Showing papers in "Brazilian Journal of Physics in 2009"

Nonadditive entropy and nonextensive statistical mechanics - An overview after 20 years

Abstract: Statistical mechanics constitutes one of the pillars of contemporary physics. Recognized as such — together with mechanics (classical, quantum, relativistic), electromagnetism and thermodynamics —, it is one of the mandatory theories studied at virtually all the intermediate- and advanced-level courses of physics around the world. As it normally happens with such basic scientific paradigms, it is placed at a crossroads of various other branches of knowledge. In the case of statistical mechanics, the standard theory — hereafter referred to as the Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics — exhibits highly relevant connections at a variety of microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic physical levels, as well as with the theory of probabilities (in particular, with the Central Limit Theorem, CLT ). In many circumstances, the ubiquitous efects of the CLT , with its Gaussian attractors (in the space of the distributions of probabilities), are present. Within this complex ongoing frame, a possible generalization of the BG theory was advanced in 1988 (C.T., J. Stat. Phys. 52, 479). The extension of the standard concepts is intended to be useful in those “pathological”, and nevertheless very frequent, cases where the basic assumptions (molecular chaos hypothesis, ergodicity) for applicability of the BG theory would be violated. Such appears to be, for instance, the case in classical long-range-interacting many-body Hamiltonian systems (at the so-called quasi-stationary state). Indeed, in such systems, the maximal Lyapunov exponent vanishes in the thermodynamic limit N! ¥. This fact creates a quite novel situation with regard to typical BG systems, which generically have a positive value for this central nonlinear dynamical quantity. This peculiarity has sensible effects at all physical micro-, meso- and macroscopic levels. It even poses deep challenges at the level of the CLT . In the present occasion, after 20 years of the 1988 proposal, we undertake here an overview of some selected successes of the approach, and of some interesting points that still remain as open questions. Various theoretical, experimental, observational and computational aspects will be addressed.

q-distributions in complex systems: a brief review

Abstract: The nonextensive statistical mechanics proposed by Tsallis is today an intense and growing research field. Probability distributions which emerges from the nonextensive formalism(q-distributions) have been applied to an impressive variety of problems. In particular, the role of q-distributions in the interdisciplinary field of complex systems has been expanding. Here, we make a brief review of q-exponential, q-Gaussian and q-Weibull distributions focusing some of their basic properties and recent applications. The richness of systems analyzed may indicate future directions in this field.

Angiogenic properties of natural rubber latex biomembranes and the serum fraction of Hevea brasiliensis

Abstract: The angiogenic properties of natural rubber were evaluated in this work. We have used the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) as a model to investigate the influence of the heating on biological activity in rubber membranes and in non rubber fraction as well. Results showed that natural rubber membranes can induce vascularization. It was observed that angiogenesis activity was maximum when membranes were heated in temperatures between 65oC and 85oC, considering a range from 55oC to 105oC. The same behavior was observed for non rubber fraction and it indicates that this serum fraction may be responsible for angiogenesis. When infrared spectroscopy was performed in the cast films of non rubber fraction samples, as a function of heating, no structural changes was observed. The results obtained shown that natural rubber latex films produced by casting induce the vessel growth in the CAM and it can be considered as a potential biomaterial.

Characteristics of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor for Material Treatment

Abstract: This work reports the development of atmospheric pressure plasma reactor with dielectric barrier discharge DBD for material treatment. The DBD discharge has been generated in planar geometry reactor powered by ac voltage provided by conventional high voltage transformer. The dielectric barrier consisted of two glass slabs, which cover both reactor electrodes. The air discharge gap between the dielectric layers was varied from 1.0 to 3.0mm. The power consumption of the DBD reactor was evaluated by the Lissajous figures method. The optimization of reactor geometry for material processing is discussed.

Recent developments in superstatistics

Abstract: We provide an overview on superstatistical techniques applied to complex systems with time scale separation. Three examples of recent applications are dealt with in somewhat more detail: the statistics of small-scale velocity differences in Lagrangian turbulence experiments, train delay statistics on the British rail network, and survival statistics of cancer patients once diagnosed with cancer. These examples correspond to three different universality classes: Lognormal superstatistics, χ2-superstatistics and inverse χ2 superstatistics.

Thickness dependence of the properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) FILMS prepared by activated reactive evaporation

Abstract: Tin doped indium oxide thin films were prepared on glass substrates kept at room temperature, by activated reactive evaporation (ARE). Structural, electrical and optical properties were studied for films having different thickness. The resulting films are polycrystalline and show ˜ 90 % transmission in the visible region. Hall effect measurements at room temperature for a film with a nominal thickness of ˜ 350 nm shows a relatively high carrier concentration ˜ 6.3 × 1020 cm-3, mobility ˜ 16 cm2 V-1s-1, with a low resistivity ˜ 1.01×10-3W cm.

