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At least 235 records · Page 13

Band-gap Engineering in Sputter Deposited Amorphous/Microcrystalline Sc(x)Ga(1-x)N

Reactive sputtering was used to grow thin films of Sc(x)Ga(1-x)N with scandium concentrations of 20%-70% on quartz substrates at temperatures of 300-675 K. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the films showed either weak or no structure, suggesting the films are amorphous or microcrystalline. Optical absorption spectra were taken of each sample and the optical band gap was determined. The band gap varied linearly with increasing Ga concentration between 2.0 and 3.5 eV. Ellipsometry was used to confirm the band gap measurements and provide optical constants in the range 250-1200 nm. ScN and GaN have different crystal structures (rocksalt and wurzite, respectively), and thus may form a heterogeneous mixture as opposed to an alloy. Since the XRD data were inconclusive, bilayers of ScN/GaN were grown and optical absorption spectra taken. A fundamental difference in the spectra between the bilayer films and alloy films was seen, suggesting the films are alloys, not heterogeneous mixtures.

Little, Mark E.↗

Size-dependent errors in real-time electron density propagation

Real-time (RT) electron density propagation with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) or Hartree–Fock (TDHF) is one of the most popular methods to model the charge transfer in molecules and materials. However, both RT-TDHF and RT-TDDFT within the adiabatic approximation are known to produce inaccurate evolution of the electron density away from the ground state in model systems, leading to large errors in charge transfer and erroneous shifting of peaks in absorption spectra. Given the poor performance of these methods with small model systems and the widespread use of the methods with larger molecular and material systems, here we bridge the gap in our understanding of these methods and examine the size-dependence of errors in RT density propagation. We analyze the performance of RT density propagation for systems of increasing size during the application of a continuous resonant field to induce Rabi-like oscillations, during charge-transfer dynamics, and for peak shifting in simulated absorption spectra. We find that the errors in the electron dynamics are indeed size dependent for these phenomena, with the largest system producing the results most aligned with those expected from linear response theory. The results suggest that although the RT-TDHF and RT-TDDFT methods may produce severe errors for model systems, the errors in charge transfer and resonantly driven electron dynamics may be much less significant for more realistic, large-scale molecules and materials.

Chemistry↗

Analytic and numerical vibronic spectra from quasi-classical trajectory ensembles

The truncated Wigner approximation to quantum dynamics in phase space is explored in the context of computing vibronic line shapes for monomer linear optical spectra. We consider multiple model potential forms including a shifted harmonic oscillator with both equal and unequal frequencies on the ground and excited state potentials as well as a shifted Morse potential model. For the equal-frequency shifted harmonic oscillator model, we derive an analytic expression for the exact vibronic line shape that emphasizes the importance of using a quantum mechanical distribution of phase space initial conditions. For the unequal-frequency shifted harmonic oscillator model, we are no longer able to obtain an exact expression for the vibronic line shape in terms of independent deterministic classical trajectories. We show how one can rigorously account for corrections to the truncated Wigner approximation through nonlinear responses of the line shape function to momentum fluctuations along a classical trajectory and demonstrate the qualitative improvement in the resulting spectrum when the leading-order quantum correction is included. Finally, we numerically simulate absorption spectra of a highly anharmonic shifted Morse potential model. We find that, while finite quantization and the dissociation limit are captured with reasonable accuracy, there is a qualitative breakdown of the quasi-classical trajectory ensemble’s ability to describe the vibronic line shape when the relative shift in Morse potentials becomes large. The work presented here provides clarity on the origin of unphysical negative features known to contaminate absorption spectra computed with quasi-classical trajectory ensembles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Microscopic Modeling of Intersubband Resonances in InAs/AlSb Quantum Wells

Linear absorption spectra from intersubband resonance in InAs/AlSb quantum wells are analyzed theoretically using the intersubband semiconductor Bloch equation approach. Our model goes beyond the Hartree-Fock approximation and treats particle-particle correlations under the second Born approximation. Electron-electron and -LO phonon scatterings from such a treatment describe intrinsic line broadening to the intersubband resonance. Electron subbands are determined self-consistently with a spurious-state-free 8-band k.p Hamiltonian under the envelope function approximation. To compare with experimental measurements, we also included line broadening due to electron-interface roughness scattering. Excellent agreement was achieved for temperature-dependent absorption spectra in the mid-infrared frequency range, after taking into careful account the interplay of material parameters, nonparabolicity in bandstructure, and many-body effects.

