series. Using the dynamic ocean tide model of Dickman (1988, 1989), amplitudes and phases of kappa for an elastic earth-ocean system are predicted. The predictions confirm earlier results which found that dynamic effects of the longer-period ocean tides reduce the amplitude of kappa by about 1 percent.

Ellipsometry investigation of perovskite/pyrochlore PZT thin film stacks

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Deineka, Alexander; Glinchuk, M. D.; Jastrabík, Lubomír; Suchaneck, G.; Gerlach, G.

2001-01-01

Roč. 258, - (2001), s. 271-276 ISSN 0015-0193 R&D Projects: GA MŠk LN00A015; GA ČR GA202/00/1425 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z1010914 Keywords : ferroelectric film * depth profile * interface Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.471, year: 2001

Investigation of the evaporation of rare earth chlorides in a LiCl-KCl molten salt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sung Bin Park; Dong Wook Cho; Moon Sik Woo; Sung Chan Hwang; Young Ho Kang; Jeong Guk Kim; Hansoo Lee

2011-01-01

Uranium dendrites which were deposited at a solid cathode of an electrorefiner contained a certain amount of salts. These salts should be removed for the recovery of pure metal using a cathode processor. In the uranium deposits from the electrorefining process, there are actinide chlorides and rare earth chlorides in addition to uranium chloride in the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. The evaporation behaviors of the actinides and rare earth chlorides in the salts should be investigated for the removal of salts in the deposits. Experiments on the salt evaporation of rare earth chlorides in a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt were carried out. Though the vapor pressures of the rare earth chlorides were lower than those of the LiCl and KCl, the rare earth chlorides were co-evaporized with the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. The Hertz-Langmuir relation was applied for this evaporation, and also the evaporation rates of the salt were obtained. The co-evaporation of the rare earth chlorides and LiCl-KCl eutectic were also discussed. (author)

Niobium-Thorium-Strontium-Rare Earth Element Mineralogy and Preliminary Sulphur Isotope Geochemistry of the Eaglet Property, East-Central British Columbia (NTS 093A/10W)

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Hora, Z. D.; Langrová, Anna; Pivec, Edvín; Žák, Karel

2010-01-01

Roč. 2009, č. 1 (2010), s. 93-96 ISSN 0381-243X Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z30130516 Keywords : fluorite * celestite * pyrochlore * thorite * titanbetafite * bastnaesite * sulphur isotopes * Eaglet deposit * MINFILE 093A46 Subject RIV: DD - Geochemistry http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geoscience/PublicationsCatalogue/Fieldwork/Documents/2009/08_Hora_2009.pdf

1H and 23Na MAS NMR spectroscopy of cationic species in CO2 selective alkaline earth metal porous silicoaluminophosphates prepared via liquid and solid state ion exchange

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arévalo-Hidalgo, Ana G.; Dugar, Sneha; Fu, Riqiang; Hernández-Maldonado, Arturo J.

2012-01-01

The location of extraframework cations in Sr 2+ and Ba 2+ ion-exchanged SAPO-34 was estimated by means of 1 H and 23 Na MAS NMR spectroscopy and spectral deconvolution. Incorporation of the alkaline earth metal cations onto the SAPO framework was achieved via liquid state ion exchange, coupled partial detemplation/solid-state ion exchange, and combination of both techniques. MAS NMR revealed that the level of ion exchange was limited by the presence of protons and sodium cations near hexagonal prisms (site SI), which are relatively difficult to exchange with the alkaline earth metal due to steric and charge repulsion criteria. In addition, the presence of ammonium cations in the supercages facilitated the exchange of otherwise tenacious hydrogen as corroborated by unit cell compositional data as well as enhanced CO 2 adsorption at low partial pressures. The extraframework ammonium species were produced from partial detemplation of the structure-directing agent employed for the SAPO-34 synthesis, tetraethylammonium. - Graphical abstract: MAS NMR was used to elucidate the position the cationic species in alkaline earth metal exchanged silicoaluminophosphates. These species played a significant role during the ion exchange process and, therefore, the materials ultimate CO 2 adsorption performance. Highlights: ► Location of extraframework Sr 2+ or Ba 2+ cations was estimated by means of 1 H and 23 Na MAS NMR. ► Level of Sr 2+ or Ba 2+ ion exchange was limited by the presence of protons and sodium cations. ► Presence of ammonium cations in the supercages facilitated the exchange. ► Sr 2+ and Ba 2+ ion exchanged SAPOs are outstanding CO 2 adsorbents.

Elaboration of building materials from industrial waste from solid granular diatomaceous earth; Elaboracion de material de construccion a partir de residuos industriales solidos granulares procedentes de tierras diatomaceas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Del Angel S, A.

2015-07-01

In this work the initial characterization of granular solid industrial waste from diatomaceous earth was carried out using techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction. In a second stage leaching of the material was undertaken to the US Patent Number 5, 376,000 and 5, 356,601 obtaining the samples M1-S ph 2, M1-L ph, M1-S ph 10 and M1-L ph 10. In the third stage a new characterization of the samples obtained with the techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was performed, the latter in order to determine the efficiency percentage of the leaching process. In the fourth stage the specimens for performing mechanical, physical and chemical tests were manufactured, using molds as PVC pipes of 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches in length, with a composition of 50% of diatomaceous earth and 50% of cement produced in each. Finally, in the fifth stage mechanical testing (compression resistance), physical (moisture absorption rate) and chemical (composition and structure of the material) are performed. In the last stage, when conducting mechanical testing with the test specimens, the presence of bubbles enclosed in each obtaining erroneous results noted, so it was necessary to develop the specimens again, obtaining in this occasion concentrations of 20:80, 40:60, 60:40 and 80:20 of diatomaceous earth with the cement. These results were analyzed to determine if the used material is suitable for the production of building materials such as bricks or partitions, being demonstrated by the tests carried out if they are eligible. (Author)

Pseudo-Goldstone Magnons in the Frustrated S=3/2 Heisenberg Helimagnet ZnCr_{2}Se_{4} with a Pyrochlore Magnetic Sublattice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Y. V. Tymoshenko

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Low-energy spin excitations in any long-range ordered magnetic system in the absence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy are gapless Goldstone modes emanating from the ordering wave vectors. In helimagnets, these modes hybridize into the so-called helimagnon excitations. Here we employ neutron spectroscopy supported by theoretical calculations to investigate the magnetic excitation spectrum of the isotropic Heisenberg helimagnet ZnCr_{2}Se_{4} with a cubic spinel structure, in which spin-3/2 magnetic Cr^{3+} ions are arranged in a geometrically frustrated pyrochlore sublattice. Apart from the conventional Goldstone mode emanating from the (0 0 q_{h} ordering vector, low-energy magnetic excitations in the single-domain proper-screw spiral phase show soft helimagnon modes with a small energy gap of ∼0.17  meV, emerging from two orthogonal wave vectors (q_{h} 0 0 and (0 q_{h} 0 where no magnetic Bragg peaks are present. We term them pseudo-Goldstone magnons, as they appear gapless within linear spin-wave theory and only acquire a finite gap due to higher-order quantum-fluctuation corrections. Our results are likely universal for a broad class of symmetric helimagnets, opening up a new way of studying weak magnon-magnon interactions with accessible spectroscopic methods.

Preparation, optical, and photocatalytic studies of defect pyrochlores: KCr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6} and A{sub x}Cr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6}{center_dot}nH{sub 2}O

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ravi, G.; Veldurthi, Naveen Kumar [Osmania University, Department of Chemistry (India); Prasad, Muvva D. [University of Hyderabad, School of Chemistry (India); Muniratnam, N. R. [Centre for Materials Electronics Technology (C-MET) (India); Prasad, G. [Osmania University, Department of Physics (India); Vithal, M., E-mail: mugavithal@gmail.com [Osmania University, Department of Chemistry (India)

2013-09-15

Nano sized defect pyrochlores of compositions KCr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6} and A{sub x}Cr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6}{center_dot}nH{sub 2}O (A = Sn, Ag, Bi, Sm, Eu, and Gd) have been synthesized by sol-gel and ion exchange methods, respectively. These oxides were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectra, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, Raman spectra, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Spontaneous exchange of K{sup +} with A ion is accompanied by insertion of water also into the lattice. KCr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6} and A{sub x}Cr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6}{center_dot}nH{sub 2}O crystallize in cubic lattice and isomorphous with KSbWO{sub 6}. The optical properties of Cr{sup 3+} were investigated. Substitution of K{sup +} by A ion leads to a shift of absorption onset to longer wavelengths marginally. The Raman spectra of all the samples are characteristic of defect pyrochlore system. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue aqueous solution was investigated using these oxides. The results obtained were fitted with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model to study the degradation kinetics. Both Sn{sup 2+} and Bi{sup 3+}-doped KCr{sub 0.33}W{sub 1.67}O{sub 6} exhibit higher photoactivity in the degradation of methylene blue. The structure/composition of the photocatalyst remains the same even after fourth cycle of photodegradation.

The Little Heat Engine: Heat Transfer in Solids, Liquids and Gases

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Robitaille P.-M.

2007-10-01

Full Text Available In this work, an introductory exposition of the laws of thermodynamics and radiative heat transfer is presented while exploring the concepts of the ideal solid, the lattice, and the vibrational, translational, and rotational degrees of freedom. Analysis of heat transfer in this manner helps scientists to recognize that the laws of thermal radiation are strictly applicable only to the ideal solid. On the Earth, such a solid is best represented by either graphite or soot. Indeed, certain forms of graphite can approach perfect absorption over a relatively large frequency range. Nonetheless, in dealing with heat, solids will eventually sublime or melt. Similarly, liquids will give way to the gas phase. That thermal conductivity eventually decreases in the solid signals an inability to further dissipate heat and the coming breakdown of Planck’s law. Ultimately, this breakdown is reflected in the thermal emission of gases. Interestingly, total gaseous emissivity can de- crease with increasing temperature. Consequently, neither solids, liquids, or gases can maintain the behavior predicted by the laws of thermal emission. Since the laws of thermal emission are, in fact, not universal, the extension of these principles to non-solids constitutes a serious overextension of the work of Kirchhoff, Wien, Stefan and Planck.

The focusing effect of P-wave in the Moon's and Earth's low-velocity core. Analytical solution

Science.gov (United States)

Fatyanov, A. G.; Burmin, V. Yu

2018-04-01

The important aspect in the study of the structure of the interiors of planets is the question of the presence and state of core inside them. While for the Earth this task was solved long ago, the question of whether the core of the Moon is in a liquid or solid state up to the present is debatable up to present. If the core of the Moon is liquid, then the velocity of longitudinal waves in it should be lower than in the surrounding mantle. If the core is solid, then most likely, the velocity of longitudinal waves in it is higher than in the mantle. Numerical calculations of the wave field allow us to identify the criteria for drawing conclusions about the state of the lunar core. In this paper we consider the problem of constructing an analytical solution for wave fields in a layered sphere of arbitrary radius. A stable analytic solution is obtained for the wave fields of longitudinal waves in a three-layer sphere. Calculations of the total wave fields and rays for simplified models of the Earth and the Moon with real parameters are presented. The analytical solution and the ray pattern showed that the low-velocity cores of the Earth and the Moon possess the properties of a collecting lens. This leads to the emergence of a wave field focusing area. As a result, focused waves of considerable amplitude appear on the surface of the Earth and the Moon. In the Earth case, they appear before the first PKP-wave arrival. These are so-called "precursors", which continue in the subsequent arrivals of waves. At the same time, for the simplified model of the Earth, the maximum amplitude growth is observed in the 147-degree region. For the Moon model, the maximum amplitude growth is around 180°.

Separation process of heavy rare earth elements from xenotime ore

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sri Sukmajaya; Tri Handini; Wahyu Rachmi Pusparini; Dwi Biyantoro

2016-01-01

Separation process of heavy rare earth elements from xenotime ore had been done. A 100 mesh of xenotime ore was upgrade using water, sodium silicate and oleic acid in pH 9. Mixed of slurry by air blown in room temperature along 30 minutes. The middle of slurry xenotime was be separated, then dried and so added soda caustic, potassium carbonate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. The mix was be homogenized then leached in furnace to 700°C temperature along 4 hours. The frits of leaching product would be leached using 1200 mL volume of water that made oxidation by HCl onto pH 4 by agitated heated in 70°C temperature. The mix was filtered, then solid settled was be dried and then to processed again in water HCl acidified leaching alike before until pH 4 with minimized HCl added least 2 mL. The solid settled filled into 1000 mL of beker glass, added HCl viscous in 300 mL volume, hydrogen peroxide and BaCl_2/Na_2SO_4/Na_2S then heated to 100°C temperature. Let in room temperature then was filtrated. The solid settled as ThSO_4/ThS, RaSO_4/RaS. The filtrate to be settled using 15g (NH_4)_2CO_3 in 100 mL volume of water while mixed until the solution reached pH 2. The solid settled was be dried, then into the filtrate added 10 mL volume of formic acid. The solid settled of filtration was be dried. The solution of filtrate to be settled using (NH_4)_2CO_3 until pH 4. The solid settled was be filtered and dried. The filtrate was be settled using oxalic acid. The analysis of standard of oxide rare earth had been done using XRF Am"2"4"1 source. Result of these process got 100 mesh xenotime upgrade those leached in 700°C along 4 hours used (NH_4)H_2PO_4 so HRE total lifted up from 4.31 to 8.16%. Resulted of HRE oxide yield was 17.76% in pH 2. HRE oxide yield in pH 4 was 38.45%, and HRE oxide yield was 6.38% as oxalic compound, so the total HRE oxide yield was 62.59%. (author)

???????????? SolidWorks/SolidWorks Flow Simulation/SolidWorks Simulation ??? ?????????? ???????? ?? ????????????? ???

OpenAIRE

????????????, ?. ?.; ????????, ?. ?.; ?????, ?. ?.

2012-01-01

? ?????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?? ???????????? ??????????? ????????? SolidWorks/SolidWorks Flow Simulation (COSMOSFloWorks)/SolidWorks Simulation ??? ?????????? ???????? ?? ????????????? ???. ??? ???????? ????????? ???????? ?????????? ?? ?????? ???????? ??????? ? ????????????? ?????? ? ????????????? ????????????? ?????????? ???????????? SolidWorks Flow Simulation (COSMOSFloWorks). ??? ???????????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????? ?? ????????? ??????????? ??????? ?? ??????????? ...

Effect of alkali-earth ions on local structure of the LaAlO3-La0.67A0.33MnO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) diluted solid solutions: 27Al NMR studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Charnaya, E.V.; Cheng Tien; Lee, M.K.; Sun, S.Y.; Chejina, N.V.

