Critical dynamics in the 2d classical XY-model: a spin dynamics study

Using spin-dynamics techniques we have performed large-scale computer simulations of the dynamic behavior of the classical three component XY-model (i.e. the anisotropic limit of an easy-plane Heisenberg ferromagnet), on square lattices of size up to 192^2, for several temperatures below, at, and above T_KT. The temporal evolution of spin configurations was determined numerically from coupled equations of motion for individual spins by a fourth order predictor-corrector method, with initial spin configurations generated by a hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm. The neutron scattering function S(q,omega) was calculated from the resultant space-time displaced spin-spin correlation function. Pronounced spin-wave peaks were found both in the in-plane and the out-of-plane scattering function over a wide range of temperatures. The in-plane scattering function S^xx also has a large number of clear but weak additional peaks, which we interpret to come from two-spin-wave scattering. In addition, we observed a small central peak in S^xx, even at temperatures well below the phase transition. We used dynamic finite size scaling theory to extract the dynamic critical exponent z. We find z=1.00(4) for all T <= T_KT, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, although the shape of S(q,omega) is not well described by current theory.Comment: 31 pages, LaTex, 13 figures (38 subfigures) included as eps-files, needs psfig, 260 K

Recent Developments of World-Line Monte Carlo Methods

World-line quantum Monte Carlo methods are reviewed with an emphasis on breakthroughs made in recent years. In particular, three algorithms -- the loop algorithm, the worm algorithm, and the directed-loop algorithm -- for updating world-line configurations are presented in a unified perspective. Detailed descriptions of the algorithms in specific cases are also given.Comment: To appear in Journal of Physical Society of Japa

Polarized Neutron Reflectometry of Nickel Corrosion Inhibitors.

Polarized neutron reflectometry has been used to investigate the detailed adsorption behavior and corrosion inhibition mechanism of two surfactants on a nickel surface under acidic conditions. Both the corrosion of the nickel surface and the structure of the adsorbed surfactant layer could be monitored in situ by the use of different solvent contrasts. Layer thicknesses and roughnesses were evaluated over a range of pH values, showing distinctly the superior corrosion inhibition of one negatively charged surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) compared to a positively charged example (dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide) due to its stronger binding interaction with the surface. It was found that adequate corrosion inhibition occurs at significantly less than full surface coverage.X-ray photoelectron spectra were obtained at the National Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) XPS User’s Service (NEXUS) at Newcastle University, an EPSRC midrange facility. NR data were obtained on the D17 instrument, and samples were treated in the laboratories of the Partnership for Soft Condensed Matter (PSCM) at the Institut Laue-Langevin. M.H.W. is grateful for funding from the Oppenheimer Trust.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from the American Chemical Society via http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b0171

Solid-state NMR investigations of molecular dynamics in polyphenylene dendrimers: Evidence of dense-shell packing

We present solid-state NMR investigations of a series of shape- persistent polyphenylene dendrimers of generation 1-4 with different surface functionalization. Using a combination of traditional static and more advanced magic-angle spinning (MAS) exchange techniques for the elucidation of slow dynamics as well as fast-AMS recoupling techniques for the quantification of dynamic averaging in the megahertz range, we derive a clear picture of the complex molecular dynamics in these systems. Fast processes in the megahertz regime are shown to be restricted to fast vibrations of terminal phenyl rings with amplitudes of up to 40degrees at most, with a 5-30% fraction of rings performing larger-amplitude motions. Slow processes on the time scale of milliseconds to seconds are also restricted to terminal and doubly para-substituted phenyl rings. This type of motion is characterized by a two-site jump with a mean reorientation angle of 24degrees and a mean apparent activation energy of 34 kJ/mol and is presumably a concerted process involving several adjacent phenyl rings. The comparison of dendrimers with different surface functionalization allows us to conclude that the molecular dynamics are dominated by intramolecular steric constraints. As for the dependence on dendrimer generation, both the fast and the slow processes follow a trend that is expected from the evolution of the segment free volume at the periphery of the molecules, where most terminal rings are located. We therefore believe that our results represent the first experimental evidence of a class of dendrimers in which the radial segment density distribution is caused by truly extended arms and for which the dense-shell packing limit is reached for generation 4