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Placing High-Redshift Quasars in Perspective: Unifying Distant Quasars with Their Lower Redshift Counterparts through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
I present spectroscopic measurements for 260 sources from the Gemini Near Infrared Spectrograph–Distant Quasar Survey (GNIRS-DQS). Being the largest uniform, homogeneous survey of its kind, it represents a flux-limited sample of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasars at 1.5 < z < 3.5. A combination of the GNIRS and SDSS spectra covers principal quasar diagnostic features, chiefly the C IV λ1549, Mg II λλ2798, 2803, Hβ λ4861, and [O III] λλ4959, 5007 emission lines, in each source. The spectral inventory is utilized primarily to develop prescriptions for obtaining more accurate and precise redshifts, black hole masses, and accretion rates for all quasars. Additionally, the measurements facilitate an understanding of the dependence of rest-frame ultraviolet–optical spectral properties of quasars on redshift, luminosity, and Eddington ratio, and test whether the physical properties of the quasar central engine evolve over cosmic time.
Polymer Gels: Kinetics, Dynamics Studies and Their Applications as Biomaterials
The polymer gels especially hydrogels have a very special structure and useful features such as unusual volume phase transition, compatibility with biological systems, and sensitivity to environmental stimuli (temperature, pH value, electric field, light and more), which lead to many potential applications in physical and biochemical fields. This research includes: (1) the theoretical and experimental studies of polymer gels on swelling kinetics, spinodal decomposition, and solution convection in gel matrix; (2) applications of polymer gels in wound dressing, tissue-simulating optical phantom and gel display. The kinetics of gel swelling has been theoretically analyzed by considering coupled motions of both solvent and polymer network. Analytical solutions of the solvent and the network movement are derived from collective diffusion equations for a long cylindrical and a large disk gel. Kinetics of spinodal decomposition of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) polymer gel is investigated using turbidity and ultrasonic techniques. By probing movement of domains, a possible time-dependent gel structure in the spinodal decomposition region is presented. Theoretical studies of solution convection in gel matrix have been done and more analysis on dimensionless parameters is provided. To enhance the drug uptake and release capacity of silicone rubber (SR), NIPA hydrogel particles have been incorporated into a SR membrane. This SR/NIPA composite gel has promising attributes for wound dressing and other uses. Tissue-simulating optical phantom has been synthesized and studied using NIPA solution trapped inside a hydrogel. Polymer gels with engineered surface patterns were implemented. NIPA gel deposited on the surface of an acrylamide gel can be used as responsive gel display. A dynamically measurement technique of local shear modulus and swelling ratio of gel is presented based on an engineered periodic surface pattern as square array.
A Positive Ion Source
This paper describes the construction of a positive ion source of the electrodeless discharge type and may be divided into two main topis; (1) the radio frequency oscillator and power amplifier and associated power supply and (2) the ionization chamber.
Potential Distribution of an Electrical Source-Sink Combination Along the Axis of an Infinite Cylinder
In the present paper, an attempt is made to obtain the potential distribution in the case of two such charges, a source-sink combination, located on the axis of a bore hole drilled through an infinite, homogeneous medium.
A Precise Few-nucleon Size Difference by Isotope Shift Measurements of Helium
We perform high precision measurements of an isotope shift between the two stable isotopes of helium. We use laser excitation of the 2^3 S_1-2^3 P_0 transition at 1083 nm in a metastable beam of 3He and 4He atoms. A newly developed tunable laser frequency selector along with our previous electro-optic frequency modulation technique provides extremely reliable, adaptable, and precise frequency and intensity control. The intensity control contributes negligibly to overall experimental uncertainty by stabilizing the intensity of the required sideband and eliminating the unwanted frequencies generated during the modulation of 1083 nm laser carrier frequency. The selection technique uses a MEMS based fiber switch and several temperature stabilized narrow band (~3 GHz) fiber gratings. A fiber based optical circulator and an inline fiber amplifier provide the desired isolation and the net gain for the selected frequency. Also rapid (~2 sec.) alternating measurements of the 2^3 S_1-2^3 P_0 interval for both species of helium is achieved with a custom fiber laser for simultaneous optical pumping. A servo-controlled retro-reflected laser beam eliminates residual Doppler effects during the isotope shift measurement. An improved detection design and software control makes negligible subtle potential biases in the data collection. With these advances, combined with new internal and external consistency checks, we are able to obtain results consistent with the best previous measurements, but with substantially improved precision. Our measurement of the 2^3 S_1-2^3 P_0 isotope shift between 3He and 4He is 31 097 535.2 (5) kHz. The most recent theoretic calculation combined with this measurement yields a new determination for nuclear size differences between 3He and 4He: ∆r_c=0.292 6 (1)_exp (8)_th (52)_exp fm, with a precision of less than a part in 〖10〗^4 coming from the experimental uncertainty (first parenthesis), and a part in 〖10〗^3 coming from theory. This value is consistent with electron scattering …
A Precision Angular Correlation Table and Calculation of Geometrical Correction Factors
In recent years y-y angular correlations have been very useful in confirming the spins of excited nuclear states. Angular correlation techniques have also been employed to study the electric and magnetic character of excited nuclear states. With these things in mind, it was decided to design, construct, and test a precision angular correlation table.
