Scalar glueballs: Constraints from the decays into η or η′

We study the mixing of the scalar glueball into the isosinglet mesons f0(1370), f0(1500), and f0(1710) to describe the two-body decays to pseudoscalars. We use an effective Hamiltonian and employ the two-angle mixing scheme for η and η′. In this framework, we analyze existing data and look forward to new data into η and η′ channels. For now, the f0(1710) has the largest glueball component and a sizable branching ratio into ηη′, testable at BESIII.

Search for maximal flavor violating scalars in same-charge lepton pairs in pp̄ collisions at s=1.96TeV

Models of maximal flavor violation (MxFV) in elementary particle physics may contain at least one new scalar SU(2) doublet field ΦFV=(η0,η+) that couples the first and third generation quarks (q1, q3) via a Lagrangian term LFV=ξ13ΦFVq1q3. These models have a distinctive signature of same-charge top-quark pairs and evade flavor-changing limits from meson mixing measurements. Data corresponding to 2fb-1 collected by the Collider Dectector at Fermilab II detector in pp̄ collisions at s=1.96TeV are analyzed for evidence of the MxFV signature. For a neutral scalar η0 with mη0=200GeV/c2 and coupling ξ13=1, ∼11 signal events are expected over a background of 2.1±1.8 events. Three events are observed in the data, consistent with background expectations, and limits are set on the coupling ξ13 for mη0=180-300GeV/c2. © 2009 The American Physical Society.

Measurement of ratios of fragmentation fractions for bottom hadrons in pp̄ collisions at s=1.96TeV

This paper describes the first measurement of b-quark fragmentation fractions into bottom hadrons in Run II of the Tevatron Collider at Fermilab. The result is based on a 360pb-1 sample of data collected with the CDF II detector in pp̄ collisions at s=1.96TeV. Semileptonic decays of B̄0, B-, and B̄s0 mesons, as well as Λb0 baryons, are reconstructed. For an effective bottom hadron pT threshold of 7GeV/c, the fragmentation fractions are measured to be fu/fd=1.054±0.018(stat)-0.045+0.025(sys)±0. 058(B), fs/(fu+fd)=0.160±0.005(stat)-0.010+0.011(sys)-0.034+0.057(B), and fΛb/(fu+fd)=0.281±0.012(stat)-0.056+0.058(sys)-0.087+0.128(B), where the uncertainty B is due to uncertainties on measured branching ratios. The value of fs/(fu+fd) agrees within one standard deviation with previous CDF measurements and the world average of this quantity, which is dominated by LEP measurements. However, the ratio fΛb/(fu+fd) is approximately twice the value previously measured at LEP. The approximately 2σ discrepancy is examined in terms of kinematic differences between the two production environments. © 2008 The American Physical Society.

Bystander effects induced by diffusing mediators after photodynamic stress.

The bystander effect, whereby cells that are not traversed by ionizing radiation exhibit various responses when in proximity to irradiated cells, is well documented in the field of radiation biology, Here we demonstrate that considerable bystander responses are also observed after photodynamic stress using the membrane-localizing dye deuteroporphyrin (DP). Using cells of a WTK1 human lymphoblastoid cell line in suspension and a transwell insert system that precludes contact between targeted and bystander cells, we have shown that the bystander signaling is mediated by diffusing species. The extranuclear localization of the photosensitizer used suggests that primary DNA damage is not the trigger for initiating these bystander responses, which include elevated oxidative stress, DNA damage (micronucleus formation), mutagenesis and decreased clonogenic survival. In addition, oxidative stress in the bystander population was reduced by the presence of the membrane antioxidant vitamin E in the targeted cells, suggesting that lipid peroxidation may play a key role in mediating these bystander effects. The fluence responses for these bystander effects are non-linear, with larger effects seen at lower fluences and toxicity to the target cell population. Hence, when considering outcomes of photodynamic action in cells and tissue, bystander effects may be significant, especially at sublethal fluences.

Micro-Raman and Spreading Resistance Analysis on Beveled Implanted Germanium for Layer Transfer Applications

Raman and spreading resistance profiling have been used to analyze defects in germanium caused by hydrogen and helium implants, of typical fluences used in layer transfer applications. Beveling has been used to facilitate probing beyond the laser penetration depth. Results of Raman mapping along the projection area reveal that after post-implant annealing at 400°C, some crystal damage remains, while at 600°C, the crystal damage has been repaired. Helium implants create acceptor states beyond the projected range, and for both hydrogen and helium, 1×1016 acceptors/cm2 remain after 600°C. These are thought to be vacancy-related point defect clusters.

