Optical transitions and energy relaxation of hot carriers in Si nanocrystals

Dynamics of hot carriers confined in Si nanocrystals is studied theoretically using atomistic tight binding approach. Radiative, Auger-like and phonon-assisted processes are considered. The Auger-like energy exchange between electrons and holes is found to be the fastest process in the system. However the energy relaxation of hot electron-hole pair is governed by the single optical phonon emission. For a considerable number of states in small nanocrystals single-phonon processes are ruled out by energy conservation law.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figure

Cascade-Exciton Model Analysis of Nucleon-Induced Fission Cross Sections of Lead and Bismuth at Energies from 45 to 500 MeV

An extended version of the Cascade-Exciton Model (CEM) of nuclear reactions is applied to analyze nucleon-induced fission cross sections for Bi-209 and Pb-208 nuclei in the 45-500 MeV energy range. The available data on linear momentum transfer are analyzed as well. The results are compared with analytical approximations resulting from a comparative critical analysis of all available experimental data. Systematic discrepancies between calculations and experimental data are revealed. A modification of the CEM is proposed, which significantly improves the model predictions for projectile energies above 100 MeV.Comment: 38 pages, 16 figures, 7 tables, LaTeX, submitted to Nucl. Sci. En

Detailed Geant4 simulations of the ANITA and ANITA-CUP neutron facilities

Simulations of the ANITA spallation neutron source at The Svedberg Laboratory (TSL) are described. Neutron radiation calculations show close agreement with measurements at both standard and close user positions. Gamma radiation characteristics are also predicted

Energy transfer processes in Er-doped SiO2 sensitized with Si nanocrystals

We present a high-resolution photoluminescence study of Er-doped SiO2 sensitized with Si nanocrystals (Si NCs). Emission bands originating from recombination of excitons confined in Si NCs and of internal transitions within the 4f-electron core of Er3+ ions, and a band centered at lambda = 1200nm have been identified. Their kinetics have been investigated in detail. Based on these measurements, we present a comprehensive model for energy transfer mechanisms responsible for light generation in this system. A unique picture of energy flow between subsystems of Er3+ and Si NCs is developed, yielding truly microscopic information on the sensitization effect and its limitations. In particular, we show that most of the Er3+ ions available in the system are participating in the energy exchange. The long standing problem of apparent loss of optical activity of majority of Er dopants upon sensitization with Si NCs is clarified and assigned to appearance of a very efficient energy exchange mechanism between Si NCs and Er3+ ions. Application potential of SiO2:Er sensitized by Si NCs is discussed in view of the newly acquired microscopic insight.Comment: 30 pages 13 figure

Evidence of a bond-nematic phase in LiCuVO4

Polarized and unpolarized neutron scattering experiments on the frustrated ferromagnetic spin-1/2 chain LiCuVO4 show that the phase transition at HQ of 8 Tesla is driven by quadrupolar fluctuations and that dipolar correlations are short-range with moments parallel to the applied magnetic field in the high-field phase. Heat-capacity measurements evidence a phase transition into this high-field phase, with an anomaly clearly different from that at low magnetic fields. Our experimental data are consistent with a picture where the ground state above HQ has a next-nearest neighbour bond-nematic order along the chains with a fluid-like coherence between weakly coupled chains.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. To appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Magnetic Properties of the low dimensional spin system (VO)2_2P2_2O7_{7}: ESR and susceptibility

Experimental results on magnetic resonance (ESR) and magnetic susceptibility are given for single crystalline (VO)$_2$P$_2$O$_{7}$. The crystal growth procedure is briefly discussed. The susceptibility is interpreted numerically using a model with alternating spin chains. We determine $J$=51 K and $\delta$=0.2. Furthermore we find a spin gap of $\approx 6$meV from our ESR measurements. Using elastic constants no indication of a phase transition forcing the dimerization is seen below 300 K.Comment: 7 pages, REVTEX, 7 figure