Precision Atomic Spectroscopy with an Integrated Electro- Optic Modulator and DBR Diode Laser at 1083nm
We have explored the use of recently developed high speed integrated electro optic modulators and DBR diode lasers as a tool for precision laser studies of atoms. In particular, we have developed a technique using a high speed modulator as a key element and applied it to the study of the fine structure of the 23P state of atomic helium. This state has been of long standing interest in atomic physics and its study has been the aim of several recent experiments using various precision techniques. We present our method and results, which will describe a new method for determining the fine structure constant, and lead to a precision test of atomic theory.
Precision measurements of the hyperfine structure in the 23P state of 3He.
The unusually large hyperfine structure splittings in the 23P state of the 3He isotope is measured using electro-optic techniques with high precision laser spectroscopy. Originally designed to probe the fine structure of the 4He atom, this experimental setup along with special modifications I implemented to resolve certain 3He related issues has made possible new high precision hyperfine structure measurements. Discussed are the details of the experimental setup and the modifications, including in depth information necessary to consider while performing these measurements. The results of these hyperfine structure measurements give an order of magnitude improvement in precision over the best previously reported values.
Pressure Dependence of Line Widths of Microwave Spectra of Sulphur Dioxide
Measurements of line width parameters for eleven rotational transitions of type (J -- J + 1) of SO2 were made and are reported herein. The line width quantum number (J) trend was obtained. The microwave spectrograph used for these measurements of line width is described. Operational methods to operate the spectrograph are presented and discussed, with particular attention given to how to measure the line width. Suggestions for future avenues of probing this molecule to ascertain the non-uniform behavior of the line width parameter over the quantum number and frequency range are given.
Proton-Induced L-shell X-Rays of Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Dy
Characteristic L-shell x rays of the five rare earths Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Dy were studied in this work. The x rays were produced by ionization from 0.3 to 2.0 MeV protons from the 2.0 MV Van de Graaff at North Texas State University. Total L-shell ionization and x-ray production cross sections were measured for Sm and compared to the BEA, CBEA and PWBA theories. Total L-shell ionization cross sections were measured for Pr, Eu, Gd, and Dy and compared to the BEA, CBEA, and PWBA. The CBEA and PWBA fit the samarium data well for both ionization and x-ray production cross sections. The BEA was generally 40 per cent lower than the data. The CBEA and the PWBA also fit the ionization cross section data for Pr, Eu, Gd and Dy, while the BEA was generally 40 per cent lower than the data.
Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Mica
The experiments to be described here were undertaken for the purpose of determining, if possible, by NMR techniques whether or not the hydroxyl protons in mica are bound in a regular crystalline array, and, if so, whether or not the hydroxyl protons occur in reasonably isolated pairs as in waters of hydration.
Quantized Hydrodynamics
The object of this paper is to derive Landau's theory of quantized hydrodynamics from the many-particle Schroedinger equation. Landau's results are obtained, together with an additional term in the Hamiltonian.
Quantum Coherence Effects Coupled via Plasmons
This thesis is an attempt at studying quantum coherence effects coupled via plasmons. After introducing the quantum coherence in atomic systems in Chapter 1, we utilize it in Chapter 2 to demonstrate a new technique of detection of motion of single atoms or irons inside an optical cavity. By taking into account the interaction of coherences with surface plasmonic waves excited in metal nanoparticles, we provide a theoretical model along with experimental data in Chapter 3 to describe the modification of Raman spectra near metal nanoparticles. We show in chapter 4 that starting from two emitters, coupled via a plasmonic field, the symmetry breaking occurs, making detectable the simultaneous existence of the fast super-radiance and the slow sub-radiance emission of dye fluorescence near a plasmonic surface. In Chapter 5, we study the photon statistics of a group of emitters coupled via plasmons and by the use of quantum regression theorem, we provide a theoretical model to fully investigate the dependence of photon bunching and anti-bunching effects to the interaction between atoms, fields and surrounding mediums.
