University of Mons

About: University of Mons is a education organization based out in Mons, Belgium. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Large Hadron Collider & Standard Model. The organization has 3073 authors who have published 9465 publications receiving 294776 citations.

Lifetime calculations in Yb II

Abstract: Oscillator strengths and lifetime values for Yb II levels have been calculated within the framework of a pseudo-relativistic Hartree-Fock (HFR) approximation combined with a least-squares fitting of the calculated eigenvalues to the observed energy levels. A considerable amount of configuration interaction together with core-polarization effects have been included in the calculations. The quality of the HFR results has been assessed through a comparison with data obtained using the completely independent relativistic quantum defect orbital (RQDO) method. The theoretical lifetimes reported in the present paper are now in good agreement with most of the accurate experimental values available. The origin of the persisting discrepancies is suggested.

IceCube Search for Dark Matter Annihilation in nearby Galaxies and Galaxy Clusters

Abstract: We present the results of a first search for self-annihilating dark matter in nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters using a sample of high-energy neutrinos acquired in 339.8 days of live time during 2009/10 with the IceCube neutrino observatory in its 59-string configuration. The targets of interest include the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters, the Andromeda galaxy, and several dwarf galaxies. We obtain upper limits on the cross section as a function of the weakly interacting massive particle mass between 300 GeV and 100 TeV for the annihilation into b (b) over bar, W+(W) over bar (-), tau(+)tau(-), mu(+)mu(-) , and nu(nu) over bar. A limit derived for the Virgo cluster, when assuming a large effect from subhalos, challenges the weakly interacting massive particle interpretation of a recently observed GeV positron excess in cosmic rays.

Higher-spin algebras and cubic interactions for simple mixed-symmetry fields in AdS spacetime

Abstract: Nonabelian Fradkin-Vasiliev cubic interactions for dual-graviton-like gauge fields with gravity and themselves are constructed in anti-de Sitter spacetime. The Young diagrams of gauge potentials have shapes of “tall-hooks”, i.e. two columns the second of height one. The underlying nonabelian algebra is a Clifford algebra with the anti-de Sitter signature. We also discuss the universal enveloping realization of higher-spin algebras, showing that there is a one-parameter family of algebras compatible with unitarity, which is reminiscent of d = 3 deformed oscillators.

Light-enhanced liquid-phase exfoliation and current photoswitching in graphene–azobenzene composites

Abstract: Multifunctional materials can be engineered by combining multiple chemical components, each conferring a well-defined function to the ensemble. Graphene is at the centre of an ever-growing research effort due to its combination of unique properties. Here we show that the large conformational change associated with the trans-cis photochemical isomerization of alkyl-substituted azobenzenes can be used to improve the efficiency of liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite, with the photochromic molecules acting as dispersion-stabilizing agents. We also demonstrate reversible photo-modulated current in two-terminal devices based on graphene-azobenzene composites. We assign this tuneable electrical characteristics to the intercalation of the azobenzene between adjacent graphene layers and the resulting increase in the interlayer distance on (photo)switching from the linear trans-form to the bulky cis-form of the photochromes. These findings pave the way to the development of new optically controlled memories for light-assisted programming and high-sensitive photosensors.