2007-01-01

27 Al Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR studies are carried out for diluted alkali-earth metal doped lanthanum manganite solid solutions in the lanthanum aluminate (1-y)LaAlO 3 -yLa 0.67 A 0.33 MnO 3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) with y = 0, 2, 3, and 5 mol %. The spectra depend on the dopant species and show higher substitutional ordering for the Ba containing mixed crystals. Magnetically shifted lines are observed in all solid solutions and attributed to Al in the octahedral oxygen environment near manganese trivalent ions. Nonlinear dependences of their intensity are referred to the manganese-rich cluster formation. An additional MAS NMR line corresponding to aluminium at sites different from the octahedral site in pure LaAlO 3 is observed only in solutions doped with Ba. 3Q MAS NMR revealed that the broadening of this line is governed mainly by quadrupole coupling and allowed calculating the isotropic chemical shift [ru

Solid State nuclear track detector - [Part] III : applications in science and technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lal, Nand

1992-01-01

The present article describes the applications of solid state nuclear track detection techniques in different branches of science (e.g. life sciences, nuclear physics, cosmic ray and solar physics, earth sciences, teaching laboratories) and technology with selected examples from voluminous literature available on the subject. (author). 28 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs

Intraparticle diffusion of rare earths in porous ion exchanger rounding by EDTA solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ling Daren; Xie Weije

1991-01-01

The self-diffusion of rate earth (RE) isotopes in porous cation exchangers with various radii or different pore structures rounding by EDTA solution was studied. The intraparticle effective diffusivity De was calculated by Boyd's method and Kataoka's bi-disperse pore model, and through further calculation the solid phase diffusivity Dg and macropore diffusivity Dp were also obtained. (author)

CLOUDS IN SUPER-EARTH ATMOSPHERES: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CALCULATIONS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mbarek, Rostom; Kempton, Eliza M.-R., E-mail: mbarekro@grinnell.edu, E-mail: kemptone@grinnell.edu [Department of Physics, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112 (United States)

2016-08-20

Recent studies have unequivocally proven the existence of clouds in super-Earth atmospheres. Here we provide a theoretical context for the formation of super-Earth clouds by determining which condensates are likely to form under the assumption of chemical equilibrium. We study super-Earth atmospheres of diverse bulk composition, which are assumed to form by outgassing from a solid core of chondritic material, following Schaefer and Fegley. The super-Earth atmospheres that we study arise from planetary cores made up of individual types of chondritic meteorites. They range from highly reducing to oxidizing and have carbon to oxygen (C:O) ratios that are both sub-solar and super-solar, thereby spanning a range of atmospheric composition that is appropriate for low-mass exoplanets. Given the atomic makeup of these atmospheres, we minimize the global Gibbs free energy of formation for over 550 gases and condensates to obtain the molecular composition of the atmospheres over a temperature range of 350–3000 K. Clouds should form along the temperature–pressure boundaries where the condensed species appear in our calculation. We find that the composition of condensate clouds depends strongly on both the H:O and C:O ratios. For the super-Earth archetype GJ 1214b, KCl and ZnS are the primary cloud-forming condensates at solar composition, in agreement with previous work. However, for oxidizing atmospheres, K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and ZnO condensates are favored instead, and for carbon-rich atmospheres with super-solar C:O ratios, graphite clouds appear. For even hotter planets, clouds form from a wide variety of rock-forming and metallic species.

On the formation and structural properties of hexagonal rare earth (Y, Gd, Dy, Er and Yb) disilicide thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geenen, F.A., E-mail: Filip.Geenen@UGent.be [Department of Solid-State Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent (Belgium); Knaepen, W. [Department of Solid-State Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent (Belgium); Demeulemeester, J. [Instituut voor Kern- en Stralingsfysica, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven (Belgium); De Keyser, K. [Department of Solid-State Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent (Belgium); Jordan-Sweet, J.L.; Lavoie, C. [IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY (United States); Vantomme, A. [Instituut voor Kern- en Stralingsfysica, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven (Belgium); Detavernier, C. [Department of Solid-State Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent (Belgium)

2014-10-25

Highlights: • Solid-state reaction is studied of a several rare earth thin films with Si substrates. • h-GdSi{sub 1.7} grains have an epitaxial texture on both Si 1 0 0 and Si 1 1 1. • Formation temperature of h-RESi{sub 1.7} correlates with lattice parameter of the h-phase. - Abstract: A systematic study was performed of the solid state reaction between a 100 nm thick layer of a rare earth metal and a Si substrate. The solid state reaction of five different rare earth metals (yttrium, gadolinium, dysprosium, erbium and ytterbium) were studied by in situ X-ray diffraction measurements on Si(1 0 0), Si(1 1 1) and poly-Si. This allowed us to make a comparison between the different systems. The formation temperature of h-RESi{sub 1.7} are the highest on Si(1 1 1) and the lowest on poly-Si for all examined RE metals. Additionally, the texture of the Gd disilicide phase on Si(1 0 0) and Si(1 1 1) was investigated by means of ex situ pole figure measurements. The epitaxial relationship of hexagonal GdSi{sub 1.7} and orthorhombic GdSi{sub 2} on the different Si substrates is determined. The epitaxial growth is the strongest on Si(1 1 1)

Precious metals and rare earth elements in municipal solid waste – Sources and fate in a Swiss incineration plant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morf, Leo S., E-mail: leo.morf@bd.zh.ch [Baudirektion Kanton Zürich, Amt für Abfall, Wasser, Energie und Luft, Zurich (Switzerland); Gloor, Rolf; Haag, Olaf [Bachema AG, Schlieren (Switzerland); Haupt, Melanie [Zentrum für nachhaltige Abfall-und Ressourcennutzung ZAR, Hinwil (Switzerland); Skutan, Stefan [Bachema AG, Schlieren (Switzerland); Lorenzo, Fabian Di; Böni, Daniel [Zentrum für nachhaltige Abfall-und Ressourcennutzung ZAR, Hinwil (Switzerland)

2013-03-15

Highlights: ► We carefully addressed all the very valuable comments and suggestions of the reviewers. ► We also have shortened the size of the paper and tried simplify it substantially, as requested by the reviewers (introduction 25% reduced!). ► We have decided to take the chance and have replaced the data for the “additional” elements (Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Sn, Cr, Ni, Fe, Al) of the earlier MFA (Morf, 2011) with data that belong to the samples of this study. ► We are convinced that with the revision the paper has significantly improved in quality and attractiveness. - Abstract: In Switzerland many kinds of waste, e.g. paper, metals, electrical and electronic equipment are separately collected and recycled to a large extent. The residual amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) has to be thermally treated before final disposal. Efforts to recover valuable metals from incineration residues have recently increased. However, the resource potential of critical elements in the waste input (sources) and their partitioning into recyclable fractions and residues (fate) is unknown. Therefore, a substance flow analysis (SFA) for 31 elements including precious metals (Au, Ag), platinum metal group elements (Pt, Rh) and rare earth elements (La, Ce, etc.) has been conducted in a solid waste incinerator (SWI) with a state-of-the-art bottom ash treatment according to the Thermo-Re® concept. The SFA allowed the determination of the element partitioning in the SWI, as well as the elemental composition of the MSW by indirect analysis. The results show that the waste-input contains substantial quantities of precious metals, such as 0.4 ± 0.2 mg/kg Au and 5.3 ± 0.7 mg/kg Ag. Many of the valuable substances, such as Au and Ag are enriched in specific outputs (e.g. non-ferrous metal fractions) and are therefore recoverable. As the precious metal content in MSW is expected to rise due to its increasing application in complex consumer products, the results of this study are

Precious metals and rare earth elements in municipal solid waste – Sources and fate in a Swiss incineration plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morf, Leo S.; Gloor, Rolf; Haag, Olaf; Haupt, Melanie; Skutan, Stefan; Lorenzo, Fabian Di; Böni, Daniel

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► We carefully addressed all the very valuable comments and suggestions of the reviewers. ► We also have shortened the size of the paper and tried simplify it substantially, as requested by the reviewers (introduction 25% reduced!). ► We have decided to take the chance and have replaced the data for the “additional” elements (Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Sn, Cr, Ni, Fe, Al) of the earlier MFA (Morf, 2011) with data that belong to the samples of this study. ► We are convinced that with the revision the paper has significantly improved in quality and attractiveness. - Abstract: In Switzerland many kinds of waste, e.g. paper, metals, electrical and electronic equipment are separately collected and recycled to a large extent. The residual amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) has to be thermally treated before final disposal. Efforts to recover valuable metals from incineration residues have recently increased. However, the resource potential of critical elements in the waste input (sources) and their partitioning into recyclable fractions and residues (fate) is unknown. Therefore, a substance flow analysis (SFA) for 31 elements including precious metals (Au, Ag), platinum metal group elements (Pt, Rh) and rare earth elements (La, Ce, etc.) has been conducted in a solid waste incinerator (SWI) with a state-of-the-art bottom ash treatment according to the Thermo-Re® concept. The SFA allowed the determination of the element partitioning in the SWI, as well as the elemental composition of the MSW by indirect analysis. The results show that the waste-input contains substantial quantities of precious metals, such as 0.4 ± 0.2 mg/kg Au and 5.3 ± 0.7 mg/kg Ag. Many of the valuable substances, such as Au and Ag are enriched in specific outputs (e.g. non-ferrous metal fractions) and are therefore recoverable. As the precious metal content in MSW is expected to rise due to its increasing application in complex consumer products, the results of this study are

Addressing Rare-Earth Element Criticality: An Example from the Aviation Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Ku, Anthony Y.; Dosch, Christopher; Grossman, Theodore R.; Herzog, Joseph L.; Maricocchi, Antonio F.; Polli, Drew; Lipkin, Don M.

2014-11-01

Rare-earth (RE) elements are enablers for a wide range of technologies, including high-strength permanent magnets, energy-efficient lighting, high-temperature thermal barrier coatings, and catalysts. While direct material substitution is difficult in many of these applications because of the specific electronic, optical, or electrochemical properties imparted by the individual rare-earth elements, we describe an example from the aviation industry where supply chain optimization may be an option. Ceramic matrix composite engine components require environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) to protect them from extreme temperatures and adverse reactions with water vapor in the hot gas path. EBC systems based on rare-earth silicates offer a unique combination of environmental resistance, thermal expansion matching, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability across the service temperature window. Several pure rare-earth silicates and solid solutions have been demonstrated in EBC applications. However, all rely on heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs) for phase stability. This article considers the possibility of using separation tailings containing a mixture of HREEs as a source material in lieu of using the high-purity HREE oxides. This option arises because the desired properties of RE-silicate EBCs derive from the average cation size rather than the electronic properties of the individual rare-earth cations. Because separation tailings have not incurred the costs associated with the final stages of separation, they offer an economical alternative to high-purity oxides for this emerging application.

Numerical Simulations of Melting-Crystallisation Processes at the Boundaries Between Magma Oceans and Solid Mantle

Science.gov (United States)

Bolrão, D. P.; Rozel, A.; Morison, A.; Labrosse, S.; Tackley, P. J.

2017-12-01

The idea that the Earth had a global magma ocean, mostly created by impacts, core formation, radiogenic and tidal heating, is well accepted nowadays. When this ocean starts to crystallise, if the melt is denser than the solid, a basal magma ocean is created below the solid part. These two magma oceans influence the dynamics and evolution of solid mantle. Near the boundaries, the vertical flow in the solid part creates a topography. If this topography is destroyed by melting/crystallisation processes in a time scale much shorter than the time needed to adjust the topography by viscous relaxation, then matter can cross the boundary. In this case, the boundary is said to be permeable. On the other hand, if this time is longer, matter cannot cross and the boundary is said impermeable. This permeability is defined by a non-dimensional phase change number, φ, introduced by Deguen, 2013. This φ is the ratio of the two timescales mentioned, and defines a permeable boundary when φ « 1, and an impermeable one when φ » 1. To understand the impact of magma oceans on the dynamics of the solid mantle, we use the convection code StagYY, with a 2D spherical annulus geometry, to compute the convection of the solid part. Our results show different convection behaviours depending on the type of boundary chosen. For the permeable case, we investigate the thermo-compositional evolution of the solid domain, explicitly taking into account the compositional evolution of the magma oceans. Reference: Deguen, R. Thermal convection in a spherical shell with melting/freezing at either or both of its boundaries. Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 24, No. 5, p. 669-682, 2013. doi: 10.1007/s12583-013-0364-8

A study on variation in position of an Indian station due to solid earth ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

position of a station and its subsequent influence on the computation and interpretation of time series of coordinates ... signals (such as ocean tide loading and errors in .... moon or full moon. Neap tide is that when the Sun,. Earth, and Moon are aligned in perpendicular line, due to which they form destructive interface and.

Correlations between solid tides and worldwide earthquakes MS ≥ 7.0 since 1900

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Q. H. Xu

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Most studies on the correlations between earthquakes and solid tides mainly concluded the syzygies (i.e. new or full moons of each lunar cycle have more earthquakes than other days in the month. We show a correlation between the aftershock sequence of the ML = 6.3 Christchurch, New Zealand, earthquake and the diurnal solid tide. Ms ≥ 7 earthquakes worldwide since 1900 are more likely to occur during the 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° phases (i.e. earthquake-prone phases of the semidiurnal solid earth tidal curve (M2. Thus, the semidiurnal solid tides triggers earthquakes. However, the long-term triggering effect of the lunar periodicity is uncertain. This proposal is helpful in defining possible origin times of aftershocks several days after a mainshock and can be used for warning of subsequent larger shocks.

Development of novel rare earth doped fluoride and oxide scintillators for two-dimensional imaging

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Yoshikawa, A.; Yanagida, T.; Yokota, Y.; Kamada, K.; Kawaguchi, N.; Fukuda, K.; Yamazaki, A.; Watanabe, K.; Uritani, A.; Iguchi, T.; Boulon, G.; Nikl, Martin

2011-01-01

Roč. 29, č. 12 (2011), s. 1178-1182 ISSN 1002-0721 Grant - others:AV ČR(CZ) M100100910 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100521 Keywords : scintillator * gamma-ray detection * neutron detection * fluoride * Ce * Eu * rare earth Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.901, year: 2011

Fluorine-ion conductivity of different technological forms of solid electrolytes R{sub 1–y}M{sub y}F{sub 3–y} (LaF{sub 3} Type ) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; R Are Rare Earth Elements)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sorokin, N. I., E-mail: nsorokin1@yandex.ru; Sobolev, B. P. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography (Russian Federation)

2016-05-15

We have investigated the conductivity of some representatives of different technological forms of fluoride-conducting solid electrolytes R{sub 1–y}M{sub y}F{sub 3–y} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; R are rare earth elements) with an LaF{sub 3} structure: single crystals, cold- and hot-pressing ceramics based on a charge prepared in different ways (mechanochemical synthesis, solid-phase synthesis, and fragmentation of single crystals), polycrystalline alloys, etc. It is shown (by impedance spectroscopy), that different technological forms of identical chemical composition (R, M, y) exhibit different electrical characteristics. The maximum conductivity is observed for the single-crystal form of R{sub 1–y}M{sub y}F{sub 3–y} tysonite phases, which provides (in contrast to other technological forms) the formation of true volume ion-conducting characteristics.

Multifunctional phenomena in rare-earth intermetallic compounds with a laves phase structure: giant magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Tereshina, I.; Cwik, J.; Tereshina, Evgeniya; Politova, G.; Burkhanov, G.; Chzhan, V.; Ilyushin, A.; Miller, M.; Zaleski, A.; Nenkov, K.; Schultz, L.

2014-01-01

Roč. 50, č. 11 (2014), s. 2504604 ISSN 0018-9464 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : giant magnetostriction * Laves phase structure * magnetic anisotropy * magnetocaloric effect * rare-earth intermetallic Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.386, year: 2014

Rare-earth-metal nitridophosphates through high-pressure metathesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kloss, Simon David; Schnick, Wolfgang

2015-01-01

Developing a synthetic method to target an broad spectrum of unknown phases can lead to fascinating discoveries. The preparation of the first rare-earth-metal nitridophosphate LiNdP_4N_8 is reported. High-pressure solid-state metathesis between LiPN_2 and NdF_3 was employed to yield a highly crystalline product. The in situ formed LiF is believed to act both as the thermodynamic driving force and as a flux to aiding single-crystal formation in dimensions suitable for crystal structure analysis. Magnetic properties stemming from Nd"3"+ ions were measured by SQUID magnetometry. LiNdP_4N_8 serves as a model system for the exploration of rare-earth-metal nitridophosphates that may even be expanded to transition metals. High-pressure metathesis enables the systematic study of these uncharted regions of nitride-based materials with unprecedented properties. (copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

High-temperature, Knudsen cell-mass spectroscopic studies on lanthanum oxide/uranium dioxide solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sunder, S.; McEachern, R.; LeBlanc, J.C.