Study of ground-state titanium ion velocity distributions in laser-produced plasma plumes

The velocity distribution of ground-state titanium ions within a low-temperature plasma resulting from the laser ablation of a titanium target has been investigated. A KrF excimer laser was focused onto the target at moderate fluences (

Bystander responses induced by low LET radiation

Radiation-induced bystander responses are observed when cells respond to their neighbours being irradiated. Considerable evidence is now available regarding the importance of these responses in cell and tissue models. Most studies have utilized two approaches where either a media-transferable factor has been assessed or cells have been exposed to low fluences of charged particles, where only a few percent are exposed. The development of microbeams has allowed nontargeted responses such as bystander effects to be more carefully analysed. As well as charged particle microbeams, X-ray microprobes have been developed, and several groups are also developing electron microbeams. Using the Gray Cancer Institute soft X-ray microprobe, it has been possible to follow the response of individual cells to targeted low doses of carbon-characteristic soft X-rays. Studies in human fibroblasts have shown evidence of a significant radiation quality-dependent bystander effect, measured as chromosomal damage in the form of micronuclei which is radiation quality dependent. Other studies show that even under conditions when only a single cell is targeted with soft X-rays, significant bystander-mediated cell killing is observed. The observation of bystander responses with low LET radiation suggests that these may be important in understanding radiation risk from background levels of radiation, where cells observe only single electron track traversals. Also, the indirect evidence for these responses in vivo indicates that they may have a role to play in current radiotherapy approaches and future novel strategies involving modulating nontargeted responses.

EMISSION STUDIES OF THE PLUME PRODUCED DURING YBA2CU3O7 FILM PRODUCTION BY LASER-ABLATION

The optical plume emissions produced on excimer laser ablation of a YBa2Cu3O7 target are reported and identified with the various atomic, ionic, and molecular species present. The spatial and temporal distribution of these emissions were studied as a function of the laser fluence and oxygen pressure. At the laser fluences used (4-6 J/cm(2)) some target material is ablated or evaporated directly in molecular form. In addition efficient formation of molecular oxides is observed at the contact front of the expanding plume with the surrounding oxygen atmosphere. The intensity and spatial distribution of oxide emission in the visible plume therefore provides a sensitive diagnostic for optimization of substrate location and deposition conditions.

SURFACE-PLASMON ENHANCED LASER-ABLATION OF THIN METAL-FILMS

Surface plasmon enhancement of laser ablation of thin Al films is examined with a view to its application in metal film patterning and nano-structuring. Al films, deposited on silica prisms, are first characterized by attenuated total reflection using a broadband UV source and appropriate interference filter. The films are subsequently subjected to excimer laser radiation of wavelength 248 nm under conditions both of direct incidence from the air side of the film, and of surface plasmon excitation in which light is incident through the prism at greater than critical angle. For a given level of ablation damage in a particular film the fluence required using the surface plasmon technique is 3-5 times less than that needed when direct incidence is used. This is roughly in line with the energy absorbed in the film. From a practical standpoint it is clear that ablation of metal films can be achieved with much lower fluences than has hitherto been possible, thus reducing the requirements on laser output and relaxing the power handling constraints on any input optical elements.

Fluence dependence of the surface roughness of InP after N2 + bombardment

InP(1 0 0) surfaces were sputtered under ultrahigh vacuum conditions by 5 keV N2+ ions at an angle of incidence of 41° to the sample normal. The fluence, φ, used in this study, varied from 1 × 10¹⁴ to 5 × 10¹⁸ N2+ cm^-2. The surface topography was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). At the lower fluences (φ ≤ 5 × 10¹⁶ N2+ cm^-2) only conelike features appeared, similar in shape as was found for noble gas ion bombardment of InP. At the higher fluences, ripples also appeared on the surface. The bombardment-induced topography was quantified using the rms roughness. This parameter showed a linear relationship with the logarithm of the fluence. A model is presented to explain this relationship. The ripple wavelength was also determined using a Fourier transform method. These measurements as a function of fluence do not agree with the predictions of the Bradley-Harper theory. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photo-ionized neon plasmas induced by radiation pulses of a laser-plasma EUV source and a free electron laser FLASH

