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At least 199 records · Page 11

Metastable states of small rare gas crystallites

Metastable states of rare gas crystallites containing N atoms are investigated for N = 5,6,7, and 8. In particular, the stability, structures, structural transformation, and binding energy versus temperature are determined using a Monte Carlo method. The square pyramid isomer for N = 5 is found to be unstable at any finite temperature. The other metastable isomers are all found to make spontaneous transitions to the ground state if the temperature is greater than about one half that of meltings. Comparisons with previous work are also made

Etters, R. D.↗

Effective core potentials for the cadmium and mercury atoms

Ab initio effective core potentials have been obtained for the cadmium and mercury atoms by the methods of Kahn et al. (1976). Both two and twelve valence electron representations of Cd and Hg were tested for various atom state-configurations by comparison with all-electron calculations. The generated potentials were used to obtain the equilibrium bond distances and molecular binding energies for the dichloride and dimethyl compounds of both atoms from single and optimum-double configuration self-consistent field calculations.

Basch, H.↗

Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) study of atmospheric particles

The results of analyses by ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) on several Nuclepore filters which were exposed during air pollution studies are presented along with correlative measurements by Neutron Activation Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples were exposed during air pollution studies at Norfolk, Virginia and the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC). It was demonstrated that with the ESCA technique it was possible to identify the chemical (bonding) state of elements contained in the atmospheric particulate matter collected on Nuclepore filters. Sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, chlorine, alkali, and alkaline earth metal species were identified in the Norfolk samples. ESCA binding energy data for aluminum indicated that three chemically different types of aluminum are present in the launch and background samples from NASA-KSC.

Dillard, J. G.↗

Viking gas exchange reaction - Simulation on UV-irradiated manganese dioxide substrate

The exchange of O2 for H2O, analogous to that recorded on Mars by the Viking GEX experiment, has been observed on humidifying powdered beta-MnO2 (pyrolusite) which had been irradiated by UV in a humidified analog of the Martian atmosphere. Pyrolusite irradiated in a dry atmosphere did not release O2 on humidification. The XPS spectra of Mn and O of the reactive pyrolusite were shifted toward higher binding energies during UV irradiation. These shifts are consistent with the creation of a surface layer of a Mn(V) or Mn(VI) compound. The destruction of such a layer on humidification could account for the observed O2 release. Although manganese has not been identified in the Martian regolith, the upper limit of the Mn concentration is sufficiently high that O2 release from pyrolusite could have been responsible for the results of the Viking GEX experiment.

Blackburn, T. R.↗

Studies of H2O on beta-AgI surfaces - An effective pair potential model

The adsorption of a water molecule on surfaces of beta-AgI, the hexagonal crystal believed to be primarily responsible for the ice-nucleating properties of AgI, is studied on the basis of an effective pair potential model. The water molecule is represented by a rigid point charge ST-2 model and the AgI substrate by an array of point atoms, and maximal binding energy surfaces and optimal H2O configurations are generated for the water molecule adsorbed on the rigid and unrelaxed basal and prism faces. Modeling of H2O adsorption above a two-layer ledge, an iodine vacancy and an H2O molecule trapped in the vacancy indicates that H2O adsorption is favored at interstitial sites where no substrate atoms lie directly below. The prism face is found to attract the water molecule more strongly and provide larger energy barriers to surface diffusion than basal face sites, with the ideal basal faces providing hexagonal patterns of adsorption sites for the H2O with preferred dipole moments aligned.

Hale, B. N.↗

Theoretical calculation of low-lying states of NaAr and NaXe

Potential curves as well as dipole moments and linking transition moments are calculated for the ground X 2 Sigma + and low lying excited A 2 Pi, B 2 Sigma +, C 2 Sigma +, (4) 2 Sigma +, (2) 2 Pi and (1) 2 Delta states of NaAr and NaXe. Calculations are performed using a self-consistent field plus configuration-interaction procedure with the core electrons replaced by an ab initio effective core potential. The potential curves obtained are found to be considerably less repulsive than the semiempirical curves of Pascale and Vandeplanque (1974) and to agree well with existing experimental data, although the binding energies of those states having potential minima due to van der Waals interactions are underestimated. Emission bands are also calculated for the X 2 Sigma + - C 2 Sigma + excimer transitions of NaAr and NaXe using the calculated transition moments and potential curves, and shown to agree well with experiment on the short-wavelength side of the maximum.