2001-01-01

Knudsen cell-mass spectroscopic experiments were carried out with lanthanum oxide/uranium oxide solid solutions (1%, 2% and 5% (metal at.% basis)) to assess the volatilization characteristics of rare earths present in irradiated nuclear fuel. The oxidation state of each sample used was conditioned to the 'uranium dioxide stage' by heating in the Knudsen cell under an atmosphere of 10% CO 2 in CO. The mass spectra were analyzed to obtain the vapour pressures of the lanthanum and uranium species. It was found that the vapour pressure of lanthanum oxide follows Henry's law, i.e., its value is directly proportional to its concentration in the solid phase. Also, the vapour pressure of lanthanum oxide over the solid solution, after correction for its concentration in the solid phase, is similar to that of uranium dioxide. (authors)

Electrical transport properties of manganese containing pyrochlore type semiconducting oxides using impedance analyses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sumi, S.; Prabhakar Rao, P.; Mahesh, S.K.; Koshy, Peter

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: DC conductivity variation of CaCe 1−x Mn x SnNbO 7−δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) with inverse of temperature. Variation of conductivity with Mn concentration at 600 °C is shown in the inset. Display Omitted Highlights: ► We have observed that the structural ordering as well as grain size increase with Mn substitution. ► Impedance analysis proved that a correlated barrier hopping type conduction mechanism is involved in the materials. ► Activation energy as well as electrical conductivity increases with increase in Mn substitution. ► Localization of electrons associated with Mn 2+ and structural ordering are the key factors for the increased activation energy with Mn substitution. ► All the materials showed good NTC thermistor properties. -- Abstract: A new series of manganese containing pyrochlore type semiconducting oxides CaCe 1−x Mn x SnNbO 7−δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) have been synthesized to study the effect of Mn substitution on the structure, microstructure and electrical properties of these samples. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed an increase of structural ordering and grain size respectively with increase of Mn substitution. Rietveld analysis and Raman spectroscopy were also employed to corroborate the XRD results. The bulk resistance measurements with temperature exhibit negative temperature coefficient behavior. The impedance analysis of the samples revealed a non-Debye type relaxation existed in the materials. The ac conductivity variation with temperature and frequency indicates a correlated barrier hopping type conduction mechanism in these materials. The barrier height and the intersite separation for hopping influence the electrical conductivity of these samples and are found to be a function of localization of electrons associated with the Mn 2+ ions and the unit cell volume respectively. The Mn substitution increases both electrical conductivity and activation energy

Retrofitting and operation solid radwaste system Dresden Station, Units 2 and 3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Testa, J.; Homer, J.C.

1982-01-01

Units 2 and 3 at Dresden Station are twin 794 MW (net) BWR units that became operational in 1970 and 1971. The waste streams are typical of BWR stations, namely, bead resin and filter sludge (powdered resins and diatomaceous earth), evaporator concentrate containing approximately 25% dissolved solids and dry active waste. The original solid radwaste system utilized cement for solidification in open top 55 gallon drums. Remote handling was provided by means of a monorail with moving platforms supporting the drums. A relatively light-weight compactor was used to compact DAW into 55 gallon drums. Difficulties were experienced with this system

Computational Design of Flat-Band Material

Science.gov (United States)

Hase, I.; Yanagisawa, T.; Kawashima, K.

2018-02-01

Quantum mechanics states that hopping integral between local orbitals makes the energy band dispersive. However, in some special cases, there are bands with no dispersion due to quantum interference. These bands are called as flat band. Many models having flat band have been proposed, and many interesting physical properties are predicted. However, no real compound having flat band has been found yet despite the 25 years of vigorous researches. We have found that some pyrochlore oxides have quasi-flat band just below the Fermi level by first principles calculation. Moreover, their valence bands are well described by a tight-binding model of pyrochlore lattice with isotropic nearest neighbor hopping integral. This model belongs to a class of Mielke model, whose ground state is known to be ferromagnetic with appropriate carrier doping and on-site repulsive Coulomb interaction. We have also performed a spin-polarized band calculation for the hole-doped system from first principles and found that the ground state is ferromagnetic for some doping region. Interestingly, these compounds do not include magnetic element, such as transition metal and rare-earth elements.

Dynamic ocean-tide effects on Earth's rotation

Science.gov (United States)

Dickman, S. R.

1993-01-01

This article develops 'broad-band' Liouville equations which are capable of determining the effects on the rotation of the Earth of a periodic excitation even at frequencies as high as semi-diurnal; these equations are then used to predict the rotational effects of altimetric, numerical and 32-constituent spherical harmonic ocean-tide models. The rotational model includes a frequency-dependent decoupled core, the effects of which are especially marked near retrograde diurnal frequencies; and a fully dynamic oceanic response, whose effects appear to be minor despite significant frequency dependence. The model also includes solid-earth effects which are frequency dependent as the result of both anelasticity at long periods and the fluid-core resonance at nearly diurnal periods. The effects of both tidal inertia and relative angular momentum on Earth rotation (polar motion, length of day, 'nutation' and Universal Time) are presented for 32 long- and short-period ocean tides determined as solutions to the author's spherical harmonic tide theory. The lengthening of the Chandler wobble period by the pole tide is also re-computed using the author's full theory. Additionally, using the spherical harmonic theory, tidal currents and their effects on rotation are determined for available numerical and altimetric tide height models. For all models, we find that the effects of tidal currents are at least as important as those of tide height for diurnal and semi-diurnal constituents.

Atomic interference phenomena in solids with a long-lived spin coherence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuznetsova, Elena; Kocharovskaya, Olga; Hemmer, Philip; Scully, Marlan O.

2002-01-01

We generalize the theory of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and slow group velocity for the case of the homogeneous and inhomogeneous line broadening in both one- and two-photon transitions which unavoidably takes place in solid materials with a long-lived spin coherence. We identify regimes of EIT where the linewidth can be essentially reduced due to inhomogeneous broadening and, moreover, can be proportional to the amplitude of the driving field rather than the intensity. We suggest also a class of solid materials, namely, rare-earth ion doped semiconductors or dielectrics with electricdipole allowed transitions, that is very promising for realization and applications of EIT

Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Solid Residue of El-Sela Ore, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salman, A.A.; Sharaby, C.M.; Elnagar, W.A.; Khawassek, Y.M.; Abdo, Sh.M.

2015-01-01

The study area of Gabal El Sela at Halaib environ is located at about 20 km west of Abu Ramad City, Egypt. An uraniferous ore material associated with REE was subjected to sulphuric acid leaching for extraction of uranium mainly followed by solid liquid separation through filtration then washing. Physical upgrading was performed upon the dry residue. Chemical treatment by 50% NaOH was carried out where about 250 g residue ground at - 200 mesh were agitated at solid / liquid ratio of 1/2 for one hour. The cake was filtered then dri ed at 100 º C . T he dried cake was subject ed to dissolution by conc. HCl at 80 º C at a solid / liquid ratio 1:1 for one hour . More than 98% of REE was leached out , and then the leach liquor was subjected to selective precipitation by HF and oxalic acid then calcination of REE oxalate

Structural vs. intrinsic carriers: contrasting effects of cation chemistry and disorder on ionic conductivity in pyrochlores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perriot, Romain; Uberuaga, Blas P.

2015-01-01

We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the role of cation disorder on oxygen diffusion in Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 (GZO) and Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 (GTO) pyrochlores, a class of complex oxides which contain a structural vacancy relative to the basic fluorite structure. The introduction of disorder has distinct effects depending on the chemistry of the material, increasing the mobility of structural carriers by up to four orders of magnitude in GZO. In contrast, in GTO, there is no mobility at zero or low disorder on the ns timescale, but higher disorder liberates the otherwise immobile carriers, allowing diffusion with rates comparable to GZO for the fully disordered material. Here, we show that the cation disorder enhances the diffusivity by both increasing the concentration of mobile structural carriers and their individual mobility. The disorder also influences the diffusion in materials containing intrinsic carriers, such as additional vacancies VO or oxygen interstitials OI. And while in ordered GZO and GTO the contribution of the intrinsic carriers dominates the overall diffusion of oxygen, OI in GZO contributes along with structural carriers, and the total diffusion rate can be calculated by assuming simple additive contributions from the two sources. Although the disorder in the materials with intrinsic defects usually enhances the diffusivity as in the defect-free case, in low concentrations, cation antisites AB or BA, where A = Gd and B = Zr or Ti, can act as traps for fast intrinsic defects. The trapping results in a lowering of the diffusivity, and causes a non-monotonic behavior of the diffusivity with disorder. Conversely, in the case of slow intrinsic defects, the main effect of the disorder is to liberate the structural carriers, resulting in an increase of the diffusivity regardless of the defect trapping.

Production of rare earth polishing powders in Russia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kosynkin, V.D.; Ivanov, E.N.; Kotrekhov, V.A.; Shtutza, M.G.; Grabko, A.I.

1998-01-01

Full text: Russia is a potent producer of polishing powders made of rare earth material presented as an extensive and well developed base. Considering the reserves, the facilities predisposition and the polishing agent (cerium dioxide) content the chief mineral source is loparite, apatite and monazite. The production of rare earth polishing powders is based on specially developed continuous technological processes, corrosion-proof equipment, ensuring a high and stable production quality. A special attention is paid to the radiation safety of the powders. The initial material for the rare earth polishing powders based on loparite is the fusion cake of rare earth chlorides obtained at that mineral chlorination. The technology of the polishing powder production from the REE fusion cake includes the following stages: dissolution of the REE fusion cake chlorides; - thorough cleaning of the REE fusion cake chlorides from radioactive and non-rare-earth impurities; chemical precipitation of REE carbonates, obtaining middlings with proper material and granulometric composition, thermal treatment of precipitated carbonates followed with the operations of drying and roasting; classification of roasted oxides, obtaining end products - polishing powders. The production of fluorine-containing powders includes the stage of their fluorination after the stage of carbonate precipitation. The stabilizing doping can be introduced both into the middlings during one of the technological process of powders manufacturing and into the end product. Rare earth polishing powders are manufactured in Russia by the Share Holding Company 'Chepetz Mechanical Plant' (ChMP Co.), the city of Glasov. The plant produces a number of polishing materials, such as; polishing powder Optinol, containing at least 50% by mass of cerium dioxide, used in the mass production of optical and other articles; polishing powder Optinol-10 with doping to improve the sedimentary and aggregate stability of the solid phase

Rare earth element recycling from waste nickel-metal hydride batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Xiuli; Zhang, Junwei; Fang, Xihui

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Leaching kinetics of REEs has rarely been reported. • A new method, including hydrochloric acid leaching and oxalic acid precipitation, was proposed. • REEs recovery rate of 95.16% and pure rare earth oxides of 99% were obtained. • Leaching process was controlled by chemical reaction. • The kinetic equation was determined. - Abstract: With an increase in number of waste nickel-metal hydride batteries, and because of the importance of rare earth elements, the recycling of rare earth elements is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we investigate the effects of temperature, hydrochloric acid concentration, and leaching time to optimize leaching conditions and determine leach kinetics. The results indicate that an increase in temperature, hydrochloric acid concentration, and leaching time enhance the leaching rate of rare earth elements. A maximum rare earth elements recovery of 95.16% was achieved at optimal leaching conditions of 70 °C, solid/liquid ratio of 1:10, 20% hydrochloric acid concentration, −74 μm particle size, and 100 min leaching time. The experimental data were best fitted by a chemical reaction-controlled model. The activation energy was 43.98 kJ/mol and the reaction order for hydrochloric acid concentration was 0.64. The kinetic equation for the leaching process was found to be: 1−(1−x) 1/3 =A/ρr 0 [HCl] 0.64 exp((−439,800)/(8.314T) )t. After leaching and filtration, by adding saturated oxalic solution to the filtrate, rare earth element oxalates were obtained. After removing impurities by adding ammonia, filtering, washing with dilute hydrochloric acid, and calcining at 810 °C, a final product of 99% pure rare earth oxides was obtained

Rare earth ion controlled crystallization of mica glass-ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garai, Mrinmoy; Karmakar, Basudeb

2016-01-01

In understanding the effects of rare earth ions to control the crystallization and microstructure of alkaline boroaluminosilicate system, the CeO_2, Nd_2O_3, Sm_2O_3 and Gd_2O_3 doped K_2O−MgO−B_2O_3−Al_2O_3−SiO_2−F glasses were synthesized by melt-quenching at 1550 °C. Higher density (2.82–3.06 g cm"−"3) and thermal stability (glass phase) is experiential on addition of rare earth content, which also affects in increasing the glass transition temperature (T_g) and crystallization temperature (T_c). Decrease of thermal expansion in glasses with rare earth ion content is maintained by the stabilization of glass matrix owing to their large cationic field strength. A significant change in the non-isothermal DSC thermogram observed at 750–1050 °C is attributed to fluorophlogopite crystallization. Opaque glass-ceramics were prepared from such glasses by single step heat-treatment at 1050 °C; and the predominant crystalline phases are identified as fluorophlogopite mica, KMg_3(AlSi_3O_1_0)F_2 by XRD and EDX analysis. The compact glass-ceramic microstructure by the agglomeration of fluorophlogopite mica crystallites (crystal size ∼ 100–500 nm, FESEM) is achieved in attendance of rare earth ion; and such microstructure controlled the variation of density, thermal expansion and microhardness value. Higher thermal expansion (11.11–14.08 × 10"−"6/K at 50–800 °C and 50–900 °C) of such glass-ceramics approve that these rare earth containing glasses can be useful for high temperature vacuum sealing application with metal or solid electrolyte. The increase of Vickers microhardness (5.27–5.61 GPa) in attendance of rare earth ions is attributed to the compact crystallinity of fluorophlogopite mica glass-ceramic microstructure. - Highlights: • Synthesis of rare earth oxide doped alkaline boroaluminosilicate glasses. • Development of opaque fluorophlogopite mica glass-ceramics by single-step heat treatment. • Nanocrystalline glass

Two planets: Earth and Mars - One salt model: The Hydrothermal SCRIW-Model

Science.gov (United States)

Hovland, M. T.; Rueslaatten, H.; Johnsen, H. K.; Indreiten, T.

2011-12-01

One of the common characteristics of planets Earth and Mars is that both host water (H2O) and large accumulations of salt. Whereas Earth's surface-environment can be regarded as 'water-friendly' and 'salt hostile', the reverse can be said for the surface of Mars. This is because liquid water is stable on Earth, and the atmosphere transports humidity around the globe, whereas on planet Mars, liquid water is unstable, rendering the atmosphere dry and, therefore, 'salt-friendly'. The riddle as to how the salt accumulated in various locations on those two planets is one of long-lasting and great debate. The salt accumulations on Earth are traditionally termed 'evaporites', meaning that they formed by the evaporation of large masses of seawater. How the accumulations on Mars formed is much harder to explain, with a similar model, as surface water, representing a large ocean only existed briefly. Although water molecules and OH-groups may exist in abundance in bound form (crystal water, adsorbed water, etc.), the only place where free water is expected to be stable on Mars is within underground faults, fractures, and crevices. Here it likely occurs as brine or in the form of ice. Based on these conditions, a key to understanding the accumulation of large deposits of salt on both planets is linked to how brines behave in the subsurface when pressurized and heated beyond their supercritical point. At depths greater than about 3 km (i.e., a pressure, P>300 bars) water will no longer boil in a steam phase. Rather, it becomes supercritical and will form a supercritical water 'vapor' (SCRIW) with a specific gravity of typically 0.3 g/cm3. An important characteristic of SCRIW is its inability to dissolve the common sea salts. The salt dissolved in the brines will therefore precipitate as solid particles when brines (seawater on the Earth) move into the supercritical P&T-domain (above 400 C and 300 bars). Numerical modeling of a hydrothermal system in the Atlantis II Deep of the

An Earth-sized planet with an Earth-like density.