Spray-drying technique to prepare innovative nanoparticulated formulations for drug administration: a brief overview

Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticle systems (nanocapsules and nanospheres) present potential applications as drug delivery systems. Nevertheless, their full applications have not been exploited due to their limited shelf life when stored in aqueous medium. Drying polymeric nanoparticles using spray-drying represents a promising platform to improve the physicochemical stability of formulations and/or to control the release of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. This article presents a brief overview of the most recent and ongoing research in the use of spray-drying process to prepare and/or to dry polymeric nanoparticles formulations intended for drug administration.

Experimental evidence of an optical shutter in cholesteric phase of a double hydrogen bonded liquid crystal

Abstract: A novel series of double hydrogen bonded liquid crystals have been isolated. Hydrogen bond was formed between non mesogen chiral ingredient levo tartaric acid (LTA) and mesogenic undecyloxy benzoic acids (11BA) Thermal and electrical properties exhibited by levo tartaric acid and undecyloxy benzoic acid (LTA+11BA) were discussed. Interesting feature of the present investigation was observation of an optical shuttering action in LTA+11BA hydrogen bonded complex on application of a stipulated applied dc bias voltage. By enhancement of the dc bias voltage the mesogen behaves like an optical shutter, thus this hydrogen bonded complex mesogen acts as an effective light modulator. It was noticed that this action of shuttering was reversible, in the sense that when applied bias voltage was removed the original texture was restored. Experimental results relating to textures, optical tilt, dielectric studies and optical shuttering action were presented. This optical shutter property of the mesogen can be exploited for commercial and display device applications.

Central limit theorems for correlated variables: some critical remarks

Abstract: In this talk I first review at an elementary level a selection of central limit theorems, including some lesser known cases, for sums and maxima of uncorrelated and correlated random variables. I recall why several of them appear in physics. Next, I show that there is room for new versions of central limit theorems applicable to specific classes of problems. Finally, I argue that we have insufficient evidence that, as a consequence of such a theorem, q-Gaussians occupy a special place in statistical physics.

Enhancing cobalt dispersion in supported Fischer-Tropsch catalysts via controlled decomposition of cobalt precursors

Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a part of Gas-to Liquids (GTL), Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) and Coal to Liquids (CTL) technologies, which produce alternatives clean fuels from natural gas, biomass and coal. The catalytic performance of cobalt catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis strongly depends on the size of cobalt particles in nanoscale range (6-30 nm). Cobalt catalysts are usually prepared via incipient wetness impregnation using cobalt salts (cobalt precursors). Catalyst preparation involves several important steps. The paper shows that decomposition of cobalt precursors is often a crucial step in the catalyst design; slower rate of decomposition of cobalt precursors favors smaller size of cobalt particles, higher cobalt dispersion and enhances catalytic performance in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Nanoparticles of metal and metal oxides: some peculiar synthesis methods, size and shape control, application to catalysts preparation

Abstract: One step (direct) and multisteps synthesis methods of metal and oxide nanoparticles are presented including both bottom-up and top-down procedures. Chemical methods involving the polyol process allows to get either isotropic or anisotropic nanoparticles. Nanowires, nanorods and dumbells can be generated either by heterogeneous nucleation or by using a template (mesoporous silica). Top-down procedures are illustrated by laser irradiation of immersed bulk targets (Ag, Au) which generates self-organized nanostructures or colloidal solutions. Laser irradiation of these colloidal solutions modifies the size distribution and the shape of nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles are generated from mixtures of monometallic colloidal solutions. Surface-mediated methods involving a host support and an invited phase are also presented. They lead to the formation of metal or oxide clusters and nanoparticles. The speciation of these entities is correlated with the observed catalytic performances.

A 3-D four-wing attractor and its analysis

Abstract: In this paper, several three dimensional (3-D) four-wing smooth quadratic autonomous chaotic systems are analyzed. It is shown that these systems have a number of similar features. A new 3-D continuous autonomous system is proposed based on these features. The new system can generate a four-wing chaotic attractor with less terms in the system equations. Several basic properties of the new system is analyzed by means of Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams and Poincare maps. Phase diagrams show that the equilibria are related to the existence of multiple wings.