Quantum Coherent Control and Propagation in Lambda System
Strong coherence in quasi-resonant laser driven system interferes with effective relaxations, resulting in behaviors like, coherent population trapping and Electromagnetically induced transparency. The Raman system can optimize this utilizing excited coherence in the lambda system when exposed to counter- intuitive pump-stokes pulses. The phenomenon can result in complete population transfer between vibrational levels called Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage(STIRAP). STIRAP and CHIRAP have been studied with Gaussian and chirped pulses. The optical propagation effects in dense medium for these phenomenon is studied to calculate the limitations and induced coherences. Further, the effect of rotational levels has been investigated. The molecular vibrational coherence strongly depends on the effect of rotational levels. The change in coherence interaction for ro-vibrational levels are reported and explained. We have considered the effects on the phase of radiation related to rotational mechanical motion of quantum system by taking advantages in ultra strong dispersion medium provided by quantum coherence in lambda system. The enhanced Fizeau effect on a single atom is observed.
Quantum-Confined CdS Nanoparticles on DNA Templates
As electronic devices became smaller, interest in quantum-confined semiconductor nanostructures increased. Self-assembled mesoscale semiconductor structures of II-VI nanocrystals are an especially exciting subject because of their controllable band gap and unique photophysical properties. Several preparative methods to synthesize and control the sizes of the individual nanocrystallites and the electronic and optical properties have been intensively studied. Fabrication of patterned nanostructures composed of quantum-confined nanoparticles is the next step toward practical applications. We have developed an innovative method to fabricate diverse nanostructures which relies on the size and a shape of a chosen deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) template.
Quaternion Representation of Crystal Point Groups
The physical behavior of crystalline solids is very closely related to the internal symmetry of the crystal structure. For this reason it is desirable to represent mathematically this symmetry in such a way that the actual physical problems can be handled as they arise. In the case of this thesis the research has been guided by a list of desired properties for such a representation. No claim is made that the list is complete.
Quaternion Representation of Crystal Space Groups
This investigation is designed to find quaternion operators which will generate selected space groups and which are more convenient to manipulate in some important types of problems.
Radar Scattering Cross-section of Triangular Corner Reflectors
The series of experimental studies to be described has been carried out in order to determine the feasibility of using corner reflectors as laboratory standards for model cross-section measurements.
Random growth of interfaces: Statistical analysis of single columns and detection of critical events.
The dynamics of growth and formation of surfaces and interfaces is becoming very important for the understanding of the origin and the behavior of a wide range of natural and industrial dynamical processes. The first part of the paper is focused on the interesting field of the random growth of surfaces and interfaces, which finds application in physics, geology, biology, economics, and engineering among others. In this part it is studied the random growth of surfaces from within the perspective of a single column, namely, the fluctuation of the column height around the mean value, which is depicted as being subordinated to a standard fluctuation-dissipation process with friction g. It is argued that the main properties of Kardar-Parisi-Zhang theory are derived by identifying the distribution of return times to y(0) = 0, which is a truncated inverse power law, with the distribution of subordination times. The agreement of the theoretical prediction with the numerical treatment of the model of ballistic deposition is remarkably good, in spite of the finite size effects affecting this model. The second part of the paper deals with the efficiency of the diffusion entropy analysis (DEA) when applied to the studies of stromatolites. In this case it is shown that this tool can be confidently used for the detection of complexity. The connection between the two studies is established by the use of the DEA itself. In fact, in both analyses, that is, the random growth of interfaces and the study of stromatolites, the method of diffusion entropy is able to detect the real scaling of the system, namely, the scaling of the process is determined by genuinely random events, also called critical events.
Recombination Rate Coefficient Measurements in the Helium Afterglow
This thesis describes a method of determining the recombination rate coefficient experimentally, which does not depend on a specific model of the recombination process. With this method established, results are presented for the recombination rate coefficient measurements at 44.6 Torr.
Relaxation Time Approximations in PAOFLOW 2.0
Electronic transport properties have been used to classify and characterize materials and describe their functionality. Recent surge in computational power has enabled computational modelling and accelerated theoretical studies to complement and accelerate experimental discovery of novel materials. This work looks at methods for theoretical calculations of electronic transport properties and addresses the limitations of a common approximation in the calculation of these properties, namely, the constant relaxation time approximation (CRTA). This work takes a look at the limitations of this approximation and introduces energy and temperature dependent relaxation times. This study is carried out on models and real systems and compared with experiments.