Li, Jian-Zhong↗

Effects of Radiative Emission and Absorption on the Propagation and Extinction of Premixed Gas Flames

Premixed gas flames in mixtures of CH4, O2, N2, and CO2 were studied numerically using detailed chemical and radiative emission-absorption models to establish the conditions for which radiatively induced extinction limits may exist independent of the system dimensions. It was found that reabsorption of emitted radiation led to substantially higher burning velocities and wider extinction limits than calculations using optically thin radiation models, particularly when CO2, a strong absorber, is present in the unburned gas, Two heat loss mechanisms that lead to flammability limits even with reabsorption were identified. One is that for dry hydrocarbon-air mixtures, because of the differences in the absorption spectra of H2O and CO2, most of the radiation from product H2O that is emitted in the upstream direction cannot be absorbed by the reactants. The second is that the emission spectrum Of CO2 is broader at flame temperatures than ambient temperature: thus, some radiation emitted near the flame front cannot be absorbed by the reactants even when they are seeded with CO2 Via both mechanisms, some net upstream heat loss due to radiation will always occur, leading to extinction of sufficiently weak mixtures. Downstream loss has practically no influence. Comparison with experiment demonstrates the importance of reabsorption in CO2 diluted mixtures. It is concluded that fundamental flammability limits can exist due to radiative heat loss, but these limits are strongly dependent on the emission-absorption spectra of the reactant and product -gases and their temperature dependence and cannot be predicted using gray-gas or optically thin model parameters. Applications to practical flames at high pressure, in large combustion chambers, and with exhaust-gas or flue-gas recirculation are discussed.

Ju, Yiguang↗

Temperature estimation in a spatially inhomogeneous flame by diode laser absorption spectroscopy

A two-temperature (2T) model is proposed for estimating the temperature of a spatially inhomogeneous hot zone using single-beam diode laser absorption spectrometry. The proposed algorithm is based on fitting experimental absorption spectra by a linear combination of two database-simulated single-temperature spectra with different temperatures. The model efficiency is experimentally demonstrated when determining the temperature in different flame zones of a Wolfgard – Parker slot burner. The proposed 2T algorithm is used to find the maximum and minimum temperatures in different flame sections, which are compared with local temperatures in the same flame zones measured by the method of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). It is shown that the maximum temperatures determined by the proposed 2T algorithm are in good agreement with CARS data in flame zones where high-temperature regions prevail. A good agreement between the minimum temperatures obtained by these two methods is also observed for predominantly cold zones. (paper)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Determination of vibration-rotation lines intensities from absorption Fourier spectra

The method presented allows the line intensities to be calculated from either their equivalent widths, heights, or quantities deduced from spectra obtained by Fourier spectrometry. This method has proven its effectiveness in measuring intensities of 60 lines of the molecule H2O with a precision of 10%. However, this method cannot be applied to isolated lines.

Mandin, J. Y.↗

Reassignment of the Iron (3) Absorption Bands in the Spectra of Mars

Absorption features in the near-infrared and visible region reflectance spectra of Mars have been assigned to specific Fe (3+) crystal-field and o(2-) yields Fe(3+) charge transfer transitions. Recently, near-ultraviolet absorption spectra of iron oxides were obtained and the energies of o(2-) yields Fe(3+) charge-transfer (LMCT) transitions were determined from accurate SCF-X # alpha-SW molecular orbital calculations on (FeO6)(9-) and (FeO4)(5-) clusters. Both the theoretical and experimental results, together with existing data in the literature, show that some of the previous Fe(3+) band assignments in the spectra of Mars need to be revised. The theory of Fe(3+) spectra in minerals is discussed and applied to the spectrum of Mars.