Science.gov (United States)

Pepe, Francesco; Cameron, Andrew Collier; Latham, David W; Molinari, Emilio; Udry, Stéphane; Bonomo, Aldo S; Buchhave, Lars A; Charbonneau, David; Cosentino, Rosario; Dressing, Courtney D; Dumusque, Xavier; Figueira, Pedro; Fiorenzano, Aldo F M; Gettel, Sara; Harutyunyan, Avet; Haywood, Raphaëlle D; Horne, Keith; Lopez-Morales, Mercedes; Lovis, Christophe; Malavolta, Luca; Mayor, Michel; Micela, Giusi; Motalebi, Fatemeh; Nascimbeni, Valerio; Phillips, David; Piotto, Giampaolo; Pollacco, Don; Queloz, Didier; Rice, Ken; Sasselov, Dimitar; Ségransan, Damien; Sozzetti, Alessandro; Szentgyorgyi, Andrew; Watson, Christopher A

2013-11-21

Recent analyses of data from the NASA Kepler spacecraft have established that planets with radii within 25 per cent of the Earth's (R Earth symbol) are commonplace throughout the Galaxy, orbiting at least 16.5 per cent of Sun-like stars. Because these studies were sensitive to the sizes of the planets but not their masses, the question remains whether these Earth-sized planets are indeed similar to the Earth in bulk composition. The smallest planets for which masses have been accurately determined are Kepler-10b (1.42 R Earth symbol) and Kepler-36b (1.49 R Earth symbol), which are both significantly larger than the Earth. Recently, the planet Kepler-78b was discovered and found to have a radius of only 1.16 R Earth symbol. Here we report that the mass of this planet is 1.86 Earth masses. The resulting mean density of the planet is 5.57 g cm(-3), which is similar to that of the Earth and implies a composition of iron and rock.

Towards earth AntineutRino TomograpHy (EARTH)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

De Meijer, R. J.; Smit, F. D.; Brooks, F. D.; Fearick, R. W.; Wortche, H. J.; Mantovani, F.

2006-01-01

The programme Earth AntineutRino TomograpHy (EARTH) proposes to build ten underground facilities each hosting a telescope. Each telescope consists of many detector modules, to map the radiogenic heat sources deep in the interior of the Earth by utilising direction sensitive geoneutrino detection.

Low-temperature liquid phase epitaxy of rare-earth-ion doped KY(WO4)2 thin layers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Romanyuk, Y.E.; Utke, I.; Ehrentraut, D.; Pollnau, Markus; Garcia-Revilla, S.; Valiente, R.; Kuleshov, N.V.

2004-01-01

Rare-earth-ion doped KY(WO4)2 (hereafter KYW) is a promising material for novel solid-state lasers. Low laser threshold, high efficiency, high output powers, and third-order nonlinear effects have stimulated research towards miniaturized thin-film waveguide lasers and amplifiers for future photonic

Berm design to reduce risks of catastrophic slope failures at solid waste disposal sites.

Science.gov (United States)

De Stefano, Matteo; Gharabaghi, Bahram; Clemmer, Ryan; Jahanfar, M Ali

2016-11-01

Existing waste disposal sites are being strained by exceeding their volumetric capacities because of exponentially increasing rates of municipal solid waste generation worldwide, especially in densely populated metropolises. Over the past 40 years, six well-documented and analyzed disposal sites experienced catastrophic failure. This research presents a novel analysis and design method for implementation of a series of in-situ earth berms to slow down the movement of waste material flow following a catastrophic failure. This is the first study of its kind that employs a dynamic landslide analysis model, DAN-W, and the Voellmy rheological model to approximate solid waste avalanche flow. A variety of single and multiple berm configuration scenarios were developed and tested to find an optimum configuration of the various earth berm geometries and number of berms to achieve desired energy dissipation and reduction in total waste material runout length. The case study application of the novel mitigation measure shows that by constructing a series of six relatively inexpensive 3 m high earth berms at an optimum distance of 250 m from the slope toe, the total runout length of 1000 m and associated fatalities of the Leuwigajah dumpsite catastrophic failure in Bandung, Indonesia, could have been reduced by half. © The Author(s) 2016.

Failure criterion effect on solid production prediction and selection of completion solution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dariush Javani

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Production of fines together with reservoir fluid is called solid production. It varies from a few grams or less per ton of reservoir fluid posing only minor problems, to catastrophic amount possibly leading to erosion and complete filling of the borehole. This paper assesses solid production potential in a carbonate gas reservoir located in the south of Iran. Petrophysical logs obtained from the vertical well were employed to construct mechanical earth model. Then, two failure criteria, i.e. Mohr–Coulomb and Mogi–Coulomb, were used to investigate the potential of solid production of the well in the initial and depleted conditions of the reservoir. Using these two criteria, we estimated critical collapse pressure and compared them to the reservoir pressure. Solid production occurs if collapse pressure is greater than pore pressure. Results indicate that the two failure criteria show different estimations of solid production potential of the studied reservoir. Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion estimated solid production in both initial and depleted conditions, where Mogi–Coulomb criterion predicted no solid production in the initial condition of reservoir. Based on Mogi–Coulomb criterion, the well may not require completion solutions like perforated liner, until at least 60% of reservoir pressure was depleted which leads to decrease in operation cost and time.

Experimental evidence of body centered cubic iron in Earth's core

Science.gov (United States)

Hrubiak, R.; Meng, Y.; Shen, G.

2017-12-01

The Earth's core is mainly composed of iron. While seismic evidence has shown a liquid outer core and a solid inner core, the crystalline nature of the solid iron at the core condition remains debated, largely due to the difficulties in experimental determination of exact polymorphs at corresponding pressure-temperature conditions. We have examined crystal structures of iron up to 220 GPa and 6000 K with x-ray diffraction using a double-sided laser heating system at HPCAT, Advanced Photon Source. The iron sample is confined in a small chamber surrounded by single crystal MgO. The laser power can be modulated together with temperature measurements. The modulated heating of iron in an MgO single crystal matrix allows for microstructure analysis during heating and after the sample is quenched. We present experimental evidence of a body-centered-cubic (BCC) iron from about 100 GPa and 3000 K to at least 220 GPa and 4000 K. The observed BCC phase may be consistent with a theoretically predicted BCC phase that is dynamically stable in similar pressure-temperature conditions [1]. We will discuss the stability region of the BCC phase and the melting curve of iron and their implications in the nature of the Earth's inner core. References: A. B. Belonoshko et al., Nat. Geosci., 1-6 (2017).

Disseminated Museum Displays and Participation of Students from Underrepresented Populations in Polar Research: Education and Outreach for Joint Projects in GPS and Seismology Solid Earth Science Community

Science.gov (United States)

Eriksson, S. C.; Wilson, T. J.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Aster, R. C.; Johns, B.; Anderson, K.; Taber, J.

2006-12-01

Two Antarctic projects developed by solid earth scientists in the GPS and seismology communities have rich education and outreach activities focused on disseminating information gleaned from this research and on including students from underrepresented groups. Members of the UNAVCO and IRIS research consortia along with international partners from Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the U.K. aim to deploy an ambitious GPS/seismic network to observe the Antarctic glaciological and geologic system using a multidisciplinary and internationally coordinated approach. The second project supports this network. UNAVCO and IRIS are designing and building a reliable power and communication system for autonomous polar station operation which use the latest power and communication technologies for ease of deployment and reliable multi-year operation in severe polar environments. This project will disseminate research results through an IPY/POLENET web-based museum style display based on the next-generation "Museum Lite" capability primarily supported by IRIS. "Museum Lite" uses a standard PC, touch-screen monitor, and standard Internet browsers to exploit the scalability and access of the Internet and to provide customizable content in an interactive setting. The unit is suitable for research departments, public schools, and an assortment of public venues, and can provide wide access to real-time geophysical data, ongoing research, and general information. The POLENET group will work with members of the two consortia to provide content about the project and polar science in general. One unit is to be installed at Barrow's Ilisagvit College through the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium, one at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and two at other sites to be determined (likely in New Zealand/Australia and in the U.S.). In January, 2006, Museum Lite exhibit was installed at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Evaluation of this prototype is underway. These

Separation of Rare Earths from Uranium and Thorium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krebs, Damien

2014-01-01

Greenland Minerals and Energy - Key Highlights – A unique world class mining project: 1. World-class, large scale development project: • Economically robust, proven technology, large-scale, long life production of rare earths concentrate and uranium; • Large JORC resource base to produce ~7kt HREO, 37kt LREO & 3Mlbs U_3O_8 per annum over 30 year mine life; • Ideally located near international airport, existing towns and potential hydro-electric power source. 2. Very attractive commodity portfolio: • Heavy rare earths and uranium are both recognised as strategically important commodities for the future; • Rare earths market characterised by limited capacity and increasing demand (particularly Dy, Nd, Tb, Eu and Y). 3. Strong management and technical team: • Experienced management team with proven track record; • Well-respected and knowledgeable technical/project team in place with exceptional local expertise. 4. Highly advantageous ore-type, makes for simple cost-effective processing, highly scalable production: • High upgrade through beneficiation brings optionality to Kvanefjeld project; • Leaching can be done in Greenland, or owing to the high-grade concentrate, can be shipped to other locations; • Allows to single concentrator in Greenland, multiple refineries/partners globally. 5. Globally significant, long life, low cost, multi-commodity asset: • Company to become one of the largest producers of rare earths globally and a significant U_3O_8 mine; • Potential to supply >20% of global critical (including heavy) rare earth element demand; • Company has low cost of production due to multiple by-product opportunities. 6. Low political risk: • Stable, low-risk operating environment with government looking to develop new industries and employment; • GME fully permitted to evaluate the project, exploration licence now includes radioactive elements; • Management and board have a solid working relationship with the government and are

Early evolution and dynamics of Earth from a molten initial stage

Science.gov (United States)

Louro Lourenço, Diogo; Tackley, Paul J.

2016-04-01

It is now well established that most of the terrestrial planets underwent a magma ocean stage during their accretion. On Earth, it is probable that at the end of accretion, giant impacts like the hypothesised Moon-forming impact, together with other sources of heat, melted a substantial part of the mantle. The thermal and chemical evolution of the resulting magma ocean most certainly had dramatic consequences on the history of the planet. Considerable research has been done on magma oceans using simple 1-D models (e.g.: Abe, PEPI 1997; Solomatov, Treat. Geophys. 2007; Elkins-Tanton EPSL 2008). However, some aspects of the dynamics may not be adequately addressed in 1-D and require the use of 2-D or 3-D models. Moreover, new developments in mineral physics that indicate that melt can be denser than solid at high pressures (e.g.: de Koker et al., EPSL 2013) can have very important impacts on the classical views of the solidification of magma oceans (Labrosse et al., Nature 2007). The goal of our study is to understand and characterize the influence of melting on the long-term thermo-chemical evolution of rocky planet interiors, starting from an initial molten state (magma ocean). Our approach is to model viscous creep of the solid mantle, while parameterizing processes that involve melt as previously done in 1-D models, including melt-solid separation at all melt fractions, the use of an effective diffusivity to parameterize turbulent mixing, coupling to a parameterized core heat balance and a radiative surface boundary condition. These enhancements have been made to the numerical code StagYY (Tackley, PEPI 2008). We present results for the evolution of an Earth-like planet from a molten initial state to present day, while testing the effect of uncertainties in parameters such as melt-solid density differences, surface heat loss and efficiency of turbulent mixing. Our results show rapid cooling and crystallization until the rheological transition then much slower

Ductility improvement of Mg alloys by solid solution: Ab initio modeling, synthesis and mechanical properties

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Sandlöbes, S.; Pei, Z.; Friák, Martin; Zhu, L.-F.; Wang, F.; Zaefferer, S.; Raabe, D.; Neugebauer, J.

2014-01-01

Roč. 70, MAY (2014), s. 92-104 ISSN 1359-6454 Grant - others:GA MŠk(CZ) LM2010005 Institutional support: RVO:68081723 Keywords : Magnesium * Rare-earth elements * Ductility * Modeling * Ab initio Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 4.465, year: 2014

Simulation of the effects of rare earth elements presence in the growth of III-V compound layers

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Šrobár, Fedor; Procházková, Olga

2007-01-01

Roč. 1, č. 10 (2007), s. 528-530 ISSN 1842-6573 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA102/06/0153 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20670512 Keywords : semiconductor technology * rare earth compounds * getters Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism

Comparison of the Supercooled Spin Liquid States in the Pyrochlore Magnets Dy2Ti2O7 and Ho2Ti2O7

Science.gov (United States)

Eyal, Anna; Eyvazov, Azar B.; Dusad, Ritika; Munsie, Timothy J. S.; Luke, Graeme M.; Davis, J. C. Séamus

Despite a well-ordered crystal structure and strong magnetic interactions between the Dy or Ho ions, no long-range magnetic order has been detected in the pyrochlore titanates Ho2Ti2O7 and Dy2Ti2O7. The low temperature state in these materials is governed by spin-ice rules. These constrain the Ising like spins in the materials, yet does not result in a global broken symmetry state. To explore the actual magnetic phases, we simultaneously measure the time- and frequency-dependent magnetization dynamics of Dy2Ti2O7 and Ho2Ti2O7 using toroidal, boundary-free magnetization transport techniques. We demonstrate a distinctive behavior of the magnetic susceptibility of both compounds, that is indistinguishable in form from the permittivity of supercooled dipolar liquids. Moreover, we show that the microscopic magnetic relaxation times for both materials increase along a super-Arrhenius trajectory also characteristic of supercooled glass-forming liquids. Both materials therefore exhibit characteristics of a supercooled spin liquid. Strongly-correlated dynamics of loops of spins is suggested as a possible mechanism which could account for these findings. Potential connections to many-body spin localization will also be discussed.

Rare earth metals, rare earth hydrides, and rare earth oxides as thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gasgnier, M.

1980-01-01

The review deals with pure rare earth materials such as rare earth metals, rare earth hydrides, and rare earth oxides as thin films. Several preparation techniques, control methods, and nature of possible contaminations of thin films are described. These films can now be produced in an extremely well-known state concerning chemical composition, structure and texture. Structural, electric, magnetic, and optical properties of thin films are studied and discussed in comparison with the bulk state. The greatest contamination of metallic rare earth thin films is caused by reaction with hydrogen or with water vapour. The compound with an f.c.c. structure is the dihydride LnH 2 (Ln = lanthanides). The oxygen contamination takes place after annealing at higher temperatures. Then there appears a compound with a b.c.c. structure which is the C-type sesquioxide C-Ln 2 O 3 . At room atmosphere dihydride light rare earth thin films are converted to hydroxide Ln(OH) 3 . For heavy rare earth thin films the oxinitride LnNsub(x)Osub(y) is observed. The LnO-type compound was never seen. The present review tries to set the stage anew for the investigations to be undertaken in the future especially through the new generations of electron microscopes

EPOS-WP16: A coherent and collaborative network of Solid Earth Multi-scale laboratories

Science.gov (United States)

Calignano, Elisa; Rosenau, Matthias; Lange, Otto; Spiers, Chris; Willingshofer, Ernst; Drury, Martyn; van Kan-Parker, Mirjam; Elger, Kirsten; Ulbricht, Damian; Funiciello, Francesca; Trippanera, Daniele; Sagnotti, Leonardo; Scarlato, Piergiorgio; Tesei, Telemaco; Winkler, Aldo

2017-04-01

Laboratory facilities are an integral part of Earth Science research. The diversity of methods employed in such infrastructures reflects the multi-scale nature of the Earth system and is essential for the understanding of its evolution, for the assessment of geo-hazards and for the sustainable exploitation of geo-resources. In the frame of EPOS (European Plate Observing System), the Working Package 16 represents a developing community of European Geoscience Multi-scale laboratories. The participant and collaborating institutions (Utrecht University, GFZ, RomaTre University, INGV, NERC, CSIC-ICTJA, CNRS, LMU, C4G-UBI, ETH, CNR*) embody several types of laboratory infrastructures, engaged in different fields of interest of Earth Science: from high temperature and pressure experimental facilities, to electron microscopy, micro-beam analysis, analogue tectonic and geodynamic modelling and paleomagnetic laboratories. The length scales encompassed by these infrastructures range from the nano- and micrometre levels (electron microscopy and micro-beam analysis) to the scale of experiments on centimetres-sized samples, and to analogue model experiments simulating the reservoir scale, the basin scale and the plate scale. The aim of WP16 is to provide two services by the year 2019: first, providing virtual access to data from laboratories (data service) and, second, providing physical access to laboratories (transnational access, TNA). Regarding the development of a data service, the current status is such that most data produced by the various laboratory centres and networks are available only in limited "final form" in publications, many data remain inaccessible and/or poorly preserved. Within EPOS the TCS Multi-scale laboratories is collecting and harmonizing available and emerging laboratory data on the properties and process controlling rock system behaviour at all relevant scales, in order to generate products accessible and interoperable through services for supporting

Introduction to the physics of fluids and solids

CERN Document Server

Trefil, James S

2010-01-01

Written by a well-known science author, this introductory text explores the physics of solids and the field of hydrodynamics. It focuses on modern applications, rather than mathematical formalism, with particular emphasis on geophysics, astrophysics, and medical physics. Suitable for a one-semester course, it is geared toward advanced undergraduate physics students and graduate science students. It also serves as a helpful reference for professional astronomers, chemists, and engineers. Geophysical topics include the circulation of the atmosphere, vibrations of the earth, and underground nucle

JEOS. The JANUS earth observation satellite

Science.gov (United States)

Molette, P.; Jouan, J.