Relaxation Time Measurements for Collision Processes in the Surface Layers of Conductors and Semiconductors Near 10 Ghz
This thesis represents one phase of a joint effort of research on the properties of liquids and solids. This work is concerned primarily with the microwave properties of solids. In this investigation the properties exhibited by conductor and semiconductor materials when they are subjected to electromagnetic radiation of microwave frequency are studied. The method utilized in this experiment is the perturbation of a resonant cavity produced by introduction of a cylindrically shaped sample into it.
Renewal and Memory Approaches to Study Biological and Physiological Processes
In nature we find many instances of complex behavior for example the dynamics of stock markets, power grids, internet networks, highway traffic, social networks, heartbeat dynamics, neural dynamics, dynamics of living organisms, etc. The study of these complex systems involves the use of tools of non-linear dynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics. This dissertation is devoted to understanding two different sources of complex behavior – non-poissonian renewal events also called crucial events and infinite memory of fractional Brownian motion. They both generate 1/f noise frequency spectrum. Thus, we studied examples of both processes and also their joint action. We also tried to establish the role of crucial events in biological and physiological processes like biophoton emission during the germination of seeds, the dynamics of heartbeat and neural dynamics. Using a statistical method of analyzing the time series of bio signals we were able to quantify the complexity associated with the underlying dynamics of these processes. Finally, we adopted a model that unifies both crucial events and memory fluctuations to study the rhythmic behavior observed in heart rate variability of people during meditation. We were able to also quantify the level of stress reduction during meditation. The work presented in this dissertation may help us understand the communication and transfer of information in complex systems.
A Reverberation Time Meter
This thesis describes the construction of an apparatus to measure reverberation time.
The Rotational Spectra of Propyne in the Ground, V₁₀=1, V₁₀=2, and V₉=1 Vibrational States
The problem of a vibrating-rotating polyatomic molecule is treated, with emphasis given to the case of molecules with C_3v symmetry. It is shown that several of the gross features of the rotational spectra of polyatomic molecules in excited vibrational states can be predicted by group theoretical considerations. Expressions for the rotational transition frequencies of molecules of C_3v symmetry in the ground vibrational state, singly excited degenerate vibrational states, and doubly excited degenerate vibrational states are given. The derivation of these expressions by fourth order perturbation theory as given by Amat, Nielsen, and Tarrago is discussed. The ground and V_10=1 rotational spectra of propyne have been investigated in the 17 to 70 GHz, and 17 to 53 GHz regions, respectively, and compared with predictions based on higher frequency measurements. The V_9=1 and V_10=2 rotational spectra of propyne have been investigated and assigned for the first time. A perturbation of the V_9=1 rotational spectra for K=-l has been discovered and discussed.
Scaling Behaviors and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Gels
Polymer gels undergo a volume phase transition in solvent in response to an infinitesimal environmental change. This remarkable phenomenon has resulted in many potential applications of polymer gels. The understanding of its mechanical properties has both scientific and technological importance. For this purpose, we have developed a novel method for measuring Poisson's ratio, which is one of the most important parameters determining the mechanical property of gels. Using this method, Poisson's ratio in N-isopropyacrylamide (NIPA) and polyacrylamide (PAAM) gels has been studied.