Influence of Drying on the Characteristics of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract: The recent growth in the field of porous and nanometric materials prepared by non-conventional processes has stimulated the search of new applications of ZnO nanoparticulate. Zinc oxide is an interesting semiconductor material due to its application on solar cells, gas sensors, ceramics, catalysts, cosmetics and varistors. In this work, the precipitation method was used followed by controlled and freezing drying processes. The materials obtained were thermally treated at various temperatures. The influence of temperature on structural, textural, and morphological properties of the materials was studied by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and thermal analysis. The characteristics of both materials were compared.

Some properties of deformed q-numbers

Abstract: Nonextensive statistical mechanics has been a source of investigation in mathematical structures such as deformed algebraic structures In this work, we present some consequences of q-operations on the construction of q-numbers for all numerical sets Based on such a construction, we present a new product that distributes over the q-sum Finally, we present different patterns of q-Pascal's triangles, based on q-sum, whose elements are q-numbers

Quantum Effects in Water: Proton Kinetic Energy Maxima in Stable and Supercooled Liquid

Abstract: A strong temperature dependence of proton mean kinetic energy was observed for liquid water around the density maximum and for moderately supercooled water. Line shape analysis of proton momentum distribution, determined from deep inelastic neutron scattering measurements, shows that there are two proton kinetic energy maxima, one at the same temperature of the macroscopic density maximum at 277 K, and another one in the supercooled phase located around 270 K. The maximum at 277 K is a microscopic quantum counterpart of the macroscopic density maximum, where energetic balance giving rise to the local water structure is manifest in the temperature dependence of kinetic energy. The maximum in the supercooled phase, with higher kinetic energy with respect to stable phases, is associated to changes in the proton potential as the structure evolves with a large number of H-bond units providing both stronger effective proton localization, as well as proton quantum delocalization.

Inter hydrogen bonded complexes of hexadecylaniline and alkoxy benzoic acids: a study of crystallization kinetics

Abstract: A systematic crystallization kinetic study of two smectogens of homologous series of the inter molecular hydrogen bonded between undecyl, dodecyl benzoic acids and hexadecylaniline complexes viz., 16A+11BA and 16A+12BA respectively has been carried out by thermal microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric studies. FTIR studies indicate the formation of hydrogen bond in these complexes. The crystallization kinetics was studied by two techniques viz., the traditional thermal analysis (DSC) and electrical studies in which capacitance and dielectric loss variation with temperature were recorded and analyzed. The DSC thermograms were run from crystallization temperature to the isotropic melt for different time intervals. The liquid crystalline behaviour together with the rate of crystallization of smectic ordering in newly synthesized inter hydrogen bonded complexes were discussed in relation to the kinetophase (which occurs prior to the crystallization). The molecular mechanism and dimensionality in the crystal growth were computed from the Avrami equation. The characteristic crystallization time (t*) at each crystallization temperature was deduced from the individual plots of log t and gH. Further, it was observed that the data obtained from DSC and dielectric studies were in good agreement with one another. For the first time in the history of crystallization studies, crystallization kinetics data is experimentally elicited from a novel dielectric technique.

Graphene to graphite: electronic changes within DFT calculations

Abstract: Calculations based on the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method and density-functional theory are performed to investigate the electronic properties of graphene, bilayer graphene, multilayer graphene, and graphite. From an analysis of the electronic band structure close to the Fermi level, we have quantified the gradual change in the Fermi surface topology from the point-like structure for graphene to a warped triangular shape for graphite. We have also discussed the gradual change in the electron and hole effective masses and velocities as the system evolves from graphene to graphite.

Characterization of microhollow cathode discharges

Abstract: This work is devoted to the study of the electrical characteristics of microhollow cathode discharges (MHCD) at moderate to high pressure in argon and air for different geometries. High-pressure glow discharges can be operated in MHCD devices with µm electrode spacing. Experiments have been performed to determine the so-called Paschen curves, i.e. the dependence of the breakdown voltage on the product electrode gap and gas pressure. Current-voltage characteristic curves were obtained as a function of the pressure and hole diameter. MHCD enables stable direct current discharges that could be ignited for pressures ranging from 12 to 800 Torr, in a very wide range of current densities and electrodes materials. Evidence of electron field emission was observed for several ranges of gap spacing.

Tailoring nonlinearity and dispersion of photonic crystal fibers using hybrid cladding

Abstract: We present a hybrid cladding photonic crystal fiber for shaping high nonlinear and flattened dispersion in a wide range of wavelengths. The new structure adopts hybrid cladding with different pitches, air-holes diameters and air-holes arrayed fashions. The full-vector finite element method with perfectly matched layer is used to investigate the characteristics of the hybrid cladding photonic crystal fiber such as nonlinearity and dispersion properties. The influence of the cladding structure parameters on the nonlinear coefficient and geometric dispersion is analyzed. High nonlinear coefficient and the dispersion properties of fibers are tailored by adjusting the cladding structure parameters. A novel hybrid cladding photonic crystal fiber with high nonlinear coefficient and dispersion flattened which is suited for supercontinuum generation is designed.