The JANUS multimission platform has been designed to minimize the cost of the satellite (by a maximum reuse of equipment from other proprogrammes) and of its associated launch by Aŕiane (by a piggy-back configuration optimized for Ariane 4). The paper describes the application of the JANUS platform to an Earth observation mission with the objective to provide a given country with a permanent monitoring of its earth resources by exploitation of spaceborne imagery. According to this objective, and to minimize the overall system and operational cost, the JANUS Earth Observation Satellite (JEOS) will provide a limited coverage with real time transmission of image data, thus avoiding need for on-board storage and simplifying operations. The JEOS operates on a low earth, near polar sun synchronous orbit. Launched in a piggy-back configuration on Ariane 4, with a SPOT or ERS spacecraft, it reaches its operational orbit after a drift orbit of a few weeks maximum. In its operational mode, the JEOS is 3-axis stabilised, earth pointed. After presentation of the platform, the paper describes the solid state push-broom camera which is composed of four optical lenses mounted on a highly stable optical bench. Each lens includes an optics system, reused from an on-going development, and two CCD linear arrays of detectors. The camera provides four registered channels in visible and near IR bands. The whole optical bench is supported by a rotating mechanism which allows rotation of the optical axis in the across-track direction. The JEOS typical performance for a 700 km altitude is then summarized: spatial resolution 30 m, swath width 120 km, off-track capability 325 km,… The payload data handling and transmission electronics, derived from the French SPOT satellite, realizes the processing, formatting, and transmission to the ground; this allows reuse of the standard SPOT receiving stations. The camera is only operated when the spacecraft is within the visibility of the ground

A novel isomorphic phase transition in β-pyrochlore oxide KOs2O6: a study using high resolution neutron powder diffraction

Science.gov (United States)

Sasai, Kenzo; Kofu, Maiko; Ibberson, Richard M.; Hirota, Kazuma; Yamaura, Jun-ichi; Hiroi, Zenji; Yamamuro, Osamu

2010-01-01

We have carried out adiabatic calorimetric and neutron powder diffraction experiments on the β-pyrochlore oxide KOs2O6, which has a superconducting transition at Tc = 9.6 K and another novel transition at Tp = 7.6 K. A characteristic feature of this compound is that the K ions exhibit rattling vibrations in the cages formed by O atoms even at very low temperatures. The temperature and entropy of the Tp transition is in good agreement with previous data measured using a heat relaxation method, indicating that the present sample is of high purity and the transition entropy, 0.296 J K-1 mol-1, does not depend on the calorimetric method used. The neutron powder diffraction data show no peak splitting nor extra peaks over the temperature range between 2 and 295 K, suggesting that the Tp transition is a rather unusual isomorphic transition. Rietveld analysis revealed an anomalous expansion of the lattice and a deformation of the O atom cage below 7.6 K. In the low-temperature phase, the distribution of scattering density corresponding to the K ions becomes broader whilst maintaining its maximum at the cage center. Based on these findings, we suggest that the Tp transition is due to the expansion of the cage volume and cooperative condensation of the K ions into the ground state of the rattling motion.

Rebuttal of the existence of solid rare earth bicarbonates and the crystal structure of holmium nitrate pentahydrate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rincke, Christine; Schmidt, Horst; Voigt, Wolfgang [Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany)

2017-03-16

The synthesis routes of Gd(HCO{sub 3}){sub 3}.5H{sub 2}O and Ho(HCO{sub 3}){sub 3}.6H{sub 2}O, which are the only known bicarbonates of rare earth metals, were refuted and the published crystal structures were discussed. Because of the structural relationship of Ho(HCO{sub 3}){sub 3}.6H{sub 2}O to rare earth nitrate hexahydrates,[] the synthesis of holmium nitrate hydrate was considered and the crystal structure of Ho(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}.5H{sub 2}O was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. Ho(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}.5H{sub 2}O was determined to crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 (no. 2) with a = 6.5680(14) Aa, b = 9.503(2) Aa, c = 10.462(2) Aa, α = 63.739(14) , β = 94.042(2) and γ = 76.000(16) . The crystal structure consists of isolated [Ho(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}] polyhedra and non-coordinating water molecules. It is isotypic to other rare earth nitrate pentahydrates. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Influence of rare-earth addition on microstructure and dielectric behavior of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Jingji; Zhai Jiwei; Chou Xiujian; Yao Xi

2008-01-01

Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 (BST) ceramics with 0.5 mol% various trivalent rare-earth additions prepared by a solid-state route are investigated. A strong correlation is observed between the microstructure, dielectric properties and rare-earth element dopant. The results display that comparing with the lattice constants of undoped and doped rare-earth BST, the structure transforms from cubic to tetragonal structure. In addition, the dopant improves the tetragonal distortion with the ionic radius of rare earth decreasing, and then deteriorates it with further decreasing. Large ions rare-earth additions effectively suppress the grain growth of BST. It is found that the temperature-permittivity characteristics for the BSTR (R, namely, rare earth) system could be controlled using various rare-earth elements. Especially, such as Sm, Eu, Gd dopants are effective to satisfy the tunable microwave devices application due to the decrease of permittivity and the improvement of dissipation factors of BST ceramic with the accompanying high-tunability

Capturing near-Earth asteroids around Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Hasnain, Zaki; Lamb, Christopher A.; Ross, Shane D.

2012-12-01

The list of detected near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) is constantly growing. NEAs are likely targets for resources to support space industrialization, as they may be the least expensive source of certain needed raw materials. The limited supply of precious metals and semiconducting elements on Earth may be supplemented or even replaced by the reserves floating in the form of asteroids around the solar system. Precious metals make up a significant fraction NEAs by mass, and even one metallic asteroid of ˜1km size and fair enrichment in platinum-group metals would contain twice the tonnage of such metals already harvested on Earth. There are ˜1000 NEAs with a diameter of greater than 1 km. Capturing these asteroids around the Earth would expand the mining industry into an entirely new dimension. Having such resources within easy reach in Earth's orbit could provide an off-world environmentally friendly remedy for impending terrestrial shortages, especially given the need for raw materials in developing nations. In this paper, we develop and implement a conceptually simple algorithm to determine trajectory characteristics necessary to move NEAs into capture orbits around the Earth. Altered trajectories of asteroids are calculated using an ephemeris model. Only asteroids of eccentricity less than 0.1 have been studied and the model is restricted to the ecliptic plane for simplicity. We constrain the time of retrieval to be 10 years or less, based on considerations of the time to return on investment. For the heliocentric phase, constant acceleration is assumed. The acceleration required for transporting these asteroids from their undisturbed orbits to the sphere of influence of the Earth is the primary output, along with the impulse or acceleration necessary to effect capture to a bound orbit once the Earth's sphere of influence is reached. The initial guess for the constant acceleration is provided by a new estimation method, similar in spirit to Edelbaum's. Based on the

Optimal Safety Earthing – Earth Electrode Sizing Using A ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

In this paper a deterministic approach in the sizing of earth electrode using the permissible touch voltage criteria is presented. The deterministic approach is effectively applied in the sizing of the length of earth rod required for the safe earthing of residential and facility buildings. This approach ensures that the earthing ...

High throughput synthesis and characterization of the PbnNb2O5+n (0.5 < n < 4.1) system on a single chip

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mirsaneh, Mehdi; Hayden, Brian E.; Miao Shu; Pokorny, Jan; Perini, Steve; Furman, Eugene; Lanagan, Michael T.; Ubic, Rick; Reaney, Ian M.

2011-01-01

Most high throughput studies focus on assessing the effect of composition within a single known fundamental structure type, such as perovskite. Here we demonstrate how high throughput synthesis and screening can be used to establish structure-property relations in the PbO-Nb 2 O 5 system, for which eight distinct fundamental structure types are known to exist. PbNb 4 O 11 , PbNb 2 O 6 and pyrochlore could be easily distinguished by X-ray diffraction (XRD). However, XRD was insensitive to distortions of the pyrochlore structure and instead Raman spectroscopy was utilized to determine changes in symmetry from cubic to rhombohedral as the PbO concentration increased. High throughput screening of the capacitance revealed permittivity (ε r ) maxima in the PbNb 4 O 11 (ε r = 700) and cubic pyrochlore phases (ε r = 450). The ε r of PbNb 4 O 11 has not to date been reported but the value for cubic pyrochlore is higher than that reported for bulk ceramics (ε r = 270). Initial high electric field studies also revealed exceptionally high tunability (four times that reported for bismuth zinc niobate-based pyrochlores) of the capacitance in the pyrochlore phase.

Tunable solid-state laser technology for applications to scientific and technological experiments from space

Science.gov (United States)

Allario, F.; Taylor, L. V.

1986-01-01

Current plans for the Earth Observing System (EOS) include development of a lidar facility to conduct scientific experiments from a polar orbiting platforms. A recommended set of experiments were scoped, which includes techniques of atmospheric backscatter (Lidar), Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), altimetry, and retroranging. Preliminary assessments of the resources (power, weight, volume) required by the Eos Lidar Facility were conducted. A research program in tunable solid state laser technology was developed, which includes laser materials development, modeling and experiments on the physics of solid state laser materials, and development of solid state laser transmitters with a strong focus on Eos scientific investigations. Some of the system studies that were conducted which highlight the payoff of solid state laser technology for the Eos scientific investigations will be discussed. Additionally, a summary of some promising research results which have recently emerged from the research program will be presented.

Galileo spacecraft solid-state imaging system view of Antarctica

Science.gov (United States)

1990-01-01

Galileo spacecraft solid-state imaging system view of Antarctica was taken during its first encounter with the Earth. This color picture of Antarctica is part of a mosaic of pictures covering the entire polar continent showing the Ross Ice Shelf and its border with the sea and mountains poking through the ice near the McMurdo Station. From top to bottom, the frame looks across about half of Antarctica. View provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) with alternate number P-37297.

An improved model for the Earth's gravity field

Science.gov (United States)

Tapley, B. D.; Shum, C. K.; Yuan, D. N.; Ries, J. C.; Schutz, B. E.

1989-01-01

An improved model for the Earth's gravity field, TEG-1, was determined using data sets from fourteen satellites, spanning the inclination ranges from 15 to 115 deg, and global surface gravity anomaly data. The satellite measurements include laser ranging data, Doppler range-rate data, and satellite-to-ocean radar altimeter data measurements, which include the direct height measurement and the differenced measurements at ground track crossings (crossover measurements). Also determined was another gravity field model, TEG-1S, which included all the data sets in TEG-1 with the exception of direct altimeter data. The effort has included an intense scrutiny of the gravity field solution methodology. The estimated parameters included geopotential coefficients complete to degree and order 50 with selected higher order coefficients, ocean and solid Earth tide parameters, Doppler tracking station coordinates and the quasi-stationary sea surface topography. Extensive error analysis and calibration of the formal covariance matrix indicate that the gravity field model is a significant improvement over previous models and can be used for general applications in geodesy.

Modeling Earth Albedo for Satellites in Earth Orbit

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bhanderi, Dan; Bak, Thomas

2005-01-01

Many satellite are influences by the Earthøs albedo, though very few model schemes exist.in order to predict this phenomenon. Earth albedo is often treated as noise, or ignored completely. When applying solar cells in the attitude hardware, Earth albedo can cause the attitude estimate to deviate...... with as much as 20 deg. Digital Sun sensors with Earth albedo correction in hardware exist, but are expensive. In addition, albedo estimates are necessary in thermal calculations and power budgets. We present a modeling scheme base4d on Eartht reflectance, measured by NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer......, in which the Earth Probe Satellite has recorded reflectivity data daily since mid 1996. The mean of these data can be used to calculate the Earth albedo given the positions of the satellite and the Sun. Our results show that the albedo varies highly with the solar angle to the satellite's field of view...

Rare earth ion controlled crystallization of mica glass-ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Garai, Mrinmoy; Karmakar, Basudeb, E-mail: basudebk@cgcri.res.in

2016-09-05

In understanding the effects of rare earth ions to control the crystallization and microstructure of alkaline boroaluminosilicate system, the CeO{sub 2}, Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped K{sub 2}O−MgO−B{sub 2}O{sub 3}−Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}−SiO{sub 2}−F glasses were synthesized by melt-quenching at 1550 °C. Higher density (2.82–3.06 g cm{sup −3}) and thermal stability (glass phase) is experiential on addition of rare earth content, which also affects in increasing the glass transition temperature (T{sub g}) and crystallization temperature (T{sub c}). Decrease of thermal expansion in glasses with rare earth ion content is maintained by the stabilization of glass matrix owing to their large cationic field strength. A significant change in the non-isothermal DSC thermogram observed at 750–1050 °C is attributed to fluorophlogopite crystallization. Opaque glass-ceramics were prepared from such glasses by single step heat-treatment at 1050 °C; and the predominant crystalline phases are identified as fluorophlogopite mica, KMg{sub 3}(AlSi{sub 3}O{sub 10})F{sub 2} by XRD and EDX analysis. The compact glass-ceramic microstructure by the agglomeration of fluorophlogopite mica crystallites (crystal size ∼ 100–500 nm, FESEM) is achieved in attendance of rare earth ion; and such microstructure controlled the variation of density, thermal expansion and microhardness value. Higher thermal expansion (11.11–14.08 × 10{sup −6}/K at 50–800 °C and 50–900 °C) of such glass-ceramics approve that these rare earth containing glasses can be useful for high temperature vacuum sealing application with metal or solid electrolyte. The increase of Vickers microhardness (5.27–5.61 GPa) in attendance of rare earth ions is attributed to the compact crystallinity of fluorophlogopite mica glass-ceramic microstructure. - Highlights: • Synthesis of rare earth oxide doped alkaline boroaluminosilicate glasses. • Development of opaque

Process for forming a homogeneous oxide solid phase of catalytically active material

Science.gov (United States)

Perry, Dale L.; Russo, Richard E.; Mao, Xianglei

1995-01-01

A process is disclosed for forming a homogeneous oxide solid phase reaction product of catalytically active material comprising one or more alkali metals, one or more alkaline earth metals, and one or more Group VIII transition metals. The process comprises reacting together one or more alkali metal oxides and/or salts, one or more alkaline earth metal oxides and/or salts, one or more Group VIII transition metal oxides and/or salts, capable of forming a catalytically active reaction product, in the optional presence of an additional source of oxygen, using a laser beam to ablate from a target such metal compound reactants in the form of a vapor in a deposition chamber, resulting in the deposition, on a heated substrate in the chamber, of the desired oxide phase reaction product. The resulting product may be formed in variable, but reproducible, stoichiometric ratios. The homogeneous oxide solid phase product is useful as a catalyst, and can be produced in many physical forms, including thin films, particulate forms, coatings on catalyst support structures, and coatings on structures used in reaction apparatus in which the reaction product of the invention will serve as a catalyst.