Laskowski, B. C.↗

An investigation of the kinetics of hydrogen chemisorption on iron metal surfaces

The isothermal kinetics of H2, H2S, and O2 chemisorption onto epitaxially grown (III) oriented Fe films were studied. The measurements were made using the techniques of chemisorption induced resistance change and Auger electron spectroscopy (for adsorbed sulfur and oxygen). Also the origin of the chemisorption induced resistance change for these systems and its applicability to kinetic measurements were established. The chemisorption kinetics were interpreted as dissociative chemisorption via an adsorbed molecular species. The applicable rate constants were established. In none of the studies were the rate constants observed to be coverage dependent. By comparing the temperature dependence of the rate constants with absolute rate theory, the binding energies and activation energies of all the kinetic processes were obtained for the H2/Fe system. The initial sticking coefficient was pressure dependent for both the H2/Fe and H2S/Fe systems. This results from the step between the adsorbed molecular state and the dissociated chemisorbed state being the rate limiting step for absorption at certain pressures and temperatures. Estimates were obtained for the temperature dependence of the rate constants for the O2/Fe system.

Shanabarger, M. R.↗

Metal/silicon interface formation - The Ni/Si and Pd/Si systems

The valence level spectra of the Ni/Si and Pd/Si systems have been investigated using high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Temperature dependence studies for Ni deposited on thin thermal SiO2 demonstrate the importance of metal aggregation effects in the interpretation of binding energies as chemical shifts. Temperature studies for the Ni/Si system indicate that substantial chemical interaction occurs at the interface at temperatures as low as 100 K. These studies also show the presence of Ni in interstitial voids in the Si near the interface. A comparative study of the core and valence band features for the Ni and Pd silicides provides many valuable insights and a self-consistent picture of the attendent valence charge redistribution and its influence on the observed chemical shifts.

Grunthaner, P. J.↗

Effect of X-ray flux on polytetrafluoroethylene in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The effect of the X-ray flux in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (STAT) on the constitution of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface has been examined. The radiation dose rate for our specimen was about 10 to the 7th rad/s. The structure, magnitude and binding energy of the C(1s) and F(1s) features of the XPS spectrum and the mass spectrum of gaseous species evolved during irradiation are observed. The strong time dependence of these signals over a period of several hours indicated that the surface constitution of PTFE is greatly affected by this level of radiation dose. The results are consistent with the development of a heavily cross-linked or branched structure in the PTFE surface region and the evolution of short chain fragments into the gas phase.

Wheeler, D. R.↗

Solar wind sputtering effects in the atmospheres of Mars and Venus

It is found through an investigation, combining Monte Carlo simulations and analytical techniques, of the direct collisional interaction of an energetic particle flux with the neutral components of a planetary atmosphere, that solar wind sputtering could provide an important exospheric mass sink on both Mars and Venus under appropriate conditions. The computed rates of helium loss in the Venusian atmosphere and of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in the Martian atmosphere imply that sputtering would have a significant effect on the noble gas budget of Venus and dominate the chemical and photochemical loss processes of Mars. Because of diffusive separation of lighter elements and isotopes, and because the gravitational binding energy is proportional to the mass, the erosion process preferentially removes the lighter components of the atmosphere. Solar wind sputtering could therefore compete with other erosion mechanisms in generating substantial fractionation effects.

Watson, C. C.↗

Chemical bonding and charge redistribution - Valence band and core level correlations for the Ni/Si, Pd/Si, and Pt/Si systems

Via a systematic study of the correlation between the core and valence level X-ray photoemission spectra, the nature of the chemical bonding and charge redistribution for bulk transition metal silicides has been examined. Particular emphasis is placed on Pt2Si and PtSi. It is observed that the strength of the metal (d)-silicon (p) interaction increases in the order Ni2Si, Pd2Si, Pt2Si. It is also observed that both the metal and silicon core lines shift to higher binding energy as the silicides are formed. The notion of charge redistribution for metallic bonds is invoked to explain these data.

Grunthaner, P. J.↗

Three holes bound to a double acceptor - Be(+) in germanium

A double acceptor binding three holes has been observed for the first time with photoconductive far-infrared spectroscopy in beryllium-doped germanium single crystals. This new center, Be(+), has a hole binding energy of about 5 meV and is only present when free holes are generated by ionization of either neutral shallow acceptors or neutral Be double acceptors. The Be(+) center thermally ionizes above 4 K. It disappears at a uniaxial stress higher than about a billion dyn/sq cm parallel to (111) as a result of the lifting of the valence-band degeneracy.

