Langevin-like giant magnetoresistance in Co-Cu superlattices

We present evidence for a new type of giant magnetoresistance in (111) cobalt-copper superlattices with atomically smooth interfaces. We propose that the lowered dimensionality of the structure leads to an enhancement of the scattering of conduction electrons from paramagnetic interfaces obeying a Langevin-like saturation at very high fields, well beyond the switching field of the Co layers. The findings help to explain similarities in magnetotransport behavior with recently reported granular systems as well as differences with antiferromagnetically coupled multilayers

Quantum Diffusion of H/Ni(111) through the Monte Carlo Wave Function Formalism

We consider a quantum system coupled to a dissipative background with many degrees of freedom using the Monte Carlo Wave Function method. Instead of dealing with a density matrix which can be very high-dimensional, the method consists of integrating a stochastic Schrodinger equation with a non-hermitian damping term in the evolution operator, and with random quantum jumps. The method is applied to the diffusion of hydrogen on the Ni(111) surface below 100 K. We show that the recent experimental diffusion data for this system can be understood through an interband activation process, followed by quantum tunnelling.Comment: In press at Phys.Rev.Let

Morphology of epitaxial core-shell nanowires

We analyze the morphological stability against azimuthal, axial, and general helical perturbations for epitaxial core-shell nanowires in the growth regimes limited by either surface diffusion or evaporation-condensation surface kinetics. For both regimes, we find that geometric parameters (i.e., core radius and shell thickness) play a central role in determining whether the nanowire remains cylindrical or its shell breaks up into epitaxial islands similar to those observed during Stranski-Krastanow growth in thin epilayers. The combination of small cores and rapid growth of the shell emerge as key ingredients for stable shell growth. Our results provide an explanation for the different core-shell morphologies reported in the Si-Ge system experimentally, and also identify a growth-induced intrinsic mechanism for the formation of helical nanowires.Comment: In press, Nano Letters (7 pages, 4 figures

Ultralow Thermal Conductivity of Isotope-Doped Silicon Nanowires

The thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. It is found that the thermal conductivity of SiNWs can be reduced exponentially by isotopic defects at room temperature. The thermal conductivity reaches the minimum, which is about 27% of that of pure 28Si NW, when doped with fifty percent isotope atoms. The thermal conductivity of isotopic-superlattice structured SiNWs depends clearly on the period of superlattice. At a critical period of 1.09 nm, the thermal conductivity is only 25% of the value of pure Si NW. An anomalous enhancement of thermal conductivity is observed when the superlattice period is smaller than this critical length. The ultra-low thermal conductivity of superlattice structured SiNWs is explained with phonon spectrum theory.Comment: Nano Lett., ASAP Article 10.1021/nl0725998 S1530-6984(07)02599-4 Web Release Date: December 21, 200

Structural Basis for Fe–S Cluster Assembly and tRNA Thiolation Mediated by IscS Protein–Protein Interactions

Crystal structures reveal how distinct sites on the cysteine desulfurase IscS bind two different sulfur-acceptor proteins, IscU and TusA, to transfer sulfur atoms for iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis and tRNA thiolation

Developing 1D nanostructure arrays for future nanophotonics

There is intense and growing interest in one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures from the perspective of their synthesis and unique properties, especially with respect to their excellent optical response and an ability to form heterostructures. This review discusses alternative approaches to preparation and organization of such structures, and their potential properties. In particular, molecular-scale printing is highlighted as a method for creating organized pre-cursor structure for locating nanowires, as well as vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) templated growth using nano-channel alumina (NCA), and deposition of 1-D structures with glancing angle deposition (GLAD). As regards novel optical properties, we discuss as an example, finite size photonic crystal cavity structures formed from such nanostructure arrays possessing highQand small mode volume, and being ideal for developing future nanolasers

Dynamic Acoustic Control of Individual Optically Active Quantum Dot-like Emission Centers in Heterostructure Nanowires

We probe and control the optical properties of emission centers forming in radial het- erostructure GaAs-Al0.3Ga0.7As nanowires and show that these emitters, located in Al0.3Ga0.7As layers, can exhibit quantum-dot like characteristics. We employ a radio frequency surface acoustic wave to dynamically control their emission energy and occupancy state on a nanosec- ond timescale. In the spectral oscillations we identify unambiguous signatures arising from both the mechanical and electrical component of the surface acoustic wave. In addition, differ- ent emission lines of a single quantum dot exhibit pronounced anti-correlated intensity oscilla- tions during the acoustic cycle. These arise from a dynamically triggered carrier extraction out of the quantum dot to a continuum in the radial heterostructure. Using finite element modeling and Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin theory we identify quantum tunneling as the underlying mech- anism. These simulation results quantitatively reproduce the observed switching and show that in our systems these quantum dots are spatially separated from the continuum by > 10.5 nm.Comment: This document is the unedited Author's version of a Submitted Work that was subsequently accepted for publication in Nano Letters, copyright \c{copyright} American Chemical Society after peer review. To access the final edited and published work see http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl404043

A proteome-wide protein interaction map for Campylobacter jejuni

'Systematic identification of protein interactions for the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni using high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screens detected interactions for 80% of the organism's proteins

Electrons, Photons, and Force: Quantitative Single-Molecule Measurements from Physics to Biology

Single-molecule measurement techniques have illuminated unprecedented details of chemical behavior, including observations of the motion of a single molecule on a surface, and even the vibration of a single bond within a molecule. Such measurements are critical to our understanding of entities ranging from single atoms to the most complex protein assemblies. We provide an overview of the strikingly diverse classes of measurements that can be used to quantify single-molecule properties, including those of single macromolecules and single molecular assemblies, and discuss the quantitative insights they provide. Examples are drawn from across the single-molecule literature, ranging from ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy studies of adsorbate diffusion on surfaces to fluorescence studies of protein conformational changes in solution