Investigation of chemical bond characteristics, thermal expansion coefficients and bulk moduli of alpha-R2MoO6 and R2Mo2O7 (R = rare earths) by using a dielectric chemical bond method.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Huaiyong; Zhang, Siyuan; Zhou, Shihong; Cao, Xueqiang

2009-09-01

Theoretical researches are performed on the alpha-R2MoO6 (R = Y, Gd, Tb Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb) and pyrochlore-type R2Mo2O7 (R = Y, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb and Dy) rare earth molybdates by using chemical bond theory of dielectric description. The chemical bonding characteristics and their relationship with thermal expansion property and compressibility are explored. The calculated values of linear thermal expansion coefficient (LTEC) and bulk modulus agree well with the available experimental values. The calculations reveal that the LTECs and the bulk moduli do have linear relationship with the ionic radii of the lanthanides: the LTEC decreases from 6.80 to 6.62 10(-6)/K and the bulk modulus increases from 141 to 154 GPa when R goes in the order Gd, Tb Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb in the alpha-R2MoO6 series; while in the R2Mo2O7 series, the LTEC ranges from 6.80 to 6.61 10(-6)/K and the bulk modulus ranges from 147 to 163 GPa when R varies in the order Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb and Dy. Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Earth as an extrasolar planet: Earth model validation using EPOXI earth observations.

Science.gov (United States)

Robinson, Tyler D; Meadows, Victoria S; Crisp, David; Deming, Drake; A'hearn, Michael F; Charbonneau, David; Livengood, Timothy A; Seager, Sara; Barry, Richard K; Hearty, Thomas; Hewagama, Tilak; Lisse, Carey M; McFadden, Lucy A; Wellnitz, Dennis D

2011-06-01

The EPOXI Discovery Mission of Opportunity reused the Deep Impact flyby spacecraft to obtain spatially and temporally resolved visible photometric and moderate resolution near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic observations of Earth. These remote observations provide a rigorous validation of whole-disk Earth model simulations used to better understand remotely detectable extrasolar planet characteristics. We have used these data to upgrade, correct, and validate the NASA Astrobiology Institute's Virtual Planetary Laboratory three-dimensional line-by-line, multiple-scattering spectral Earth model. This comprehensive model now includes specular reflectance from the ocean and explicitly includes atmospheric effects such as Rayleigh scattering, gas absorption, and temperature structure. We have used this model to generate spatially and temporally resolved synthetic spectra and images of Earth for the dates of EPOXI observation. Model parameters were varied to yield an optimum fit to the data. We found that a minimum spatial resolution of ∼100 pixels on the visible disk, and four categories of water clouds, which were defined by using observed cloud positions and optical thicknesses, were needed to yield acceptable fits. The validated model provides a simultaneous fit to Earth's lightcurve, absolute brightness, and spectral data, with a root-mean-square (RMS) error of typically less than 3% for the multiwavelength lightcurves and residuals of ∼10% for the absolute brightness throughout the visible and NIR spectral range. We have extended our validation into the mid-infrared by comparing the model to high spectral resolution observations of Earth from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, obtaining a fit with residuals of ∼7% and brightness temperature errors of less than 1 K in the atmospheric window. For the purpose of understanding the observable characteristics of the distant Earth at arbitrary viewing geometry and observing cadence, our validated forward model can be

Ethylenediaminetetraacetates of neodymium and alkaline earth metals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barinov, A.V.; Pechurova, L.I.; Martynenko, K.I.; Popov, K.I.; Spitsyn, V.I.

1977-01-01

The possibilities have been studied of the formation of polynuclear complexonates of alkaline-earth metals (Ca, Sr, and Ba) based on neodymium derivatives EDTA of the composition NdA - . By pH-metry, electron spectroscopy, and derivatography it has been shown that the structure of complexes M 2 (NdA) 2 (where M- Ca, Sr, or Ba; A- EDTA) in the solution is not polynuclear. Hydroxopolynuclear complexes do not form under conditions studied. The data obtained agree with an assumption about polynuclear structure of the solid complex Ca(NdA) 2 x17 H 2 O and gradual weakening of the polynuclear nature upon substitution of Ca 2+ with Sr 2+ and Ba 2+

Digital Earth - A sustainable Earth

Science.gov (United States)

Mahavir

2014-02-01

All life, particularly human, cannot be sustainable, unless complimented with shelter, poverty reduction, provision of basic infrastructure and services, equal opportunities and social justice. Yet, in the context of cities, it is believed that they can accommodate more and more people, endlessly, regardless to their carrying capacity and increasing ecological footprint. The 'inclusion', for bringing more and more people in the purview of development is often limited to social and economic inclusion rather than spatial and ecological inclusion. Economic investment decisions are also not always supported with spatial planning decisions. Most planning for a sustainable Earth, be at a level of rural settlement, city, region, national or Global, fail on the capacity and capability fronts. In India, for example, out of some 8,000 towns and cities, Master Plans exist for only about 1,800. A chapter on sustainability or environment is neither statutorily compulsory nor a norm for these Master Plans. Geospatial technologies including Remote Sensing, GIS, Indian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), Indian National Urban Information Systems (NUIS), Indian Environmental Information System (ENVIS), and Indian National GIS (NGIS), etc. have potential to map, analyse, visualize and take sustainable developmental decisions based on participatory social, economic and social inclusion. Sustainable Earth, at all scales, is a logical and natural outcome of a digitally mapped, conceived and planned Earth. Digital Earth, in fact, itself offers a platform to dovetail the ecological, social and economic considerations in transforming it into a sustainable Earth.

Calculated solubility isotherm of a system of alkaline earth sulfates and hydroxides in water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MOshinskii, A.S.; TIkomirova, K.A.

1986-01-01

Tis paper examines the calculation of the isothermal solubility diagram of a system of alkaline earth sulfates and hydroxides in water which makes it possible to substantiate, to a considerable extent, the natural physicochemical mineralization of natural waters, in particular water from geochemical sources. The present paper investigates the solubility of the equilibrium solid phases of a system of alkaline earth sulfates and hydroxides in water. A projection is shown of the composition prism of the quinary reciprocal system with demarcation of the crystallization areas of each sulfate and hydroxide of the component subsystems. The computational formulas for calculating solubility were derived from the solubility product principle, with allowance for ion activity coefficients in saturated hydroxide solutions

Climate Literacy: Progress in Climate and Global Change Undergraduate Courses in Meteorology and Earth System Science Programs at Jackson State University

Science.gov (United States)

Reddy, S. R.; Tuluri, F.; Fadavi, M.

2017-12-01

JSU Meteorology Program will be offering AMS Climate Studies undergraduate course under MET 210: Climatology in spring 2013. AMS Climate Studies is offered as a 3 credit hour laboratory course with 2 lectures and 1 lab sessions per week. Although this course places strong intellectual demands upon each student, the instructors' objective is to help each student to pass the course with an adequate understanding of the fundamentals and advanced and advanced courses. AMS Climate Studies is an introductory college-level course developed by the American Meteorological Society for implementation at undergraduate institutions nationwide. The course places students in a dynamic and highly motivational educational environment where they investigate Earth's climate system using real-world environmental data. The AMS Climate Studies course package consists of a textbook, investigations manual, course website, and course management system-compatible files. Instructors can use these resources in combinations that make for an exciting learning experience for their students. This is a content course in Earth Science. It introduces a new concept that views Earth as a synergistic physical system applied concepts of climatology, for him/her to understand basic atmospheric/climate processes, physical and dynamical climatology, regional climatology, past and future climates and statistical analysis using climate data and to be prepared to profit from studying more of interrelated phenomenon governed by complex processes involving the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the solid Earth. The course emphasizes that the events that shape the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the Earth do not occur in isolation. Rather, there is a delicate relationship between the events that occur in the ocean, atmosphere, and the solid Earth. The course provides a multidimensional approach in solving scientific issues related to Earth-related sciences,

Radiological safety in extraction of rare earths in India: regulatory control

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sinha, S.; Bhattacharya, R.

2011-01-01

The term 'rare earths' refers to a group of f-block elements in the periodic table including those with atomic numbers 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium), as well as the transition metals Yttrium (39) and Scandium (21). Economically extractable concentrations of rare earths are found in minerals such as monazite, bastnaesite, cerites, xenotime etc. Of these, monazite forms the main source for rare earths in India, which along with other heavy minerals is found abundantly in the coastal beach sands. However, in addition to rare earths, monazite also contains 0.35% U 3 O 8 and 8-9% ThO 2 . Hence, extraction of rare earths involves chemical separation of the rare earths from thorium and uranium which are radioactive. The processing and extraction of rare earths from monazite therefore invariably results in occupational radiation exposure to the workers involved in these operations. In addition, in the process of removal of radioactivity from rare earths, radioactive solid waste gets generated which has 2 2 8Ra concentration in the range 2000-5000 Bq/g. Unregulated disposal of such high active waste would not only result in contamination of the soil but the radionuclides would eventually enter the food chain and lead to internal exposure of the general public. Therefore such facilities involved in recovery of rare earths from monazite attract the provisions of radiological safety regulations. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India has been enforcing the provisions of The Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 and The Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Waste) Rules, 1987 in these facilities. This paper shall discuss the associated radiological hazard involved in recovery of rare earths from monazite. It shall also highlight the regulatory requirements for controlling the occupational exposure of workers during design stage such as requirements on lay out of the building, ventilation, containment of radioactivity, etc and also the during operational

A model of gettering effects of rare-earth elements in III-V compounds

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Šrobár, Fedor; Procházková, Olga

2006-01-01

Roč. 100, č. 8 (2006), s. 643-- ISSN 0009-2770. [Sjezd chemických společností /58./. Ústí nad Labem, 04.09.2006-08.09.2006] R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA102/06/0153 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20670512 Keywords : semiconductor technology * rare earth metals * getters Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.431, year: 2006

Low-energy near Earth asteroid capture using Earth flybys and aerobraking

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Minghu; McInnes, Colin; Ceriotti, Matteo

2018-04-01

Since the Sun-Earth libration points L1 and L2 are regarded as ideal locations for space science missions and candidate gateways for future crewed interplanetary missions, capturing near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) around the Sun-Earth L1/L2 points has generated significant interest. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of coupling together a flyby of the Earth and then capturing small NEAs onto Sun-Earth L1/L2 periodic orbits. In this capture strategy, the Sun-Earth circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) is used to calculate target Lypaunov orbits and their invariant manifolds. A periapsis map is then employed to determine the required perigee of the Earth flyby. Moreover, depending on the perigee distance of the flyby, Earth flybys with and without aerobraking are investigated to design a transfer trajectory capturing a small NEA from its initial orbit to the stable manifolds associated with Sun-Earth L1/L2 periodic orbits. Finally, a global optimization is carried out, based on a detailed design procedure for NEA capture using an Earth flyby. Results show that the NEA capture strategies using an Earth flyby with and without aerobraking both have the potential to be of lower cost in terms of energy requirements than a direct NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby. Moreover, NEA capture with an Earth flyby also has the potential for a shorter flight time compared to the NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby.

Microbial mobilization of rare earth elements (REE from mineral solids—A mini review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabienne Barmettler

2016-06-01

Full Text Available In the light of an expected supply shortage of rare earth elements (REE measures have to be undertaken for an efficient use in all kinds of technical, medical, and agricultural applications as well as—in particular—in REE recycling from post-use goods and waste materials. Biologically- based methods might offer an alternative and supplement to physico-chemical techniques for REE recovery and recycling. A wide variety of physiologically distinct microbial groups have the potential to be applied for REE bioleaching form solid matrices. This source is largely untapped until today. Depending of the type of organism, the technical process (including a series of influencing factors, the solid to be treated, and the target element, leaching efficiencies of 80 to 90% can be achieved. Bioleaching of REEs can help in reducing the supply risk and market dependency. Additionally, the application of bioleaching techniques for the treatment of solid wastes might contribute to the conversion towards a more sustainable and environmental friendly economy.

The Earth: A Changing Planet

Science.gov (United States)

Ribas, Núria; Màrquez, Conxita

2013-04-01

text: We describe a didactic unit that rises from our own living impression about our experience on the planet. Most of us feel the Earth to be a very static place. Rocks don't easily move and most landscapes always look the same over time. Anyone would say (the same way most scientists believed until the beginning of the last century) that our planet has always remained unchanged, never transformed. But then, all of a sudden, as a misfortune for so many humans, natural hazards appear on the scene: an earthquake causing so many disasters, a tsunami carrying away everything in its path, an eruption that can destroy huge surrounding areas but also bring new geographical relief. Science cannot remain oblivious to these events, we must wonder beyond. What does an earthquake mean? Why does it happen? What about an eruption? If it comes from the inside, what can we guess from it? Researching about all of these events, scientists have been able to arrive to some important knowledge of the planet itself: It has been possible to theorize about Earth's interior. It has also been confirmed that the planet has not always been the quiet and stable place we once thought. Continents, as Wegener supposed, do move about and the Tectonic Plates Theory, thanks to the information obtained through earthquakes and eruption, can provide some interesting explanations. But how do we know about our planet's past? How can we prove that the Earth has always been moving and that its surface changes? The Earth's rocks yield the answer. Rocks have been the only witnesses throughout millions of years, since the planet first came to existence. Let's learn how to read them… Shouldn't we realize that rocks are to Geology what books are to History? This discursive process has been distributed in four learning sequences: 1. Land is not as solid nor firm as it would seem, 2. The Earth planet: a puzzle, 3. The rocks also recycle , 4. Field trip to "Sant Miquel del Fai". The subjects take about 30

Cerium concentrate and mixed rare earth chloride by the oxidative decomposition of bastnaesite in molten sodium hydroxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iijima, Toshio; Kato, Kazuhiro; Kuno, Toyohiko; Okuwaki, Akitsugu; Umetsu, Yoshiaki; Okabe, Taijiro

1993-01-01

Bastnaesite was treated in molten NaOH at 623-777 K for 10-60 min under atmosphere. Cerium-(III) in the ore was easily oxidized 95% or more within 30 min to give an oxidation product composed of solid solutions of CeO 2 -rich and CeO 2 -lean phases and Ce-free rare earth oxide phase. Simultaneously fluoride ion was removed 97% or more. Cerium concentrate was prepared from the oxidation product by leaching with 0.1-3 M HCl solution. The yield of cerium concentrate and the CeO 2 content reached 55-57% and 70-72%, respectively. Mixed rare earth chloride is composed of about 90% rare earth chloride and 10% alkaline earth chloride, and the contents of CeCl 3 , LaCl 3 , NdCl 3 , and PrCl 3 are 11.5, 58.5, 14.4, and 5.4%, respectively. The particle size of resulting cerium concentrate was fairly uniform and about 0.1 μm

Rare earths

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cranstone, D A

1979-01-01

Rare earth elements are commonly extracted from the minerals monazite, bastnaesite, and xenotine. New uses for these elements are constantly developing; they have found applications in glass polishing, television tube phosphors, high-strength low-alloy steels, magnets, catalysts, refractory ceramics, and hydrogen sponge alloys. In Canada, rare earths have been produced as byproducts of the uranium mining industry, but there was no production of rare earths in 1978 or 1979. The world sources of and markets for the rare earth elements are discussed.