In this work, a laser-produced plasma extreme ultraviolet source and a free electron laser were used to create Ne photo-ionized plasmas. In both cases, a radiation beam was focused onto a gas stream injected into a vacuum chamber synchronously with the radiation pulse. Extreme ultraviolet radiation from the plasma spanned a wide spectral range with pronounced maximum centered at lambda = 11 +/- 1 nm while the free electron laser pulses were emitted at a wavelength of 32 nm. The power density of the focused plasma radiation was approximately 2 x 10(7) W/cm(2) and was seven orders of magnitude lower compared with the focused free electron laser beam. Radiation fluences in both experimental conditions were comparable. Despite quite different spectral characteristics and extremely different power densities, emission spectra of both photo-ionized plasmas consist of the same spectral lines within a wavelength range of 20 to 50 nm, however, with different relative intensities of the corresponding lines. The dominating spectral lines originated from singly charged ions (Ne II); however, Ne III lines were also detected. Additionally, computer simulations of the emission spectra, obtained for photo-ionized plasmas, driven by the plasma extreme ultraviolet source, were performed. The corresponding measured and calculated spectra are presented. An electron temperature and ionic composition were estimated. Differences between the experimental spectra, obtained for both irradiation conditions, were analyzed. The differences were attributed mainly to different energies of driving photons.

Numerical modelling of low temperature laser produced magnesium plasma

The two-dimensional laser-plasma-interaction hydrodynamic code POLLUX has been used to simulate the ablation of a magnesium target by a 30-ns, 248-nm KrF excimer laser at low laser fluences of ≤10 J cm2. This code, originally written for much higher laser intensities, has been recently extended to include a detailed description of the equation of state in order to treat changes of phase within the target material, and also includes a Thomas Fermi description of the electrons. The simulated temporal and spatial evolution of the plasma plume in the early phase of the expansion (≤100 ns) is compared with experimental interferometric measurements of electron density. The expansion dynamics are in good agreement, although the simulated electron number density is about 2.5 times higher than the experimental values.

Persistent luminescence of SrAl2O4:Ce(III), Dy, Eu nanotubes, nanowires and core-shells for people with disabilities: nano-emergency

Este estudo transversal está focado na propriedade de luminescência persistente do aluminato de estrôncio co-dopado com cério (III), disprósio (III) e európio (II), SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, em sistemas de sinalização de áreas de risco e emergências para pessoas com deficiências. Na área da ciência e engenharia dos materiais, foram desenvolvidos novos materiais com características nanométricas, nanotubos, nanoarames e nanobastões luminescentes de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ para aplicações na área da reabilitação e acessibilidade de pessoas com deficiências. Os nanotubos foram obtidos a partir de micro- e nano-partículas precursoras sintetizadas por reacção do estado-sólido e tratamento térmico de recozedura (1273-1473 K). Os nanoarames e nanobastões foram preparados por moagem, sonificação e recozedura (373 K). Novas nanocápsulas de aluminatos luminescentes dopados com cério (III) e encapsulados com TiO2 foram criadas de modo a obter-se materiais multifuncionais, designadamente com acção fotocatalítica antimicrobiana, antibacteriana e resistência à água. Tais aluminatos podem ser amplamente aplicados como superfícies higiénicas, auto-limpantes, em biomateriais, no domínio de medicamentos antibióticos, na formulação de vacinas, e com ênfase à aplicação em cerâmicas fotoluminescentes. As metodologias de obtenção de tais nanoestruturas de aluminato de estrôncio dopado com cério (III) e do seu encapsulamento, desenvolvidas no âmbito desta tese, são aplicáveis a diversos aluminatos dopados com outros iões lantanídeos (Ln consiste em La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Tm ou Lu) com a fórmula M(1-x-y)N2O4:Cex, Lny, onde M é Be, Mg, Ca, Sr ou Ba. Na área da oftalmologia, foi desenvolvido um equipamento médico para o diagnóstico de biofuncionalidade das células retinais fotoreceptoras, e como suporte à telemedicina oftalmológica. Este equipamento foi utilizado para realizar testes de visão cromática FM100HUE em fundo branco/preto para a personalização de materiais luminescentes. Os resultados demonstraram uma biofuncionalidade celular à visibilidade fotópica das cores em fundo preto superior no grupo de tratamento, composto por pessoas com retinopatia diabética (n=38), em comparação ao grupo de referência (n=38). Estes resultados sugerem a recomendação de materiais com fotoluminescência persistente (λem=485-555 nm), incluindo SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, para o referido grupo de tratamento, em sinalização de emergência e em ambientes de baixa iluminação. Na área da arquitectura, foi proposta uma nova aplicação dos referidos nanomateriais luminescentes à base de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ em cerâmica de revestimento, tendo em vista a sua boa visibilidade e uso por pessoas com deficiências. Novos pavimentos, cerâmicos, fotoluminescentes, foram desenhados com propriedades multisensoriais (contraste táctil, sonoro e visual) e antimicrobianas, para pessoas portadoras de deficiências utilizarem, no escuro, com a prioridade de salvar vidas em emergências. Tais pisos, com relevos, podem ser combinados de modo a compor um sistema exclusivo de sinalização fotoluminescente multisensorial que possibilita a rápida evacuação mediante o uso de auxílios de mobilidade (e.g. bengala, cadeira de rodas, andadores, muletas). A solução integrada de tais inovações que potencializa a propriedade de luminescência persistente de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ de modo acessível para as pessoas com deficiências, pode contribuir para salvar vidas, no escuro, em emergências.

