Observation of single top quark production and measurement of |Vtb| with CDF

We report the observation of electroweak single top quark production in 3.2 fb-1 of ppbar collision data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab at sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV. Candidate events in the W+jets topology with a leptonically decaying W boson are classified as signal-like by four parallel analyses based on likelihood functions, matrix elements, neural networks, and boosted decision trees. These results are combined using a super discriminant analysis based on genetically evolved neural networks in order to improve the sensitivity. This combined result is further combined with that of a search for a single top quark signal in an orthogonal sample of events with missing transverse energy plus jets and no charged lepton. We observe a signal consistent with the standard model prediction but inconsistent with the background-only model by 5.0 standard deviations, with a median expected sensitivity in excess of 5.9 standard deviations. We measure a production cross section of 2.3+0.6-0.5(stat+sys) pb, extract the CKM matrix element value |Vtb|=0.91+0.11-0.11 (stat+sys)+-0.07(theory), and set a lower limit |Vtb|>0.71 at the 95% confidence level, assuming m_t=175 GeVc^2.

Measurement of the Single-Top-Quark Production Cross Section at CDF

We report a measurement of the single top quark production cross section in 2.2 ~fb-1 of p-pbar collision data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab at sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV. Candidate events are classified as signal-like by three parallel analyses which use likelihood, matrix element, and neural network discriminants. These results are combined in order to improve the sensitivity. We observe a signal consistent with the standard model prediction, but inconsistent with the background-only model by 3.7 standard deviations with a median expected sensitivity of 4.9 standard deviations. We measure a cross section of 2.2 +0.7 -0.6(stat+sys) pb, extract the CKM matrix element value |V_{tb}|=0.88 +0.13 -0.12 (stat+sys) +- 0.07(theory), and set the limit |V_{tb}|>0.66 at the 95% C.L.

Strain-Temperature Discrimination Using a Single Fiber Bragg Grating

The out-diffusion of germanium from the core of a photosensitive fiber under elevated temperature is exploited to form a Fabry-Perot filter within a single fiber Bragg grating, by subjecting the diffused region to a single exposure using the standard phase-mask technique. A key aspect of our work is the measurement of the out-diffusion through energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of the above single-grating filter for discrimination and simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature. The proposed technique provides a significant advantage over other existing methods that require at least two gratings.

Raman spectra of single crystals of adipic and sebacic acids and a study of the hydrogen bond vibrations in carboxylic acid dimers

Raman spectra of single crystals of adipic and sebacic acids have been photographed for the first time using λ 2537 excitation. The spectra have been divided into four regions: (a) internal frequencies; (b) summations and overtones; (c) external vibrations; and (d) low-frequency hydrogen bond oscillations. Tentative correlations have been given for all the internal frequencies and summations and overtones. A series of diffuse weak bands observed in the spectra of both these acids in the not, vert, similar2400–2800 cm−1 have been explained as a superposition of O---H frequencies lowered due to hydrogen bond formation over the summations and overtones of fundamentals mainly in the not, vert, similar1000–1500 cm−1 region. Rotatory type of external oscillations of the two formula units of these molecules in their unit cells have been identified at 76, 99, 118 and 165 cm−1 in adipic acid and 66, 95, 117 and 177 cm−1 in the spectrum of sebacic acid. A brief discussion of the low frequency hydrogen bond vibrations in these acids has been made. Making use of the Lippincott—Schroeder potential and assuming a highly anharmonic potential curve for the hydrogen bond, the vibrational frequencies of the bond have been theoretically evaluated. There is very good agreement between these and the experimental values. The results for adipic acid in cm−1 are: 304 (0 → 1), 270 (1 → 2), 241 (2 → 3), 222 (3 → 4) 201 (4 → 5), 183 (5 → 6). In the case of sebacic acid some of the intermediate and higher transitions are absent in the spectrum recorded by the author. From the above data for adipic acid the dissociation energy of the hydrogen bond was evaluated as 5·9 kcal/mole in fair agreement with the values derived from conventional methods.

The proton magnetic resonance study of the structure of Na2Zn(SO4)2·4H2O

The proton magnetic resonance spectra of single crystals of Na2Zn(SO4)2·4H2O have been investigated and the orientations of the water molecules have been determined. Using the heavy atom structure determined by X-rays a system of hydrogen bonds between water and sulphate oxygens has been proposed.

Proton magnetic resonance study of the structure of two tutton's salts

Proton magnetic resonance spectra of single crystals of two Tutton's salts, K2Zn (SO4)2.6H22O and K2Mg (SO4)2.6H2O, have been studied and the orientations of the water molecules in the structure have been determined. Using the heavy-atom structure of (NH4) 2Mgt(SO4)2.6H2O as determined by x-ray diffraction, a system of hydrogen bonds between the water and sulfate oxygens in Tutton's salts has been proposed. It appears that the x-ray structure needs considerable refinement.

