Effect of dipolar interactions on optical nonlinearity of two-dimensional nanocomposites

In this work, we calculate the contribution of dipole-dipole interactions to the optical nonlinearity of the two-dimensional random ensemble of nanoparticles that possess a set of exciton levels, for example, quantum dots. The analytical expressions for the contributions in the cases of TM and TE-polarized light waves propagating along the plane are obtained. It is shown that the optical nonlinearity, caused by the dipole-dipole interactions in the planar ensemble of the nanoparticles, is several times smaller than the similar nonlinearity of the bulk nanocomposite. This type of optical nonlinearity is expected to be observed at timescales much larger than the quantum dot exciton rise time. The proposed method may be applied to various types of the nanocomposite shapes.Comment: 8 page

Boolean algebras and classification of interactions in sufficient-component cause model

A mathematical model of the sufficient-component cause framework is considered based on the theories of Boolean algebra. The model consists of the space of states of a binary experiment and a set of symmetries of the experiment. The space of states is a Boolean algebra of n Boolean variables where n is the number of the binary causes in the experiment. The set of symmetries of the experiment is a subgroup of the group of all automorphisms of Boolean algebra of the states of experiment. This subgroup is generated by transformations preserving a type of interaction. An experimenter should deduce these transformations from the peculiar properties of the experiment. Examples of such transformations are provided. Classification of interactions is obtained by the calculation of the orbits of action of the group of symmetries on the space of states of the experiment. It is shown that the classification of the interaction for the ordinary symmetries of sufficient causes is the same as reported in related works. Other symmetries of the binary experiment are considered as well. It is shown that the corresponding classification of the interaction types in a binary experiment depends substantially on the symmetries of the experiment. Statistical criteria of particular types of responses are proven and the problem of mutual antagonism is discussed in the Appendix. © 2015 Academic Publications, Ltd

Neutron-induced astrophysical reaction rates for translead nuclei

Neutron-induced reaction rates, including fission, are calculated in the temperature range 1.d8 <T (K) < 1.d10 within the framework of the statistical model for targets with atomic number 83 < Z < 119 (from Po to Uuo) from the neutron to the proton drip-line. Four sets of rates have been calculated, utilizing - where possible - consistent nuclear data for neutron separation energies and fission barriers from Thomas-Fermi (TF), Extended Thomas-Fermi plus Strutinsky Integral (ETFSI), Finite-Range Droplet Model (FRDM) and Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov (HFB) predictions. Tables of calculated values as well as analytic seven parameter fits in the standard REACLIB format are supplied. We also discuss the sensitivity of the rates to the input, aiming at a better understanding of the uncertainties introduced by the nuclear input.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figures, 2 tables in paper, 2 in Annex and online tables example

The NTB phase in an achiral asymmetrical bent-core liquid crystal terminated with symmetric alkyl chains

The characteristics of the twist-bend nematic (NTB) phase of an achiral asymmetrical rigid bent-core liquid crystal (LC), the ends of which are terminated by symmetric alkyl chains, are reported. The nematic�nematic phase transition and its properties are studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarising microscopy and the electro-optic techniques. Large domains of opposite handedness are observed in the absence of the external field in the NTB phase. Another set of periodic striped pattern consisting of domains with sharp boundaries is formed when a high-frequency electric field with a magnitude above its threshold is applied across a planarly aligned cell. The neighbouring domains are of opposite chirality. The temperature dependence of the heliconical angle θ0 is determined from the birefringence measurements using Haller�s extrapolation technique. This material shows lower values of the heliconical angle (~9.3° at a temperature of 155°C within the NTB phase) when compared with the previously reported dimer-based twist-bend nematic LCs (31°±3°). © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Nematic twist-bend phase with nanoscale modulation of molecular orientation

A state of matter in which molecules show a long-range orientational order and no positional order is called a nematic liquid crystal. The best known and most widely used (for example, in modern displays) is the uniaxial nematic, with the rod-like molecules aligned along a single axis, called the director. When the molecules are chiral, the director twists in space, drawing a right-angle helicoid and remaining perpendicular to the helix axis; the structure is called a chiral nematic. Here using transmission electron and optical microscopy, we experimentally demonstrate a new nematic order, formed by achiral molecules, in which the director follows an oblique helicoid, maintaining a constant oblique angle with the helix axis and experiencing twist and bend. The oblique helicoids have a nanoscale pitch. The new twist-bend nematic represents a structural link between the uniaxial nematic (no tilt) and a chiral nematic (helicoids with right-angle tilt)