Caracterização e modificação de heteroestruturas de nitretos do grupo III

Os nitretos binários semicondutores do grupo III, e respetivos compostos, são vastamente estudados devido à sua possível aplicabilidade em dispositivos optoeletrónicos, tais como díodos emissores de luz (LEDs) e LASERs, assim como dispositivos para a eletrónica de elevadas temperatura, potência e frequência. Enquanto se concretizou a comercialização na última década de LEDs e LASERs recorrendo ao ternário In1-yGayN, estudos das propriedades fundamentais estruturais e óticas, assim como de técnicas de processamento no desenvolvimento de novas aplicações de outros ternários do grupo III-N encontram-se na sua fase inicial. Esta tese apresenta a investigação experimental de filmes finos epitaxiais de Al1-xInxN crescidos sobre camadas tampão de GaN e de Al1-yGayN e o estudo do recozimento e implantação de super-redes (SL) compostas por pontos quânticos de GaN (QD) envolvidos por camadas de AlN. Apesar do hiato energético do Al1-xInxN poder variar entre os 0,7 eV e os 6,2 eV e, por isso, numa gama, consideravelmente superior à dos ternários Al1-yGayN e InyGa1-yN, o primeiro é o menos estudado devido a dificuldades no crescimento de filmes com elevada qualidade cristalina. É efetuada, nesta tese, uma caracterização estrutural e composicional de filmes finos de Al1-xInxN crescidos sobre camadas tampão de GaN e de Al1-yGayN usando técnicas de raios-X, feixe de iões e de microscopia. Mostra-se que o Al1-xInxN pode ser crescido com elevada qualidade cristalina quando a epitaxia do crescimento se aproxima da condição de rede combinada do Al1-xInxN e da camada tampão (GaN ou Al1-yGayN), isto é, com conteúdo de InN de ~18%, quando crescido sobre uma camada de GaN. Quando o conteúdo de InN é inferior/superior à condição de rede combinada, fenómenos de relaxação de tensão e deterioração do cristal tais como o aumento da rugosidade de superfície prejudicam a qualidade cristalina do filme de Al1-xInxN. Observou-se que a qualidade dos filmes de Al1-xInxN depende fortemente da qualidade cristalina da camada tampão e, em particular, da sua morfologia e densidade de deslocações. Verificou-se que, dentro da exatidão experimental, os parâmetros de rede do ternário seguem a lei empírica de Vegard, ou seja, variam linearmente com o conteúdo de InN. Contudo, em algumas amostras, a composição determinada via espetrometria de retrodispersão de Rutherford e difração e raios-X mostra valores discrepantes. Esta discrepância pode ser atribuída a defeitos ou impurezas capazes de alterar os parâmetros de rede do ternário. No que diz respeito às SL dos QD e camadas de AlN, estudos de recozimento mostraram elevada estabilidade térmica dos QD de GaN quando estes se encontram inseridos numa matriz de AlN. Por implantação iónica, incorporou-se európio nestas estruturas e, promoveu-se a ativação ótica dos iões de Eu3+ através de tratamentos térmicos. Foram investigados os efeitos da intermistura e da relaxação da tensão ocorridos durante o recozimento e implantação nas propriedades estruturais e óticas. Verificou-se que para fluências elevadas os defeitos gerados por implantação são de difícil remoção. Contudo, a implantação com baixa fluência de Eu, seguida de tratamento térmico, promove uma elevada eficiência e estabilidade térmica da emissão vermelha do ião lantanídeo incorporado nos QD de GaN. Estes resultados são, particularmente relevantes, pois, na região espetral indicada, a eficiência quântica dos LEDs convencionais de InGaN é baixa.

