Exploratory ASCA Observations of Broad Absorption Line Quasi-Stellar Objects

We present the analysis and interpretation of a sample of eight ASCA observations of Broad Absorption Line Quasi-Stellar Objects (BALQSOs). This is the first moderate-sized sample of sensitive BALQSO observations above 2 keV, and the BALQSOs in our sample are among the optically brightest known (B=14.5-18.5). Despite the ability of 2-10 keV X-rays to penetrate large column densities, we find BALQSOs to be extremely weak sources above 2 keV, and we are only able to add two new 2-10 keV detections (0226-104 and IRAS 07598+6508) to those previously reported. By comparison with non-BALQSOs of similar optical continuum magnitudes, we derive the column densities needed to suppress the expected X-ray fluxes of our BALQSOs. In several cases we derive column densities > 5x10^{23} cm^{-2} for a neutral absorber with solar abundances. These are the largest X-ray column densities yet inferred for BALQSOs, and they exceed ROSAT lower limits by about an order of magnitude. Optical brightness does not appear to be a good predictor of 2-10 keV brightness for BALQSOs, but our data do suggest that the BALQSOs with high optical continuum polarizations may be the X-ray brighter members of the class. For example, the highly polarized object PHL 5200 appears to be unusually X-ray bright for a BALQSO given its optical magnitude. We discuss the implications of our results for future observations with AXAF and XMM. If the objects in our sample are representative of the BALQSO population, precision X-ray spectroscopy of most BALQSOs will unfortunately prove difficult in the near future.Comment: 19 pages, ApJ in press, also available from http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/niel/papers/papers.htm

Phase Diagram of Half Doped Manganites

An analysis of the properties of half-doped manganites is presented. We build up the phase diagram of the system combining a realistic calculation of the electronic properties and a mean field treatment of the temperature effects. The electronic structure of the manganites are described with a double exchange model with cooperative Jahn-Teller phonons and antiferromagnetic coupling between the $Mn$ core spins. At zero temperature a variety of electronic phases as ferromagnetic (FM) charge ordered (CO) orbital ordered (OO), CE-CO-OO and FM metallic, are obtained. By raising the temperature the CE-CO-OO phase becomes paramagnetic (PM), but depending on the electron-phonon coupling and the exchange coupling the transition can be direct or trough intermediate states: a FM disorder metallic, a PM-CO-OO or a FM-CO-OO. We also discus the nature of the high temperature PM phase in the regime of finite electron phonon coupling. In this regime half of the oxygen octahedra surrounding the $Mn$ ions are distorted. In the weak coupling regime the octahedra are slightly deformed and only trap a small amount of electronic charge, rendering the system metallic consequentially. However in the strong coupling regime the octahedra are strongly distorted, the charge is fully localized in polarons and the system is insulator.Comment: 10 pagses, 9 figures include

The structure of intercalated water in superconducting Na0.35_{0.35}CoO2⋅_{2}\cdot1.37D2_{2}O: Implications for the superconducting phase diagram

We have used electron and neutron powder diffraction to elucidate the structural properties of superconducting \NaD. Our measurements show that our superconducting sample exhbits a number of supercells ranging from ${1/3}a^{*}$ to ${1/15}a^{*}$, but the most predominant one, observed also in the neutron data, is a double hexagonal cell with dimensions \dhx. Rietveld analysis reveals that \deut\space is inserted between CoO$_{2}$ sheets as to form a layered network of NaO$_{6}$ triangular prisms. Our model removes the need to invoke a 5K superconducting point compound and suggests that a solid solution of Na is possible within a constant amount of water $y$.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Coulomb Interactions and Nanoscale Electronic Inhomogeneities in Manganites

We address the issue of endemic electronic inhomogeneities in manganites using extensive simulations on a new model with Coulomb interactions amongst two electronic fluids, one localized (polaronic), the other extended (band-like), and dopant ions. The long range Coulomb interactions frustrate phase separation induced by the strong on site repulsion between the fluids. A single quantum phase ensues which is intrinsically and strongly inhomogeneous at a nano-scale, but homogeneous on meso-scales, with many characteristics (including colossal responses)that agree with experiments. This, we argue, is the origin of nanoscale inhomogeneities in manganites, rather than phase competition and disorder related effects as often proposed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Searching for tetraquarks on the lattice

We address the question whether the lightest scalar mesons sigma and kappa are tetraquarks. We present a search for possible light tetraquark states with J^PC=0^++ and I=0, 1/2, 3/2, 2 in the dynamical and the quenched lattice simulations using tetraquark interpolators. In all the channels, we unavoidably find lowest scattering states pi(k)pi(-k) or K(k)pi(-k) with back-to-back momentum k=0,2*pi/L,.. . However, we find an additional light state in the I=0 and I=1/2 channels, which may be related to the observed resonances sigma and kappa with a strong tetraquark component. In the exotic repulsive channels I=2 and I=3/2, where no resonance is observed, we find no light state in addition to the scattering states.Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure, proceedings of Lepton-Photon 2009, Hambur

Beneficiation and Utilisation of Low Grade Refractory Materials

The present production of refractories in India is of the order of 0.75 million tons. These comprise fireclay, alumino silixates, high alumina and basic refractories and refractory cements, mortars, mortars, plastics and castables. Besides these, large tonnages of dead burnt dolomite are produced in many steel plants for fettling and repair of open-hearth and electric arc furnaces or lining L-D vessels. Of the total production of refrac-tories, steel plants consume almost 80%.By and large the refractory manufactures were coping up with the requi-rements of user industries except for the demand of some speciality refractories. However with the changing techn-ology, particularly in steel making, and greater emphasis on purity of refractories the refractory manufacturers find it exceedingly difficult to meet the stringent specifications laid down by the users