Sherman, D. M.↗

On the inclusion of the hydrogen dimer in the analysis of Voyager IRIS spectra

Empirical formulas are fitted to existing theoretical absorption spectra of H2-H2 pairs in the far-infrared allowing the inclusion of dimer absorption, parameterized with the height dependence of the para-hydrogen profile, in the calculations. Comparison between synthetic and Voyager IRIS spectra shows that once the dimer absorption is included it is now possible to reproduce the hydrogen portion of the IRIS spectrum to within the precision of the measurements.

Carlson, Barbara E.↗

Tolyporphins A–R, unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles in a cyanobacterium from Micronesia, assessed quantitatively from the culture HT-58-2

The ‘pigments of life’ family has been enlarged by the discovery of the tetrapyrrole macrocycles dubbed tolyporphins, which are present in a cyanobacterial culture (HT-58-2). Of the 18 known tolyporphins, fourteen (A–J and L–O) are dioxobacteriochlorins, three (K, Q and R) are oxochlorins, and one (P) is a porphyrin. The members with a given chromophore absorb similarly but not identically with each other, presenting the problem of absorption spectral aliasing. Tolyporphins G and H are isomers, as are tolyporphins L–O, given the nature of the peripheral ( C -glycoside, –OH, or –OAc) substituents, presenting the (isobaric) problem of mass spectrometric analysis. The distribution of tolyporphin members is known to change over time and under different growth conditions, however, the complexity of the tolyporphins mixture presents challenges toward characterization of the underlying factors that alter such distributions. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MS-dMRM) was employed to characterize the distribution of tolyporphins under distinct growth media, using two semisynthetic standards, tolyporphin A O,O -dibutyrate and tolyporphin D O,O,O,O -tetrabutyrate. Growth in media containing both ammonium and nitrate salts versus nitrate alone affords increased production of tolyporphins. The absorption spectra of tolyporphins A–R have been reevaluated with regards to molar absorption coefficients, are compared with those of selected tetrapyrrole macrocycles to better understand the effects of chromophores and substituents, and are made available here in print and digital forms for comparison with isolated tolyporphins and mixtures thereof. Together, the work provides the foundation for quantitative assessment of these unusual natural products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Retrievals from Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) Solar Occultation Measurements

The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment ACE satellite (SCISAT-1) was launched into an inclined orbit on 12 August 2003 and is now recording high signal-to-noise 0.02 per centimeter resolution solar absorption spectra covering 750-4400 per centimeter (2.3-13 micrometers). A procedure has been developed for retrieving average dry air CO2 mole fractions (X(sub CO2)) in the altitude range 7-10 kilometers from the SCISAT-1 spectra. Using the N2 continuum absorption in a window region near 2500 per centimeter, altitude shifts are applied to the tangent heights retrieved in version 2.2 SCISAT-1 processing, while cloudy or aerosol-impacted measurements are eliminated. Monthly-mean XCO2 covering 60 S to 60 N latitude for February 2004 to March 2008 has been analyzed with consistent trends inferred in both hemispheres. The ACE XCO2 time series have been compared with previously-reported surface network measurements, predictions based on upper tropospheric aircraft measurements, and space-based measurements. The retrieved X(sub CO2) from the ACE-FTS spectra are higher on average by a factor of 1.07 plus or minus 0.025 in the northern hemisphere and by a factor of 1.09 plus or minus 0.019 on average in the southern hemisphere compared to surface station measurements covering the same time span. The ACE derived trend is approximately 0.2% per year higher than measured at surface stations during the same observation period.