Scaling, Power-Law First Return Times, and Non-Ergodicity
This dissertation is a collection of papers on anomalous phenomena in physics, biology, and sociology. These phenomena are primarily analyzed in terms of their temporal and spatiotemporal statistical properties. The analysis is based on both numerical simulations and, in some cases, real-world physiological and sociological data. The primary methods of analysis are diffusion entropy analysis, power spectral analysis, multifractal analysis, and survival (or waiting-time) analysis.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Epitaxial Diamond (110) and (111) Films and Field Emission Properties of Diamond Coated Molybdenum Microtips
The growth mechanism of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown homo-epitaxial diamond (110) and (111) films was studied using ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In addition, the field emission properties of diamond coated molybdenum microtips were studied as a function of exposure to different gases.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Homo-Epitaxial Chemical Vapor Deposited Diamond (100) Films
Atomic resolution images of hot-tungsten filament chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) grown epitaxial diamond (100) films obtained in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) are reported. A (2x1) dimer surface reconstruction and amorphous atomic regions were observed on the hydrogen terminated (100) surface. The (2x1) unit cell was measured to be 0.51"0.01 x 0.25"0.01 nm2. The amorphous regions were identified as amorphous carbon. After CVD growth, the surface of the epitaxial films was amorphous at the atomic scale. After 2 minutes of exposure to atomic hydrogen at 30 Torr and the sample temperature at 500° C, the surface was observed to consist of amorphous regions and (2x1) dimer reconstructed regions. After 5 minutes of exposure to atomic hydrogen, the surface was observed to consist mostly of (2x1) dimer reconstructed regions. These observations support a recent model for CVD diamond growth that is based on an amorphous carbon layer that is etched or converted to diamond by atomic hydrogen. With further exposure to atomic hydrogen at 500° C, etch pits were observed in the shape of inverted pyramids with {111} oriented sides. The temperature dependence of atomic hydrogen etching of the diamond (100) surface was also investigated using UHV STM, and it was found that it was highly temperature dependent. Etching with a diamond sample temperature of 200° C produced (100) surfaces that are atomically rough with no large pits, indicating that the hydrogen etch was isotropic at 200° C. Atomic hydrogen etching of the surface with a sample temperature of 500° C produced etch-pits and vacancy islands indicating an anisotropic etch at 500° C. With a sample temperature of 1000° C during the hydrogen etch, the (100) surface was atomically smooth with no pits and few single atomic vacancies, but with vacancy rows predominantly in the direction of the dimer …
Scattering Cross-sections of 4/1 Prolate Spheroids
This is a report of the second in a projected series of experiments at North Texas State College designed for obtaining information about the microwave scattering properties of various shaped objects.
A Search for Periodic and Quasi-Periodic Patterns in Select Proxy Data with a Goal to Understanding Temperature Variation
In this work over 200 temperature proxy data sets have been analyzed to determine if periodic and or quasi-periodic patterns exist in the data sets. References to the journal articles where data are recorded are provided. Chapter 1 serves an introduction to the problem of temperature determination in providing information on how various proxy data sources are derived. Examples are given of the techniques followed in producing proxy data that predict temperature for each method used. In chapter 2 temperature proxy data spanning the last 4000 years, from 2,000 BCE to 2,000 CE, are analyzed to determine if overarching patterns exist in proxy data sets. An average of over 100 proxy data sets was used to produce Figure 4. An overview of the data shows that several “peaks” can be identified. The data were then subjected to analysis using a series of frequency modulated cosine waves. This analysis led to a function that can be expressed by equation 3. The literature was examined to determine what mathematical models had been published to fit the experimental proxy data for temperature. A number of attempts have been made to fit data from limited data sets with some degree of success. Some other papers have used a sinusoidal function to best fit the changes in the temperature. After consideration of many published papers and reviewing long time streams of proxy data that appeared to have sine wave patterns, a new model was proposed for trial. As the patterns observed showed “almost” repeating sine cycles, a frequency modulated sine wave was chosen to obtain a best fit function. Although other papers have used a sinusoidal function to best fit the changes in the temperature, the “best fit” was limited. Thus, it was decided that a frequency modulated sine wave may be a better model …
L-Shell X-Ray Production Cross Sections for ₂₀Ca, ₂₆Fe, ₂₈Ni, ₂₉Cu, ₃₀Zn, ₃₁Ga, and ₃₂Ge by Hydrogen, Helium, and Lithium Ions
L-shell x-ray production cross sections are presented for Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, and Ge by 0.5- to 5.0-MeV protons and by 0.5- to 8.0-MeV helium ions and Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Ge by 0.75- to 4.5-MeV lithium ions. These measurements are compared to the first Born theory and the perturbed-stationary- state theory with energy-loss, Coulomb deflection, and relativistic corrections (ECPSSR). The results are also compared to previous experimental investigations. The high precision x-ray measurements were performed with a windowless Si(Li) detector. The efficiency of the detector was determined by the use of thin target atomic-field bremsstrahlung produced by 66.5 keV electrons. The measured bremsstrahlung spectra were compared to theoretical bremsstrahlung distributions in order to obtain an efficiency versus energy curve. The targets for the measurement were manufactured by the vacuum evaporation of the target element onto thin foils of carbon. Impurities in the carbon caused interferences inthe L-shell x-ray peaks. Special cleansing procedures were developed that reduced the impurity concentrations in the carbon foil, making the use of less than 5 μg/cm^2 targets possible. The first Born theory is seen to greatly overpredict the data at low ion energies. The ECPSSR theory matches the data very well at the high energy region. At low energies, while fitting the data much more closely than the first Born theory, the ECPSSR theory does not accurately predict the trend of the data. This is probably due to the onset of molecular-orbital effects, a mechanism not accounted for in the ECPSSR theory.