Heavy metals in municipal solid waste deposits

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Flyhammar, P.

1997-12-01

Extensive use of heavy metals in modern society influences routes followed by fluxes on the surface of the Earth. The changed flow paths may be harmful for the balance of biological systems at different levels, micro-organisms, human beings and whole ecosystems, since the toxicity of heavy metals is determined by their concentrations and chemical forms. Despite the low mobility of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd) in municipal landfills, it was found that extensive transformations of the binding forms of heavy metal take place within the waste mass during the degradation of the waste. These changes appear to be closely related to the development of early diagenetic solid phases, i.e. new secondary solid phases formed in the waste. The heavy metals often constitute a minor part of these phases and the bindings include several forms such as adsorption, complexation, coprecipitation, precipitation, etc. It was also found that the associations between heavy metals and solid phases are dominated by several binding forms to one specific substrate rather than bindings to various solid phases. The mobility of iron and manganese seems to increase during the processes involved in waste degradation due to the solution of oxide/hydroxide phases, while the heavy metals appear to become less mobile due to their binding to organic compounds and sulphides. However, one exception in this case may be nickel. Another aspect of the transformation of heavy metals is the accumulation of pools of heavy metals which can become susceptible to environmental changes, such as oxidation or acidification. However, the risk of increased mobilization caused by lower pH values seem to be limited since municipal solid waste has a large buffer capacity. 66 refs, 9 figs, 3 tabs 66 refs, 9 figs, 3 tabs

Contextualizing Earth Science Professional Development Courses for Geoscience Teachers in Boston

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, R. F.; Pelletier, P.; Dorsen, J.; Douglas, E. M.; Pringle, M. S.; Karp, J.

2009-12-01

Inquiry-based, hands-on, graduate content courses have been developed specifically for Boston Public School middle school teachers of Earth Science. Earth Science I: Weather and Water and Earth Science II: The Solid Earth--Earth History and Planetary Systems have been taught a total of seven times to over 120 teachers. Several key attributes to these successful courses have been identified, including co-instruction by a university professor and a high school and a middle school teacher that are familiar with the Boston curriculum, use of hands-on activities that are closed related to those used in the Boston curriculum, pre- and post-course local field trips, and identification of key learning objectives for each day. This model of professional development was developed over several years in all disciplines (Earth Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) by the Boston Science Partnership (BSP), an NSF-funded Math Science Partnership program. One of the core strategies of the BSP is these Contextualized Content Courses (CCC), graduate level, lab-based courses taught at either UMass Boston or Northeastern University during summer intensive or semester formats. Two of the eleven courses developed under the grant are Earth Science I & II. This presentation shares the model of the CCC, the impact on teacher participants, the value of these courses for the professor, and lessons learned for successful professional development. Findings about the courses’ impact and effectiveness come from our external evaluation by the Program Evaluation Research Group (PERG). The combination of content and modeling good instructional practices have many positive outcomes for teachers, including increased self-efficacy in science understanding and teaching, positive impacts on student achievement, and teacher shifts from more traditional, more lecture-based instructional models to more inquiry approaches. STEM faculty members become involved in science education and learn and practice new

Heat capacity and magnetic properties of fluoride CsFe{sup 2+}Fe{sup 3+}F{sub 6} with defect pyrochlore structure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gorev, M.V., E-mail: gorev@iph.krasn.ru [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Institute of Engineering Physics and Radio Electronics, Siberian State University, 660074 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Flerov, I.N. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Institute of Engineering Physics and Radio Electronics, Siberian State University, 660074 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Tressaud, A. [Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée, ICMCB-CNRS, Université Bordeaux, 33608 Pessac Cedex (France); Bogdanov, E.V. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Astafijev Krasnoyarsk State Pedagogical University, 660049 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Kartashev, A.V. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University, 660049 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Bayukov, O.A. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Eremin, E.V. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Institute of Engineering Physics and Radio Electronics, Siberian State University, 660074 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Krylov, A.S. [Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, 660036 Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation)

2016-05-15

Heat capacity, Mössbauer and Raman spectra as well as magnetic properties of fluoride CsFe{sub 2}F{sub 6} with defect pyrochlore structure were studied. In addition to recently found above room temperature three successive structural transformations Pnma-Imma-I4{sub 1}amd-Fd-3m, phase transition of antiferromagnetic nature with the 13.7 K Neel temperature and a broad heat capacity anomaly with a maximum at about 30 K were observed. The room temperature symmetry Pnma is unchanged at least down to 7 K. Simple model of indirect bond used to estimate the exchange interactions and to propose a magnetic structure model. - Graphical abstract: The ordered arrangement of Fe{sup 2+} and Fe{sup 3+} ions in high-spin states as well as antiferromagnetic phase transition followed by significant magnetic frustrations were found in pyrocholore-related CsFe{sup 2+}Fe{sup 3+}F{sub 6}. A magnetic structure was proposed using a simple model of indirect bonds. - Highlights: • The Pnma structure in pyrocholore CsFe{sub 2}F{sub 6} is stable down to helium temperature. • Mössbauer spectra confirmed the ordering of Fe{sup 2+} and Fe{sup 3+} ions. • Antiferromagnetic transformation and significant magnetic frustrations are found. • Experimental magnetic entropy agrees with entropy for Fe ions in high-spin state. • Superexchange interactions were calculated and a magnetic structure was proposed.

ISS EarthKam: Taking Photos of the Earth from Space

Science.gov (United States)

Haste, Turtle

2008-01-01

NASA is involved in a project involving the International Space Station (ISS) and an Earth-focused camera called EarthKam, where schools, and ultimately students, are allowed to remotely program the EarthKAM to take images. Here the author describes how EarthKam was used to help middle school students learn about biomes and develop their…

Experimental and theoretical investigations on diffusion process for rare earth ores

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

He, Ye; Li, Wenzhi Z. [Changchun Univ. (China)

2013-06-01

The diffusion reaction kinetics of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth with mixed ammonium salts was studied. The influence of concentration of reagents and particle size of ore on diffusion rate was investigated. The results showed that the diffusion process and diffusion rate could be improved by increasing reagents concentration and decreasing diffusion flowing rate and particle size. The diffusion process could be explained with the shrinking core Model, which could be controlled by the diffusion rate of reacting reagents in porous solid layer.

Use of Drying Technologies for Resource Recovery from Solid Wastes and Brines

Science.gov (United States)

Wignarajah, Kanapathipillai; Alba, Ric; Fisher, John W.; Hogan, John A.; Polonsky, Alex

2010-01-01

Long term storage of unprocessed biological wastes and human wastes can present major health issues and a loss of potential resources. Space vehicles and planetary habitats are typically resource-scarce or resource-limited environments for long-term human habitation. To-date, most of the resources will need to be supplied from Earth, but this may not be possible for long duration human exploration. Based on present knowledge, there is only very limited in-situ resources on planetary habitats. Hence, the opportunity to "live off the land" in a planetary habitat is limited. However, if we assume that wastes generated by human explorers are viewed as resources, there is great potential to utilize and recycle them, thereby reducing the requirements for supply Earth and enabling the "live off the land" exploration scenario. Technologies used for the recovery of resources from wastes should be reliable, safe, easy to operate, fail-proof, modular, automated and preferably multifunctional in being capable of handling mixed solid and liquid wastes. For a lunar habitat, energy does not appear to be the major driving factor amongst the technologies studied. Instead, reliability appears to be more important[1] . This paper reports studies to date on drying technologies to remove water from solid wastes and brines. Experimental performance data obtained for recovery water from wastes and brine are presented. Simplicity of operation of hardware and energy efficiency are discussed. Some improvements and modifications to hardware were performed. Hopefully, this information will assist in future efforts in the "downselection" of technologies for recovery of water and resources from solid wastes and brines.

Site investigations for repositories for solid radioactive wastes in deep continental geological formations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1982-01-01

This report reviews the earth-science investigations and associated scientific studies that may be needed to select a repository site and confirm that its characteristics are such that it will provide a safe confinement for solidified high-level and alpha-bearing and certain other solid radioactive wastes. Site investigations, as used in this report, cover earth sciences and associated safety analyses. Other site-investigation activities are identified but not otherwise considered here. The repositories under consideration are those consisting of mined cavities in deep continental rocks for accepting wastes in the solid and packaged form. The term deep as used in this report is used solely to emphasize the distinction between the repositories discussed in this report and those for shallow-ground disposal. In general, depths under consideration here are greater than 200 metres. The term continental refers to those geological formations that occur either beneath present-day land masses and adjoining islands or beneath the shallow seas. One of the objectives of site investigations is to collect the site-specific data necessary for the different evaluations, such as modelling required to assess the long-term safety of an underground repository

Site investigations for repositories for solid radioactive wastes in deep continental geological formations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1982-01-01

This report reviews the earth-science investigations and associated scientific studies that may be needed to select a repository site and confirm that its characteristics are such that it will provide a safe confinement for solidified high-level and alpha-bearing and certain other solid radioactive wastes. Site investigations, as used in this report, cover earth sciences and associated safety analyses. Other site-investigation activities are identified but not otherwise considered here. The repositories under consideration are those consisting of mined cavities in deep continental rocks for accepting wastes in the solid and packaged form. The term deep as used in this report is used solely to emphasize the distinction between the repositories discussed in this report and those for shallow-ground disposal. In general, depths under consideration here are greater than 200 metres. The term continental refers to those geological formations that occur either beneath present-day land masses and adjoining islands or beneath the shallow seas. One of the objectives of site investigations is to collect the site-specific data necessary for the different evaluations, such as modelling required to assess the long-term safety of an underground repository.

Constraints on Super-Earth Interiors from Stellar Abundances

Science.gov (United States)

Brugger, B.; Mousis, O.; Deleuil, M.; Deschamps, F.

2017-11-01

Modeling the interior of exoplanets is essential to go further than the conclusions provided by mean density measurements. In addition to the still limited precision on the planets’ fundamental parameters, models are limited by the existence of degeneracies on their compositions. Here, we present a model of internal structure dedicated to the study of solid planets up to ˜10 Earth masses, I.e., super-Earths. When the measurement is available, the assumption that the bulk Fe/Si ratio of a planet is similar to that of its host star allows us to significantly reduce the existing degeneracy and more precisely constrain the planet’s composition. Based on our model, we provide an update of the mass-radius relationships used to provide a first estimate of a planet’s composition from density measurements. Our model is also applied to the cases of two well-known exoplanets, CoRoT-7b and Kepler-10b, using their recently updated parameters. The core mass fractions of CoRoT-7b and Kepler-10b are found to lie within the 10%-37% and 10%-33% ranges, respectively, allowing both planets to be compatible with an Earth-like composition. We also extend the recent study of Proxima Centauri b and show that its radius may reach 1.94 {R}\\oplus in the case of a 5 {M}\\oplus planet, as there is a 96.7% probability that the real mass of Proxima Centauri b is below this value.

The lattice dynamical studies of rare earth compounds: electron-phonon interactions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jha, Prafulla K.; Sanyal, Sankar P.; Singh, R.K.

2002-01-01

During the last two decades chalcogenides and pnictides of rare earth (RE) atoms have drawn considerable attention of the solid state physicists because of their peculiar electronic, magnetic, optical and phonon properties. Some of these compounds e.g. sulphides and selenides of cerium (Ce), samarium (Sm), yttrium (Y), ytterbium (Yb), europium (Eu) and thulium (Tm) and their alloys show nonintegral valence (between 2 and 3), arising due to f-d electron hybridization at ambient temperature and pressure. The rare earth mixed valence compounds (MVC) reviewed in this article crystallize in simple cubic structure. Most of these compounds show the existence of strong electron-phonon coupling at half way to the zone boundary. This fact manifests itself through softening of the longitudinal acoustic mode, negative value of elastic constant C 12 etc. The purpose of this contribution is to review some of the recent activities in the fields of lattice dynamics and allied properties of rare earth compounds. The present article is primarily devoted to review the effect of electron-phonon interactions on the dynamical properties of rare earth compounds by using the lattice dynamical model theories based on charged density deformations and long-range many body forces. While the long range charge transfer effect arises due to f-d hybridization of nearly degenerate 4f-5d bands of rare earth ions, the density deformation comes into the picture of breathing motion of electron shells. These effects of charge transfer and charge density deformation when considered in the lattice dynamical models namely the three body force rigid ion model (TRM) and breathing shell model (BSM) are quite successful in explaining the phonon anomalies in these compounds and undoubtedly unraveled many important physical process governing the phonon anomalies in rare earth compounds

Global Earth Observation System of Systems: Characterizing Uncertainties of Space- based Measurements and Earth System Models Informing Decision Tools

Science.gov (United States)

Birk, R. J.; Frederick, M.

2006-05-01

performance of integrated system solutions. The U.S. Group on Earth Observations has identified six near-term opportunities (NTO) for integrated system solutions that contribute to the U.S. IEOS. The six NTOs include the use of space-based measurements of land use/land cover, biogeochemistry parameters, solid Earth perturbations, and ocean parameters important to dealing with decisions associated with such important areas as future sea level change. This paper describes the architectures of the 6 NTOs within a common framework and discusses challenges for systematically evaluating the capacity of discrete research components of NASA space-based observation systems, with models and computing systems and decision support systems.

Rare earth sulfates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Komissarova, L.N.; Shatskij, V.M.; Pokrovskij, A.N.; Chizhov, S.M.; Bal'kina, T.I.; Suponitskij, Yu.L.

1986-01-01

Results of experimental works on the study of synthesis conditions, structure and physico-chemical properties of rare earth, scandium and yttrium sulfates, have been generalized. Phase diagrams of solubility and fusibility, thermodynamic and crystallochemical characteristics, thermal stability of hydrates and anhydrous sulfates of rare earths, including normal, double (with cations of alkali and alkaline-earth metals), ternary and anion-mixed sulfates of rare earths, as well as their adducts, are considered. The state of ions of rare earths, scandium and yttrium in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions is discussed. Data on the use of rare earth sulfates are given

Human impact on the planet: an earth system science perspective and ethical considerations

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, Richard S.

2002-01-01

The modern Earth Narrative, the scientific story of the 4.5 billion-year natural and human history of the Earth, has emerged from the solid foundation of two factual concepts: Deep (or Geologic) Time and Biological Evolution. spread acceptance of the Earth Narrative is critically important as we begin the third millennium, because it provides a clear understanding of the growing impact of human population growth and associated activities on the Earth System, especially the negative impact on Earth?s biosphere. It is important for humans to realize that we are but one of 4,500 species of mammals that exist on Earth and that we are but one species in the estimated 30 to 100 million species that form the complex biosphere. We also need to recognize that all species exist within the physical limits imposed by the geosphere. We are totally dependent on the biosphere for food, oxygen, and other necessities of life. mans are one of the latest results of biological evolution operating over a long period of Geologic Time. We find ourselves on Earth, after 4.5 billion years of Earth history by chance, not by design. Humans have become so successful at modifying their environment that many of the natural limitations on the expansion of populations of our fellow animals have been overcome by technological and cultural innovations. According to Peter Raven, ?Humans, at a current population of 6 billion [expected to nearly double by 2050], are consuming or wasting about 50 percent of the total net biological productivity on land and 50 percent of the available supply of freshwater. The overwhelming and expanding human presence leaves less and less room in the environment for other biota.? st century will be a pivotal time in the fate of Earth?s biosphere. Whereas human modification of the geosphere will slowly recover over time, human changes to the biosphere are a far more consequential matter? extinction of a species is forever! Will humans effectively use our new knowledge of

Low temperature ozone oxidation of solid waste surrogates

Science.gov (United States)

Nabity, James A.; Lee, Jeffrey M.