Rinsland, Curtis P.↗

Conversion of laser energy to gas kinetic energy

Techniques for the gas phase absorption of laser radiation for conversion to gas kinetic energy are discussed. Absorption by inverse Bremsstrahlung, in which laser energy is converted at a gas kinetic rate in a spectrally continuous process, is briefly described, and absorption by molecular vibrational rotation bands is discussed at length. High pressure absorption is proposed as a means of minimizing gas bleaching and dissociation, the major disadvantages of the molecular absorption process. A band model is presented for predicting the molecular absorption spectra in the high pressure absorption region and is applied to the CO molecule. Use of a rare gas seeded with Fe(CO)5 for converting vibrational modes to translation modes is described.

Caledonia, G. E.↗

Measurements and Theoretical Calculations of N2-broadening and N2-shift Coefficients in the v2 band of CH3D

In this paper, we report measured Lorentz N2-broadening and N2-induced pressure-shift coefficients of CH3D in the v2 fundamental band using a multispectrum fitting technique. These measurements were made by analyzing 11 laboratory absorption spectra recorded at 0.0056 cm(exp -1) resolution using the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona. The spectra were obtained using two absorption cells with path lengths of 10.2 and 25 cm. The total sample pressures ranged from 0.98 to 402.25 Torr with CH3D volume mixing ratios of 0.01 in nitrogen. We have been able to determine the N2 pressure- broadening coefficients of 368 v2 transitions with quantum numbers as high as J"= 20 and K = 16, where K" = K' equivalent to K (for a parallel band). The measured N2-broadening coefficients range from 0.0248 to 0.0742 cm(exp -1) atm(exp -1) at 296 K. All the measured pressure-shifts are negative. The reported N2-induced pressure-shift coefficients vary from about 0.0003 to 0.0094 cm(exp -1) atm(exp -1). We have examined the dependence of the measured broadening and shift parameters on the J", and K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of m (m = -J", J", and J" + 1 in the (sup Q)P-, (sup Q)Q-, and (sup Q)R-branch, respectively) and K. On average, the empirical expressions reproduce the measured broadening coefficients to within 4.7%. The N2-broadening and pressureshift coefficients were calculated on the basis of a semiclassical model of interacting linear molecules performed by considering in addition to the electrostatic contributions the atom atom Lennard-Jones potential. The theoretical results of the broadening coefficients are in good overall agreement with the experimental data (8.7%). The N2-pressure shifts whose vibrational contribution is derived from parameters fitted in the (sup Q)Q-branch of self-induced shifts of CH3D, are also in reasonable agreement with the scattered experimental data (20% in most cases).

Predoi-Cross, A.↗

Laboratory simulation of dust spectra

Laboratory studies of the IR spectra of interstellar dust are reviewed. Studies of the absorption spectra of dense molecular clouds are discussed, including methods to produce interstellar ice analogues, simulations of astronomical spectra, and IR absorption features caused by ices. Comparisons are made between observational and experimental results of interstellar dust studies. Also, the interstellar emission features associated with dusty regions exposed to UV radiation are examined, including bands related to PAHs and PAH-related materials. It is shown that interstellar spectra are more consistant with emission from free PAHs than with emission from particles.

Allamandola, L. J.↗

Vibronic spectra of Cu(2+) in ZnTe

Infrared-absorption spectra of substitutional Cu(2+) ions in ZnTe have been measured at 4.6 K. Several distinct absorption peaks are observed between 800 and 2000/cm. Absorption peaks at 1002 and 1069/cm are identified as zero-phonon lines arising from 2T2-2E transitions. Between 1069 and 2000/cm, several sets of sharp absorption lines are seen to recur regularly at an interval of 210/cm, corresponding to the LO phonon energy. Within each set distinct vibronic sidebands that cannot be identified with critical-point energies of TA, LA, TO or LO phonon modes are observed. A dynamic Jahn-Teller effect, involving coupling between a single-phonon mode and the electronic states of the 2E level, is proposed to account for the observed spectra.

Volz, M. P.↗