L-shell X-ray production cross sections of ₂₉Cu, ₃₂Ge, ₃₇Rb, ₃₈Sr, and ₃₉Y and M-shell X-ray production cross sections of ₇₉Au, ₈₂Pb, ₈₃Bi, ₉₀Th, and ₉₂U by 70-200 keV protons
L-shell x-ray production cross sections have been measured for thin targets of 29Cu, 32Ge, 37Rb, 38Sr, and 39Y. M-shell x-ray production cross sections have been measured for thin targets of 79Au, 82Pb, 83Bi, 90Th, and 92U. All targets were irradiated with a beam of H+ ions with energies in a range from 70 to 200 keV. Experimental cross sections are compared to other measurements at higher energies and to first Born (Plane Wave Born Approximation for direct ionization and Oppenheimer-Brinkman-Kramers-Nikolaev approximation for electron capture) and the ECPSSR (Energy loss, Coulomb deflection, Perturbed Stationary State calculations with Relativistic effects) theoretical cross sections.
Short-Period Transient Grating Measurement of Perpendicular Transport in GaAs/AlGaAs Multiple Quantum Wells
In this thesis the author describes the use of transient grating techniques to study the transport of electrons and holes perpendicular to the layers of a GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW).
Shubnikov-de Haas Effect in Arsenic
This thesis studies the Shubnikov-de Haas effect in arsenic.
The Shubnikov-de Haas Effect in N-Type Indium Antimonide
The Shubnikov-de Haas effect is an oscillation in the electrical resistivity or conductivity of a metal, semimetal, or semiconductor as a function of changing magnetic field which occurs at low temperatures. The effect is caused by the quantization of the momentum and energy of the charge carriers by the magnetic field. Since the nature of the oscillation depends strongly on the energy band structure of the material in which it is measured, the effect could be quite useful as an investigative tool. Its usefulness has been limited, however, by the uncertainty as to the functional form of the relationship between the measured oscillations and the parameters characterizing the material. One purpose of the present study is to extend the usefulness of the Shubnikov-de Haas effect by experimentally determining the functional form appropriate for a material such as n-type indium antimonide. The second purpose of the study is to determine values for the parameters which characterize the band structure of indium antimonide. The curve fitting procedure is found to be a powerful tool for investigating band structure. All computer programs used in processing the data, fitting the data, and comparing the results with the Kane model are given.
Shubnikov-de Haas Effect Under Uniaxial Stress: A New Method for Determining Deformation Potentials and Band Structure Information in Semiconductors
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of demonstrating the applicability of a particular theory and technique to two materials of different band structure, InSb and HgSe, and in doing so, determining the deformation potentials of these materials. The theory used in this investigation predicts an inversion-asymmetry splitting and an anisotropy of the Fermi surface under uniaxial stress. No previous studies have ever verified the existence of an anisotropy of the Fermi surface of semiconductors under stress. In this work evidence will be given which demonstrates this anisotropy. Although the inversion-asymmetry splitting parameter has been determined for some materials, no value has ever been reported for InSb. The methods presented in this paper allow a value of the splitting parameter to be determined for InSb.
Size Dependence in the Electrical Conductivity of Bismuth
In the present investigation, measurements were made at liquid-helium temperatures on single-crystal bismuth samples which had a stair-step geometry in order to study several thicknesses during one helium run. These samples were also thinned to extend the thickness range of the steps to a thinner region. In addition J.E. Parrott's theory is extended to include a diagonal anisotropic relaxation-time tensor and the effect of holes on the size effect. A discussion of the theory of Parrott, and the extension of Parrott's theory in connection with the experimental results is presented.
Size Effect in the Electrical Conductivity of Bismuth
If a physical dimension of a metallic specimen is comparable with, or smaller than, the mean free path of the conduction electrons, then the observed electrical conductivity will be less than that of a conventional bulk sample. This phenomenon is called a size effect, and is the result of electron scattering from the specimen surfaces. In the present investigation, measurements were made on electropolished monocrystalline specimens ranging from matchbox geometry to thick-film geometry in order to obtain further information on the size effect in bismuth at liquid helium temperatures.