Development and transient performance results of a single stage activated carbon - HFC 134a closed cycle adsorption cooling system

A laboratory model of a thermally driven adsorption refrigeration system with activated carbon as the adsorbent and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a) as the refrigerant was developed. The single stage compression system has an ensemble of four adsorbers packed with Maxsorb II specimen of activated carbon that provide a near continuous flow which caters to a cooling load of up to 5W in the 5-18 degrees C region. The objective was to utilise the low grade thermal energy to drive a refrigeration system that can be used to cool some critical electronic components. The laboratory model was tested for it performance at various cooling loads with the heat source temperature from 73 to 93 degrees C. The pressure transients during heating and cooling phases were traced. The cyclic steady state and transient performance data are presented. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stereoselectivity in the addition of hydrogen chloride to cyclohex-1-enecarbonitrile: Possible role of chlorine lone pair-nitrile π-orbital pseudoallylic A1, 3 interaction

The (overall trans) addition of hydrogen chloride to cyclohex-1- enecarbonitrile in anhydrous alcoholic media proceeds to give cis-2-chlorocyclohexanecarboxylate (together with some cis-2- chlorocyclohexanecarboxamide): no corresponding products with the trans-configuration are detectable. In anhydrous ether the addition proceeds to give a single isomer, presumably cis-, of 2-chlorocyclohexanecarbonitrile, indicating that the configuration of the products may not be equilibrium-controlled in alcoholic media. An examination of the steric factors indicates that the transition state for protonation of the presumed intermediate, 2-chlorocyclohexylidenemethylideneimine, leading to cis-product is favoured if interaction between the lateral π-orbital of the C-N double bond and the lone-pairs on the chlorine atom at the 2-position is large. Consideration of interactions in the transition states meets Zimmerman's criticism that invoking A1, 3 interaction existing in ground states to explain product configuration takes insufficient account of the Curtin-Hammett principle.

Clustering and solute-vacancy binding energies in Al-4.4% Zn alloy with 0.01% ternary additions

Isochronal and isothermal ageing experiments have been carried out to determine the influence of 0.01 at. % addition of a second solute on the clustering rate in the quenched Al-4,4 a/o Zn alloy. The influence of quenching and ageing temperatures has been interpreted to obtain the apparent vacancy formation and vacancy migration energies in the various ternary alloys. Using a vacancy-aided clustering model the following values of binding free energy have been evaluated: Ce-0.18; Dy-0.24; Fe-0.18; Li-0.25; Mn-0.27; Nb-0.18; Pt-0.23; Sb-0.21; Si-0.30; Y-0.25; and Yb-0.23 (± 0.02 eV). These binding energy values refer to that between a solute atom and a single vacancy. The values of vacancy migration energy (c. 0.4 eV) and the experimental activation energy for solute diffusion (c. 1.1 eV) are unaffected by the presence of the ternary atoms in the Al-Zn alloy.

Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy on perovskite manganite single crystals

Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy was conducted on cleaved single crystals of the cubic perovskite Pr0.68Pb0.32MnO3.Several different surface configurations could be resolved including a frequent square arrangement with atomic distances in excellent agreement to the bulk lattice constant of the cubic structure. We also observed stripe formation and a surface reconstruction. The latter is likely related to a polar rare earth-oxygen terminated surface. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics.

Observation of Electroweak Single Top-Quark Production

We report the first observation of single top quark production using 3.2 fb^-1 of pbar p collision data with sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The significance of the observed data is 5.0 standard deviations, and the expected sensitivity for standard model production and decay is in excess of 5.9 standard deviations. Assuming m_t=175 GeV/c^2, we measure a cross section of 2.3 +0.6 -0.5 (stat+syst) pb, extract the CKM matrix element value |V_{tb}|=0.91 +-0.11 (stat+syst) 0.07(theory), and set the limit |V_{tb}|>0.71 at the 95% C.L.

Raman spectra of single crystals of dicarboxylic acids - Part I. β-malonic acid and β-succinic acid

Raman spectra of single crystals of β-malonic acid and β-succinic acid have been photographed using λ 2536·5 radiation. 32 Raman lines have been recorded in the case of β-malonic acid. Of these 21 lines have been recorded for the first time. The three intense lattice lines at 52, 90 and 144 cm.-1 have been attributed to rotational lattice oscillations. 29 Raman lines in the case of β-succinic acid have been recorded. The entire lattice spectrum and many internal frequencies have been recorded for the first time. The three intense lattice lines at 80, 135 and 160 cm.-1 have been assigned to the rotational oscillations of the two molecules of the succinic acid in the unit cell.

Single-Shot Preparation of Crystalline Nanoplate LiFePO4 by a Simple Polyol Route

Nanoplate LiFePO4 is synthesized by a polyol route starting from only two reactants, namely, FePO4 and LiOH. The crystalline compound forms by refluxing a tetraethylene glycol solution consisting of FePO4 and LiOH at 335 degrees C without further heating of the reaction product.The nanoplates have average dimensions of 30 nm width and 160 nm length, as measured from transmission electron microscopy micrographs.The surface area of the LiFePO4 sample is 38 m(2) g(-1). Also, the sample is porous with a broadly distributed pore around 50 nm. The electrodes fabricated out of the nanoplate of LiFePO4 exhibit a high electrochemical activity. Discharge capacity values measured are 160 and 100 mAh g(-1) at 0.15C and 3.45C, respectively. A stable capacity of about 155 mAh g(-1) is measured at 0.2C over a 50 charge-discharge cycle. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3425730] All rights reserved.