Étude de l'influence des caractéristiques des granulats sur la performance des bétons fluides à rhéologie adaptée

Les caractéristiques physiques des granulats ont une forte influence sur la performance du béton, y compris l'ouvrabilité du béton, la zone de transition, le module d'élasticité, la résistance mécanique, etc. Comparativement aux bétons conventionnels vibrés, les bétons fluides à rhéologie adapté (BFRA) beaucoup plus complexes, doivent présenter une bonne stabilité (résistance à la ségrégation), une bonne rhéologie et les résistances mécaniques souhaitées. Le choix des granulats joue un rôle majeur pour l'obtention de ces différentes propriétés. Une meilleure compréhension de l'influence des caractéristiques physiques sur la performance des BFRA est nécessaire pour leur optimisation afin d'obtenir un bon rapport performance-coût. L'objectif principal de cette étude est de comprendre l'influence des propriétés physiques des granulats (forme, densité, granulométrie, module de finesse, et la quantité de particules plates ou allongées) sur la demande en superplastifiant, la rhéologie et les propriétés mécaniques des BFRA. Les types de bétons étudiés sont les bétons autoplaçants (BAP) destinés à la construction de bâtiments, les bétons semi-autoplaçants (BSAP) destinés pour la construction et la réparation des infrastructures et les BAP destinés à la préfabrication. Quatre rapports sable/granulat total (S/G), deux sables composés (manufacturé et naturel) au laboratoire de différentes finesses (MF = 2,5 et MF = 3) et un sable naturel provenant d'usines ont été utilisés. L'influence de la compacité granulaire, du type de sable (naturel vs manufacturé) et de la teneur en fines du squelette granulaire sur les propriétés rhéologiques et mécaniques des BFRA est étudiée. Douze mélanges de BSAP ont été formulés à cet effet. L'influence du type de granulométrie (continue ou discontinue), du diamètre nominal maximal des gros granulats (10, 14 et 20 mm) et de la forme des gros granulats (roulé, aplati et allongé) sur les propriétés rhéologiques et mécaniques des BFRA ont été étudiées. Quatre types de gros granulats provenant de l'industrie et sept gros granulats reconstitués en laboratoire ont été utilisés pour prendre en compte tous ces paramètres. Les résultats montrent que la compacité granulaire est une donnée importante à prendre en compte pour la formulation d'un BFRA (BAP ou BSAP). Cette étude a également montré que les particules fines de diamètres inférieurs à 315 [micro]m sont celles qui influencent les paramètres rhéologiques des BSAP. Pour un rapport E/L constant et un diamètre d'étalement fixe, l'augmentation de la teneur de particules passant le tamis 315 [micro]m augmente la viscosité plastique, diminue le seuil de cisaillement et augmente la stabilité statique des bétons. Cette étude préconise l'utilisation des granulats concassés de granulométrie continue contenant des particules équidimensionnelles pour améliorer les propriétés rhéologiques des bétons. Enfin, grâce à cette étude, la production des BAP dans les industries connaîtra une avancée majeure par un choix stratégique des granulats. Les industries pourront notamment faire une utilisation optimale des superplastifiants, adapter la rhéologie des BAP (viscosité plastique et seuil de cisaillement) au type de BAP tout en conservant leurs caractéristiques mécaniques. Cette étude bien que scientifique, répond en d'autres termes aux besoins de l'industrie car elle propose un bon rapport performance-coût des BAP.