The Size Effect on the Galvanomagnetic Properties of a Semiconductor
A theory is developed to explain the dependence of carrier transport in a thin semiconducting film on film thickness, magnetic field strength, and the dominant bulk scattering mechanism. This theory is based on the solution of the linearized Boltzmann equation in relaxation time form. The semiconductor is assumed to be bounded and nondegenerate with spherical energy surfaces and a scalar effective mass, It is also assumed to be flat banded with totally diffuse scattering at the surface. Classical Boltzmann statistics are used for equilibrium. The dependence of the relaxation time on the carrier energy is approximated by a power law equation. The principle improvement over similar theories is the treatment of the dependence of the relaxation time on carrier energy. The power law approximation for this dependence is valid for randomizing and elastic scattering mechanisms.
Solutions of the Equations of Radiative Transfer by an Invariant Imbedding Approach
This thesis is a study of the solutions of the equations of radiative transfer by an invariant imbedding approach.
Some Galvanomagnetic and Thermomagnetic Effects in a Single Crystal of Antimony
The purpose of this investigation is to develop techniques of experimentation in the field of electron transport phenomena.
Space-Charge Saturation and Current Limits in Cylindrical Drift Tubes and Planar Sheaths
Space-charge effects play a dominant role in many areas of physics. In high-power microwave devices using high-current, relativistic electron beams, it places a limit on the amount of radiation a device can produce. Because the beam's space-charge can actually reflect a portion of the beam, the ability to accurately predict the amount of current a device can carry is needed. This current value is known as the space-charge limited current. Because of the mathematical difficulties, this limit is typically estimated from a one-dimensional theory. This work presents a two-dimensional theory for calculating an upper-bound for the space-charge limited current of relativistic electron beams propagating in grounded coaxial drift tubes. Applicable to annular beams of arbitrary radius and thickness, the theory includes the effect introduced by a finite-length drift tube of circular cross-section. Using Green's second identity, the need to solve Poisson's equation is transferred to solving a Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problem, which is easily solved by elementary methods. In general, the resulting eigenvalue, which is required to estimate the limiting current, must be numerically determined. However, analytic expressions can be found for frequently encountered limiting cases. Space-charge effects also produce the fundamental collective behavior found in plasmas, especially in plasma sheaths. A plasma sheath is the transition region between a bulk plasma and an adjacent plasma-facing surface. The sheath controls the loss of particles from the plasma in order to maintain neutrality. Using a fully kinetic theory, the problem of a planar sheath with a single-minimum electric potential profile is investigated. Appropriate for single charge-state ions of arbitrary temperature, the theory includes the emission of warm electrons from the surface as well as a net current through the sheath and is compared to particle-in-cell simulations. Approximate expressions are developed for estimating the sheath potential as well as the transition to space-charge …
Spatiotemporal Properties of Coupled Nonlinear Oscillators
Spatiotemporal properties of classical coupled nonlinear oscillators are investigated in this thesis. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to nonlinear lattices and to the concept of breathers, that are spatially localized and temporally periodic excitation in nonlinear lattices. The concept of anti-continuous limit that provides the basic methodology in probing spatiotemporal breather properties is discussed. In Chapter 2, the general approach for finding exact breather solutions from the anti-continuous limit is examined, and the rotating wave approximation(RWA) is applied to probe the spatial structure of static breathers. Numerical evidence reveals that the RWA relates the spatial structure of stable multi-breathers to a single breather of the same frequency. Chapter 3 presents linear stability analysis of static breathers and gives a systematic way to construct mobile breathers. Formation and collision properties of this moving breathers are also studied. Chapter 4 discusses dynamics of kinks and anti-kinks in hydrogen-bonded chains in the context of two-component soliton model. From molecular dynamics simulations with finite temperature, it is observed that, in a real system (eg. ice), a pair of kink and anti-kink can evolve into a moving-breather-like excitation. Chapter 5 is devoted to the understand of the effects of disorder in the Holstein model. The summary is given in Chapter 6.