Haller, E. E.↗

The role of material properties in adhesion

When two solid surfaces are brought into contact strong adhesive bond forces can develop between the materials. The magnitude of the forces will depend upon the state of the surfaces, cleanliness and the fundamental properties of the two solids, both surface and bulk. Adhesion between solids is addressed from a theoretical consideration of the electronic nature of the surfaces and experimentally relating bond forces to the nature of the interface resulting from solid state contact. Surface properties correlated with adhesion include, atomic or molecular orientation, reconstruction and segregation as well as the chemistry of the surface specie. Where dissimilar solids are in contact the contribution of each is considered as is the role of their interactive chemistry on bond strength. Bulk properties examined include elastic and plastic behavior in the surficial regions, cohesive binding energies, crystal structure, crystallographic orientation and state. Materials examined with respect to interfacial adhesive interactions include metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and diamond. They are reviewed both in single and polycrystalline form. The surfaces of the contacting solids are studied both in the atomic or molecularly clean state and in the presence of selected surface contaminants.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Scaling relations in the equation of state, thermal expansion, and melting of metals

A simple and yet quite accurate prediction of volume as a function of pressure for metals and alloys is presented. Thermal expansion coefficients and melting temperatures are predicted by simple, analytic expressions and results compare favorably with experiment for a broad range of metals. All of these predictions are made possible by the discovery of universality in binding energy relations for metals.

Guinea, F.↗

The size of clusters in a neutrino-dominated universe

Quite soon after the first collapse of structure, almost half the matter in a neutrino-dominated universe is expected to reside in clusters. The masses and binding energies of these neutrino clusters are too large for them to be identified with observed galaxy clusters. Even if such objects were able to suppress all galaxy formation, their X-ray emission would, however, make them highly visible if more than 2.5 percent of their mass was in ordinary matter. Such a low baryon density leads to insuffient cooling for galaxies to form in pancakes. A neutrino-dominated universe appears to conflict with observation irrespective of the details of the processes which govern galaxy formation.

White, S. D. M.↗

Ceramic microstructure and adhesion

When a ceramic is brought into contact with a ceramic, a polymer, or a metal, strong bond forces can develop between the materials. The bonding forces will depend upon the state of the surfaces, cleanliness and the fundamental properties of the two solids, both surface and bulk. Adhesion between a ceramic and another solid are discussed from a theoretical consideration of the nature of the surfaces and experimentally by relating bond forces to interface resulting from solid state contact. Surface properties of ceramics correlated with adhesion include, orientation, reconstruction and diffusion as well as the chemistry of the surface specie. Where a ceramic is in contact with a metal their interactive chemistry and bond strength is considered. Bulk properties examined include elastic and plastic behavior in the surficial regions, cohesive binding energies, crystal structures and crystallographic orientation. Materials examined with respect to interfacial adhesive interactions include silicon carbide, nickel zinc ferrite, manganese zinc ferrite, and aluminum oxide. The surfaces of the contacting solids are studied both in the atomic or molecularly clean state and in the presence of selected surface contaminants.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Rotation and surface brightness in elliptical galaxies

Correlations between the mean surface brightness and level of rotational support are presented and discussed for the sample of elliptical galaxies presented by Davies et al. (1983). The importance of these distance-independent correlations lies in the ability to isolate the effects of projection, and hence to define an intrinsic, edge-on correlation. Thus the position of an elliptical galaxy in this plane contains information about its true shape. In addition, the slope of the 'edge-on' correlation can be compared cleanly with theoretical predictions. The correlation is interpreted as a manifestation of varying amounts of dissipation during the formation epoch of a galaxy, with higher surface brightness, rotating ellipticals having dissipated more binding energy.

Wyse, R. F. G.↗

Kinetics and mechanism of HO2 and DO2 disproportionations

A flash photolysis/UV abosrption technique was used to study the HO2 + HO2 and DO2 + DO2 reactions in the gas phase. Rate constants were measured at pressures between 100 and 700 torr of Ar and N2, and at temperatures between 230 and 420 K with up to 10 torr of added water vapor. The overall disproportionation rate constants for the reaction is given as the sum of pressure-independent and pressure-dependent terms. A kinetic analysis shows that both reactions have a zero-pressure bimolecular component and a termolecular component which is linearly dependent on pressure up to 700 torr. A priori estimates of the vibrational frequencies of the product of the HO2 + HO2 reaction suggest binding energies of 12-20 kcal per mol (for the initial association).

Kircher, C. C.↗