Imaging Pulsed Laser Deposition oxide growth by in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy

To visualize the topography of thin oxide films during growth, thereby enabling to study its growth behavior quasi real-time, we have designed and integrated an atomic force microscope (AFM) in a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) vacuum setup. The AFM scanner and PLD target are integrated in a single support frame, combined with a fast sample transfer method, such that in-situ microscopy can be utilized after subsequent deposition pulses. The in-situ microscope can be operated from room temperature (RT) up to 700$^\circ$C and at (process) pressures ranging from the vacuum base pressure of 10$^{-6}$ mbar up to 1 mbar, typical PLD conditions for the growth of oxide films. The performance of this instrument is demonstrated by resolving unit cell height surface steps and surface topography under typical oxide PLD growth conditions.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

Changing with the tide: Semi-parametric estimation of preference dynamics

We contrast the discovered preference hypothesis against the theory of coherent arbitrariness in a split-sample stated choice experiment on flood-risk exposure. A semiparametric local multinomial logit model is developed as an alternative to the Swait and Louviere (1993) test procedure controlling for preference dynamics within and between samples. The proposed model supports the discovered preference hypothesis by means of a decaying starting point bias. The Swait and Louviere (1993) test procedure reaches a different conclusion. It rejects the assumption of stable preferences, but most preference dynamics tend to be smoothed out, causing a more erratic pattern of preference dynamics

How much solute is needed to inhibit the fluid to gel membrane phase transition at low hydration?

We present a quantitative study of the effect of sugars on the membrane gel-fluid phase transition as a function of sugar:lipid ratio. We show that the maximum effect occurs at around 1.5 sugar rings per molecule for both mono- and di-saccharides. We present a theoretical model to try to explain these results, and discuss the assumptions inherent in the model

Robust optical emission polarization in MoS2 monolayers through selective valley excitation

We report polarization resolved photoluminescence from monolayer MoS2, a two-dimensional, non-centrosymmetric crystal with direct energy gaps at two different valleys in momentum space. The inherent chiral optical selectivity allows exciting one of these valleys and close to 90% polarized emission at 4K is observed with 40% polarization remaining at 300K. The high polarization degree of the emission remains unchanged in transverse magnetic fields up to 9T indicating robust, selective valley excitation.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Tetrahedral Symmetry in Ground- and Low-Lying States of Exotic A ~ 110 Nuclei

Recent theoretical calculations predict a possible existence of nuclei with tetrahedral symmetry: more precisely, the mean-field hamiltonians of such nuclei are symmetric with respect to double point-group Td. In this paper, we focus on the neutron-rich Zirconium isotopes as an example and present realistic mean-field calculations which predict tetrahedral ground-state configurations in 108,110Zr and low-lying excited states of tetrahedral symmetry in a number of N > 66 isotopes. The motivations for focusing on these nuclei, as well as a discussion of the possible experimental signatures of tetrahedral symmetry are also presented.Comment: Accepted in Phys. Rev. C - Rapid Communication

Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis

Bucket elevators are efficient machines to transport granular materials in industrial and civil engineering applications. These materials are composed of hundreds, thousands or even more particles, the global behavior of which is defined by contact interactions. The first attempts to analyze the transportation of granular materials were treated by very simple continuum methods that do not take into account these interactions, producing simulations that do not fit the experimental results accurately. Given the internal discontinuity nature of granular media, it is reasonable to use numerical methods to model their behavior, such as discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA)-a member of the discrete element method family that started to be used in the 90s to analyze similar problems. The version of DDA used in the current work treats grains as rigid circular particles with friction, damping and eventually cohesion with the objective of simulating and analyzing in detail the discharge of granular materials with bucket elevators. A deterministic computer code has been implemented and validated against simplified analytical formulae and experimental results taken from the literature. This computer code is then used to obtain optimum two-dimensional bucket geometries under specific working conditions. The optimization aims to maximize transport distance and to minimize remaining material, taking into account bucket velocity and the properties of the grains. The resulting geometries are discussed and compared against standard designs.J.L. Perez-Aparicio, R. Bravo were partially supported by the MFOM I+D (2004/38), both by MICIIN #BIA 2008-00522 and the first also by Polytechnic University of Valencia under grant PAID 05-10-2674. J.J. Gomez-Hernandez was partially supported by MICIIN #CGL 2011-23295.Pérez Aparicio, JL.; Bravo, R.; Gómez-Hernández, JJ. (2014). Optimal numerical design of bucket elevators using discontinuous deformation analysis. Granular Matter. 16(4):485-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-014-0485-5S485498164Rademacher, F.: Non-spill discharge characteristics of bucket elevators. Powder Technol. 22(2), 215–241 (1979)Koster, K.: Bulk material discharge of bucket elevators, especially high-capacity bucket elevators. [zum schuettgutabwurf bei becherwerken, insbesondere bei hochleistungsbecherwerken]. Aufbereitungs-Technik 25(8), 450–463 (1984)Koster, K.: Use of high-capacity bucket elevators in the cement industry. [zum einsatz von hochleistungsbecherwerken in der zementindustrie]. Zement-Kalk-Gips 33(3), 116–119 (1980)Koster, K.: Development and state of the art in heavy-duty bucket elevators with central chains—part 2 [entwicklung und stand der technik von hochleistungs-becherwerken mit zentralkette—teil 2]. ZKG Int. 49(4), 173–187 (1996)Koster, K.: Centrifugal discharge of bucket elevators. Bulk Solids Handl. 5(2), 449–460 (1985)Koster, K.: Problem of complete emptying of high-speed elevator buckets. Aufbereitungs-Technik 27(9), 471–481 (1986)Korzen, Z.: Mechanics of gravitational discharge of cell-less bucket wheels in reclaiming machines. Bulk Solids Handl. 7(6), 801–812 (1987)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Mathematical model of the operational efficiency of a multibucket centrifugal discharge wheel [model matematyczny wydajnosci roboczego procesu kola wieloczerpakowego z odsrodkowym wysypem]. Politechnika Warszawska Prace Naukowe Mechanika 1(121), 187–199 (1989)Shi, G., Goodman, R.: Two dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis. Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 9(6), 541–556 (1985)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R.: Discrete Elements, vol. 2, pp. 41–77. Consorcio TCN (2006)Shi, G.: Discontinuous Deformation Analysis: A New Model for the Statics and Dynamics of Block Systems. Ph.D. thesis, University of California, Berkeley (1988)Moosavi, M., Grayeli, R.: A model for cable bolt-rock mass interaction: integration with discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) algorithm. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 43(4), 661–670 (2006)Pérez-Aparicio, J., Bravo, R., Ortiz, P.: Refined element discontinuous numerical analysis of dry-contact masonry arches. Eng. Struct. 48, 578–587 (2013)McBride, W., Sinnott, M., Cleary, P.: Discrete element modelling of a bucket elevator head pulley transition zone. Granul. Matter 13(2), 169–174 (2011)Kruggel-Emden, H., Sudbrock, F., Wirtz, S., Scherer, V.: Experimental and numerical investigation of the bulk behavior of wood pellets on a model type grate. Granul. Matter 14(6), 681–693 (2012)Walton, O., Moor, C., Gill, K.: Effects of gravity on cohesive behavior of fine powders: implications for processing lunar regolith. Granul. Matter 9(5), 353–363 (2007)Gao, Y., Muzzio, F., Ierapetritou, M.: Optimizing continuous powder mixing processes using periodic section modeling. Chem. Eng. Sci. 80, 70–80 (2012)Shmulevich, I.: State of the art modeling of soil-tillage interaction using discrete element method. Soil Tillage Res. 111(1), 41–53 (2010)Moon, T., Oh, J.: A study of optimal rock-cutting conditions for hard rock tbm using the discrete element method. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 45(5), 837–849 (2012)Makokha, A., Moys, M., Bwalya, M., Kimera, K.: A new approach to optimising the life and performance of worn liners in ball mills: experimental study and DEM simulation. Int. J. Miner. Process. 84(1–4), 221–227 (2007)Balevičius, R., Kačianauskas, R., Mroz, Z., Sielamowicz, I.: Discrete element method applied to multiobjective optimization of discharge flow parameters in hoppers. Struct. Multidiscip. Optim. 31(3), 163–175 (2006)Hu, L.: Gradual deformation and iterative calibration of Gaussian-related stochastic models. Math. Geol. 32(1), 87–108 (2000)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An energy consistent frictional dissipating algorithm for particle contact problems. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 92(9), 753–781 (2012)Belytschko, T., Liu, W., Moran, B.: Nonlinear Finite Elements for Continua and Structures. Wiley, New York (2000)Beckert, R., Föll, R.: Untersuchung der abwurfverhältnisse an kettenbecherwerken. Förden Heben 1(15), 833–836 (1966)Jaskulski, A.: Engineer-to-order approach to high speed bucket elevator design in a small-enterprise. Appl. Eng. Agric. 24(5), 545–557 (2008)Beverley, G.: Mechanics of High Speed Bucket Elevator Discharge. Ph.D. thesis. University of Newcastle (1986)Beverley, G., Roberts, A., Hayes, J.: Mechanics of high speed elevator discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 3(4), 853–859 (1983)Korzen, Z., Dudek, K.: Reclaiming with a high-speed bucket wheel with centrifugal discharge. Bulk Solids Handl. 11(3), 615–626 (1991)Bravo, R., Pérez-Aparicio, J., Laursen, T.: An enhanced energy conserving time stepping algorithm for frictionless particle contacts. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 85(11), 1415–1435 (2011)Jaskulski, A.: Methodology of Multi-Criteria Optimization of Appliances for Vertical Grain Transportation. Ph.D. thesis. Warsaw University of Technology (1992

A Microscopic T-Violating Optical Potential: Implications for Neutron-Transmission Experiments

We derive a T-violating P-conserving optical potential for neutron-nucleus scattering, starting from a uniquely determined two-body $\rho$-exchange interaction with the same symmetry. We then obtain limits on the T-violating $\rho$-nucleon coupling $\overline{g}_{\rho}$ from neutron-transmission experiments in $^{165}$Ho. The limits may soon compete with those from measurements of atomic electric-dipole moments.Comment: 8 pages, 2 uuencoded figures in separate files (replaces version sent earlier in the day with figures attached), in RevTeX 3, submitted to PR

Imaging the lipid bilayer of giant unilamellar vesicles using red-to-blue light upconversion

Red-to-blue triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion was obtained in giant unilamellar vesicles. The upconverted light was homogeneously distributed across the membrane and could be utilized for the imaging of individual giant vesicles in three dimensions. These results show the great potential of TTA-UC for imaging applications under anoxic conditions