2015-09-01

Solid waste management presents a significant challenge to human spaceflight and especially, long-term missions beyond Earth orbit. A six-month mission will generate over 300 kg of solid wastes per crewmember that must be dealt with to eliminate the need for storage and prevent it from becoming a biological hazard to the crew. There are several methods for the treatment of wastes that include oxidation via ozone, incineration, microbial oxidation or pyrolysis and physical methods such as microwave drying and compaction. In recent years, a low temperature oxidation process using ozonated water has been developed for the chemical conversion of organic wastes to CO2 and H2O. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the rate and effectiveness with which ozone oxidized several different waste materials. Increasing the surface area by chopping or shredding the solids into small pieces more than doubled the rate of oxidation. A greater flow of ozone and agitation of the ozonated water system also increased processing rates. Of the materials investigated, plastics have proven the most difficult to oxidize. The processing of plastics above the glass transition temperatures caused the plastics to clump together which reduced the exposed surface area, while processing at lower temperatures reduced surface reaction kinetics.

Significant improvement of accuracy and precision in the determination of trace rare earths by fluorescence analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ozawa, L.; Hersh, H.N.

1976-01-01

Most of the rare earths in yttrium, gadolinium and lanthanum oxides emit characteristic fluorescent line spectra under irradiation with photons, electrons and x rays. The sensitivity and selectivity of the rare earth fluorescences are high enough to determine the trace amounts (0.01 to 100 ppM) of rare earths. The absolute fluorescent intensities of solids, however, are markedly affected by the synthesis procedure, level of contamination and crystal perfection, resulting in poor accuracy and low precision for the method (larger than 50 percent error). Special care in preparation of the samples is required to obtain good accuracy and precision. It is found that the accuracy and precision for the determination of trace (less than 10 ppM) rare earths by fluorescence analysis improved significantly, while still maintaining the sensitivity, when the determination is made by comparing the ratio of the fluorescent intensities of the trace rare earths to that of a deliberately added rare earth as reference. The variation in the absolute fluorescent intensity remains, but is compensated for by measuring the fluorescent line intensity ratio. Consequently, the determination of trace rare earths (with less than 3 percent error) is easily made by a photoluminescence technique in which the rare earths are excited directly by photons. Accuracy is still maintained when the absolute fluorescent intensity is reduced by 50 percent through contamination by Ni, Fe, Mn or Pb (about 100 ppM). Determination accuracy is also improved for fluorescence analysis by electron excitation and x-ray excitation. For some rare earths, however, accuracy by these techniques is reduced because indirect excitation mechanisms are involved. The excitation mechanisms and the interferences between rare earths are also reported

Analyze satellite-tracking laser data in order to study satellite ephemerides, solid-Earth and ocean tides and laser system performance

Science.gov (United States)

Gaposchkin, E. M.

1981-01-01

The decrease in the semimajor axis of Lageos is considerably larger than expected. Gravitational effects, reference system effects, solar radiation pressure, Earth albedo pressure, neutral atmospheric drag, the Poynting Robertson Effect, and electrodynamic effects were used in explaining the observations. Quick look data provided are used to determine the Earth's polar motion and length of day. This process is routine, and provides these geophysical data every five days.

Earth System Dynamics: The Determination and Interpretation of the Global Angular Momentum Budget using the Earth Observing System. Revised

Science.gov (United States)

2003-01-01

The objective of this investigation has been to examine the mass and momentum exchange between the atmosphere, oceans, solid Earth, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. The investigation has focused on changes in the Earth's gravity field, its rotation rate, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, global sea level change, ice sheet change, and global ground water circulation observed by contemporary sensors and models. The primary component of the mass exchange is water. The geodetic observables provided by these satellite sensors are used to study the transport of water mass in the hydrological cycle from one component of the Earth to another, and they are also used to evaluate the accuracy of models. As such, the investigation is concerned with the overall global water cycle. This report provides a description of scientific, educational and programmatic activities conducted during the period July 1, 1999 through June 30,2000. Research has continued into measurements of time-varying gravity and its relationship to Earth rotation. Variability of angular momentum and the related excitation of polar motion and Earth rotation have been examined for the atmosphere and oceans at time-scales of weeks to several years. To assess the performance of hydrologic models, we have compared geodetic signals derived from them with those observed by satellites. One key component is the interannual mass variability of the oceans obtained by direct observations from altimetry after removing steric signals. Further studies have been conducted on the steric model to quantify its accuracy at global and basin-scales. The results suggest a significant loss of water mass from the Oceans to the land on time-scales longer than 1-year. These signals are not reproduced in any of the models, which have poorly determined interannual fresh water fluxes. Output from a coupled atmosphere-ocean model testing long-term climate change hypotheses has been compared to simulated errors from the Gravity Recovery and

{sup 1}H and {sup 23}Na MAS NMR spectroscopy of cationic species in CO{sub 2} selective alkaline earth metal porous silicoaluminophosphates prepared via liquid and solid state ion exchange

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arevalo-Hidalgo, Ana G. [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagueez Campus, Mayagueez, PR 00681-9000 (Puerto Rico); Dugar, Sneha; Fu, Riqiang [National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310 (United States); Hernandez-Maldonado, Arturo J., E-mail: arturoj.hernandez@upr.edu [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagueez Campus, Mayagueez, PR 00681-9000 (Puerto Rico)

2012-07-15

The location of extraframework cations in Sr{sup 2+} and Ba{sup 2+} ion-exchanged SAPO-34 was estimated by means of {sup 1}H and {sup 23}Na MAS NMR spectroscopy and spectral deconvolution. Incorporation of the alkaline earth metal cations onto the SAPO framework was achieved via liquid state ion exchange, coupled partial detemplation/solid-state ion exchange, and combination of both techniques. MAS NMR revealed that the level of ion exchange was limited by the presence of protons and sodium cations near hexagonal prisms (site SI), which are relatively difficult to exchange with the alkaline earth metal due to steric and charge repulsion criteria. In addition, the presence of ammonium cations in the supercages facilitated the exchange of otherwise tenacious hydrogen as corroborated by unit cell compositional data as well as enhanced CO{sub 2} adsorption at low partial pressures. The extraframework ammonium species were produced from partial detemplation of the structure-directing agent employed for the SAPO-34 synthesis, tetraethylammonium. - Graphical abstract: MAS NMR was used to elucidate the position the cationic species in alkaline earth metal exchanged silicoaluminophosphates. These species played a significant role during the ion exchange process and, therefore, the materials ultimate CO{sub 2} adsorption performance. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Location of extraframework Sr{sup 2+} or Ba{sup 2+} cations was estimated by means of {sup 1}H and {sup 23}Na MAS NMR. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Level of Sr{sup 2+} or Ba{sup 2+} ion exchange was limited by the presence of protons and sodium cations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Presence of ammonium cations in the supercages facilitated the exchange. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sr{sup 2+} and Ba{sup 2+} ion exchanged SAPOs are outstanding CO{sub 2} adsorbents.

Digital Earth – A sustainable Earth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahavir

2014-01-01

All life, particularly human, cannot be sustainable, unless complimented with shelter, poverty reduction, provision of basic infrastructure and services, equal opportunities and social justice. Yet, in the context of cities, it is believed that they can accommodate more and more people, endlessly, regardless to their carrying capacity and increasing ecological footprint. The 'inclusion', for bringing more and more people in the purview of development is often limited to social and economic inclusion rather than spatial and ecological inclusion. Economic investment decisions are also not always supported with spatial planning decisions. Most planning for a sustainable Earth, be at a level of rural settlement, city, region, national or Global, fail on the capacity and capability fronts. In India, for example, out of some 8,000 towns and cities, Master Plans exist for only about 1,800. A chapter on sustainability or environment is neither statutorily compulsory nor a norm for these Master Plans. Geospatial technologies including Remote Sensing, GIS, Indian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), Indian National Urban Information Systems (NUIS), Indian Environmental Information System (ENVIS), and Indian National GIS (NGIS), etc. have potential to map, analyse, visualize and take sustainable developmental decisions based on participatory social, economic and social inclusion. Sustainable Earth, at all scales, is a logical and natural outcome of a digitally mapped, conceived and planned Earth. Digital Earth, in fact, itself offers a platform to dovetail the ecological, social and economic considerations in transforming it into a sustainable Earth

Why Earth Science?

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, Michael J.

2004-01-01

This article briefly describes Earth science. The study of Earth science provides the foundation for an understanding of the Earth, its processes, its resources, and its environment. Earth science is the study of the planet in its entirety, how its lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere work together as systems and how they affect…

The ab initio simulation of the Earth's core.

Science.gov (United States)

Alfè, D; Gillan, M J; Vocadlo, L; Brodholt, J; Price, G D

2002-06-15

The Earth has a liquid outer and solid inner core. It is predominantly composed of Fe, alloyed with small amounts of light elements, such as S, O and Si. The detailed chemical and thermal structure of the core is poorly constrained, and it is difficult to perform experiments to establish the properties of core-forming phases at the pressures (ca. 300 GPa) and temperatures (ca. 5000-6000 K) to be found in the core. Here we present some major advances that have been made in using quantum mechanical methods to simulate the high-P/T properties of Fe alloys, which have been made possible by recent developments in high-performance computing. Specifically, we outline how we have calculated the Gibbs free energies of the crystalline and liquid forms of Fe alloys, and so conclude that the inner core of the Earth is composed of hexagonal close packed Fe containing ca. 8.5% S (or Si) and 0.2% O in equilibrium at 5600 K at the boundary between the inner and outer cores with a liquid Fe containing ca. 10% S (or Si) and 8% O.

Three Types of Earth's Inner Core Boundary

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, D.; Wen, L.

2017-12-01

The Earth's inner core boundary (ICB) is the site where the liquid outer core solidifies and the solid inner core grows. Thus, the fine-scale structure of the ICB is important for our understanding of the thermo-compositional state of the Earth's core. In this study, we collect a large set of seismic records with high-quality pre-critical PKiKP and PcP phase pairs, recorded by two dense seismic arrays, Hi-net in Japan and USArray in US. This dataset samples the ICB regions beneath East Asia, Mexico and the Bering Sea. We use differential travel times, amplitude ratios and waveform differences between PKiKP and PcP phases to constrain fine-scale structure of the ICB. The sampled ICB can be grouped into three types based on their seismic characteristics: (1) a simple ICB with a flat and sharp boundary, (2) a bumpy ICB with topographic height changes of 10 km, and (3) a localized mushy ICB with laterally varying thicknesses of 4-8 km. The laterally varying fine-scale structure of the ICB indicates existence of complex small-scale forces at the surface and a laterally varying solidification process of the inner core due to lateral variation of thermo-compositional condition near the ICB.

Earth observation from the manned low Earth orbit platforms

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Huadong; Dou, Changyong; Zhang, Xiaodong; Han, Chunming; Yue, Xijuan

2016-05-01

The manned low Earth orbit platforms (MLEOPs), e.g., the U.S. and Russia's human space vehicles, the International Space Station (ISS) and Chinese Tiangong-1 experimental space laboratory not only provide laboratories for scientific experiments in a wide range of disciplines, but also serve as exceptional platforms for remote observation of the Earth, astronomical objects and space environment. As the early orbiting platforms, the MLEOPs provide humans with revolutionary accessibility to the regions on Earth never seen before. Earth observation from MLEOPs began in early 1960s, as a part of manned space flight programs, and will continue with the ISS and upcoming Chinese Space Station. Through a series of flight missions, various and a large amount of Earth observing datasets have been acquired using handheld cameras by crewmembers as well as automated sophisticated sensors onboard these space vehicles. Utilizing these datasets many researches have been conducted, demonstrating the importance and uniqueness of studying Earth from a vantage point of MLEOPs. For example, the first, near-global scale digital elevation model (DEM) was developed from data obtained during the shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM). This review intends to provide an overview of Earth observations from MLEOPs and present applications conducted by the datasets collected by these missions. As the ISS is the most typical representative of MLEOPs, an introduction to it, including orbital characteristics, payload accommodations, and current and proposed sensors, is emphasized. The advantages and challenges of Earth observation from MLEOPs, using the ISS as an example, is also addressed. At last, a conclusive note is drawn.

Methodology for Time-Domain Estimation of Storm-Time Electric Fields Using the 3D Earth Impedance

Science.gov (United States)

Kelbert, A.; Balch, C. C.; Pulkkinen, A. A.; Egbert, G. D.; Love, J. J.; Rigler, E. J.; Fujii, I.

2016-12-01

Magnetic storms can induce geoelectric fields in the Earth's electrically conducting interior, interfering with the operations of electric-power grid industry. The ability to estimate these electric fields at Earth's surface in close to real-time and to provide local short-term predictions would improve the ability of the industry to protect their operations. At any given time, the electric field at the Earth's surface is a function of the time-variant magnetic activity (driven by the solar wind), and the local electrical conductivity structure of the Earth's crust and mantle. For this reason, implementation of an operational electric field estimation service requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort between space science, real-time space weather operations, and solid Earth geophysics. We highlight in this talk an ongoing collaboration between USGS, NOAA, NASA, Oregon State University, and the Japan Meteorological Agency, to develop algorithms that can be used for scenario analyses and which might be implemented in a real-time, operational setting. We discuss the development of a time domain algorithm that employs discrete time domain representation of the impedance tensor for a realistic 3D Earth, known as the discrete time impulse response (DTIR), convolved with the local magnetic field time series, to estimate the local electric field disturbances. The algorithm is validated against measured storm-time electric field data collected in the United States and Japan. We also discuss our plans for operational real-time electric field estimation using 3D Earth impedances.

Preparation and physical properties of rare earth, alkaline earth, and transition metal ternary chalcogenides; Poluchenie i fizicheskie svojtsva trojnykh khal`kogenidov redkozemel`nykh, shchelochnykh i perekhodnykh ehlementov

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Georgobiani, A N [RAN, Moskva (Russian Federation). Fizicheskij Inst. im. P.N.Lebedeva; Dzhabbarov, R B; Izzatov, B M; Musaeva, N N; Sultanov, F N; Tagiev, B G; Tagiev, O B [Inst. Fiziki im. G.M.Abdullaeva Akademii nauk Azerbajdzhana, Baku (Azerbaijan)

1997-02-01

A study was made on current-voltage characteristics, temperature dependences of electric conductivity and currents of thermoinduced depolarization of monocrystals, including EuGa{sub 2}S{sub 4} and (Ga{sub 2}S{sub 3}){sub 1-x}(Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3}){sub x} solid solutions. It is shown that these compounds, activated by europium, cerium, neodymium and other rare earths, manifest effective luminescence under the effect of ultraviolet and X-radiation, as well as under the effect of electron beams and electric field. 13 refs., 7 figs.

An Earth-sized planet with an Earth-like density

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pepe, Francesco; Cameron, Andrew Collier; Latham, David W.

2013-01-01

significantly larger than the Earth. Recently, the planet Kepler-78b was discovered(8) and found to have a radius of only 1.16R(circle plus). Here we report that the mass of this planet is 1.86 Earth masses. The resulting mean density of the planet is 5.57 g cm(-3), which is similar to that of the Earth...

School, Earth and Imagination

Science.gov (United States)

Merlini, Anna; Grieco, Giovanni; Oneta, Cristina

2015-04-01

that uses most of the five senses to approach materials of the Earth. In this way children discover the different spheres of the Earth materials, like water, soils, minerals, rocks. In the second part of each module children discover that knowledge can be applied acting on the geological objects. So they learn how to clean water using different kinds of soils or how to separate garbage according to the materials of which objects are made and not to other more showy characteristics like shape, size or color. The reiteration in time of the same scheme through the different modules is fundamental to give children a solid method of approach to the problems that children have to face, giving the basics to start the scholastic experience in the best possible way. Indeed, following structured modules activity, children will become accustomed with various situations inside and outside school with this analytical and experimental approach, overcoming sensory preconceptions and building their own perception based on an empirical method.