Sputtering of Bi and Preferential Sputtering of an Inhomogeneous Alloy
Angular distributions and total yields of atoms sputtered from bismuth targets by normally incident 10 keV -50 keV Ne+ and Ar+ ions have been measured both experimentally and by computer simulation. Polycrystalline Bi targets were used for experimental measurements. The sputtered atoms were collected on high purity aluminum foils under ultra-high vacuum conditions, and were subsequently analyzed using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The Monte-Carlo based SRIM code was employed to simulate angular distributions of sputtered Bi atoms and total sputtering yields of Bi to compare with experiment. The measured sputtering yields were found to increase with increasing projectile energy for normally incident 10 keV - 50 keV Ne+ and Ar+ ions. The shapes of the angular distributions of sputtered Bi atoms demonstrated good agreement between experiment and simulation in the present study. The measured and simulated angular distributions of sputtered Bi exhibited an over-cosine tendency. The measured value of the degree of this over-cosine nature was observed to increase with increasing incident Ne+ ion energy, but was not strongly dependent on incident Ar+ ion energy. The differential angular sputtering yield and partial sputtering yields due to Ar ion bombardment of an inhomogeneous liquid Bi:Ga alloy have been investigated, both experimentally and by computer simulation. Normally incident 25 keV and 50 keV beams of Ar+ were used to sputter a target of 99.8 at% Ga and 0.2 at% Bi held at 40° C in ultra-high vacuum (UHV), under which conditions the alloy is known to exhibit extreme Gibbsian surface segregation that produces essentially a monolayer of Bi atop the bulk liquid. Angular distributions of sputtered neutrals and partial sputtering yields obtained from the conversion of areal densities of Bi and Ga atoms on collector foils were determined. The Monte-Carlo based SRIM code was employed to simulate the experiment and obtain the angular …
A Statistical Study of Hard X-Ray Solar Flares
The results of a statistical study of hard x-ray solar flares are presented in this dissertation. Two methods of analysis were used, the Diffusion Entropy (DE) method coupled with an analysis of the data distributions and the Rescaled Range (R/S) Method, sometimes referred to as "Hurst's method". Chapter one provides an introduction to hard x-ray flares within the context of the solar environment and a summary of the statistical paradigms solar astronomers currently work under. Chapter two presents the theory behind the DE and R/S methods. Chapter three presents the results of the two analysis methodologies: most notably important evidence of the conflicting results of the R/S and DE methods, evidence of a Levy statistical signature for the underlying dynamics of the hard x-ray flaring process and a possible separate memory signature for the waiting times. In addition, the stationary and nonstationary characteristics of the waiting times and peak intensities, are revealed. Chapter four provides a concise summary and discussion of the results.
Steady-state and Dynamic Probe Characteristics in a Low-density Plasma
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of determining the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of the admittance of a metallic probe immersed in a laboratory plasma which has the low electron densities and low electron temperatures characteristic of the ionospheric plasma. The problem is separated into three related topics: the design and production of the laboratory plasma, the measurement of the steady-state properties of dc and very low frequency probe admittance, and the study of transient ion sheath effects on radio frequency probe admittance.
The Stereochemistry of Diphenylhexatriene
The problem with which this paper is concerned has as its basis one of the most important properties of the conjugated system of double bonds found in some organic molecules, namely, the ability to exhibit stereoisomerism.
Stochastic Mechanical Systems
To understand the phenomena associated with such stochastic processes and to predict, at least qualitatively, the behavior of mechanical systems within environments which are completely random in time, new mechanical tools are necessary. Fortunately, the derivation of these tools does not necessitate a complete departure from existing theories. In fact, they may be considered as an extension of the well-defined theory of the integral transform, in particular, the exponential Fourier integral transform.
The Stopping of Energetic Si, P and S Ions in Ni, Cu, Ge and GaAs Targets
Accurate knowledge of stopping powers is essential for these for quantitative analysis and surface characterization of thin films using ion beam analysis (IBA). These values are also of interest in radiobiology and radiotherapy, and in ion- implantation technology where shrinking feature sizes puts high demands on the accuracy of range calculations. A theory that predicts stopping powers and ranges for all projectile-target combinations is needed. The most important database used to report the stopping powers is the SRIM/TRIM program developed by Ziegler and coworkers. However, other researchers report that at times, these values differ significantly from experimental values. In this study the stopping powers of Si, P and S ions have been measured in Ni, Cu, Ge and GaAs absorbers in the energy range ~ 2-10 MeV. For elemental films of Ni, Cu and Ge, the stopping of heavy ions was measured using a novel ERD (Elastic Recoil Detection) based technique. In which an elastically recoiled lighter atom is used to indirectly measure the energy of the incoming heavy ion using a surface barrier detector. In this way it was possible to reduce the damage and to improve the FWHM of the detector. The results were compared to SRIM-2000 predictions and other experimental measurements. A new technique derived from Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) was developed to prepare stoichiometric GaAs films on thin carbon films for use in transmission ion beam experiments. The GaAs films were characterized using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). These films were used to investigate the stopping powers of energetic heavy ions in GaAs and to provide data for the calculation of Bethe-Bloch parameters in the framework of the Modified Bethe-Bloch theory. As a result of this study, stopping power data are available for the first time for Si and P ions …
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