Main shocks and evolution of complex earthquake networks

Abstract: Dynamical evolution of earthquake network is studied. Through the analysis of the real data taken from California and Japan, it is found that the values of the clustering coefficient exhibit a specific behavior around the moment of a main shock: the coefficient remains stationary before a main shock, suddenly jumps up at the main shock, and then slowly decreases to become stationary again. Thus, the network approach to seismicity dynamically characterizes main shocks in a peculiar manner.

Optimal paths for minimizing lost available work during heat transfer processes with a generalized heat transfer law

Abstract: A common of finite-time heat transfer processes between high- and low-temperature sides with a generalized heat transfer law [q ∝ (Δ(Tn ))m] are studied in this paper. The optimal heating and cooling configurations for minimizing lost available work are derived for the fixed initial and final temperatures of the working fluid of the system (low-temperature side). Optimal paths are compared with the common strategies of constant heat flux, constant source (reservoir) temperature and the minimum entropy generation operation by numerical examples. The condition corresponding to the minimum lost available work strategy is that corresponding to a constant rate of lost available work, not only valid for Newton's heat transfer law [q ∝ ΔT] but also valid for the generalized convective heat transfer law [q ∝ (ΔT)m ]. The obtained results are more general and can provide some theoretical guidelines for the designs and operations of practical heat exchangers.

Simulation studies for ion beam extraction systems

Abstract: The characteristics of the ion beam extracted from an ion sources were investigated using computer code SIMION 3 D Version 7.0. It has been used to evaluate the extraction system in order to produce an ion beam with high current and low beam emittance. The results show that the shape of the extraction electrode plays an important role in ion beam formation. Comparison has been made between two extraction systems, Pierce extraction electrode and spherical extraction electrode. The results show that the spherical extraction system yields ion extraction beam with lower emittance and radius than that the Pierce system. The simulation can provide the basis for optimizing the extraction system and the acceleration gap for ion source.

Gravitational and magnetic separation in self-assembled clay-ferrofluid nanocomposites

Abstract: We report on experimental observations of self-assemblies in colloidal dispersions of clay nanoplatelets and magnetic nanoparticles. Visual observations have been combined with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in the study of several composites at a fixed clay concentration in the dilute regime, and varying ferrofluid concentrations. Our visual observations which encompass macroscopic separation in gravitational- and magnetic field, indicate that all samples present a concentrated phase and a diluted one. SAXS data obtained from each phase are consistent with the interpretation that the scattering contribution from the clay nano-platelets in the samples can be neglected in comparison with the magnetic particle contribution. The analysis of the scattered intensity is performed combining two models, one based on the global scattering function and the other allowing the extraction of the structure factor of the mixtures. The parameters of the size distribution of magnetic nanoparticles determined by both methods are in good agreement. The structure factor of the mixtures shows that on a local scale, the mixtures behave like a gas of isolated magnetic nanoparticles. It also indicates the presence of interactions between magnetic nanoparticles mediated by the presence of Laponite platelets. Such interactions could be attributed with a progressive partial phase separation between spheres and discs rather than to the formation of dense aggregates.

Green function for a non-Markovian Fokker-Planck equation: comb-model and anomalous diffusion

Abstract: We investigate solutions, by using the Green function approach, for a system governed by a non-Markovian Fokker-Planck equation and subjected to a Comb structure. This structure consists of the axis of structure as the backbone and fingers which are attached perpendicular to the axis. For this system, we consider an arbitrary initial condition, in the presence of time dependent diffusion coefficients and spatial fractional derivative, and analyze the connection to the anomalous diffusion.

LRS Bianchi type -V cosmology with heat flow in scalar: tensor theory

Abstract: In this paper we present a spatially homogeneous locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type -V perfect fluid model with heat conduction in scalar tensor theory proposed by Saez and Ballester. The field equations are solved with and without heat conduction by using a law of variation for the mean Hubble parameter, which is related to the average scale factor of metric and yields a constant value for the deceleration parameter. The law of variation for the mean Hubble parameter generates two types of cosmologies one is of power -law form and second the exponential form. Using these two forms singular and non -singular solutions are obtained with and without heat conduction. We observe that a constant value of the deceleration parameter is reasonable a description of the different phases of the universe. We arrive to the conclusion that the universe decelerates for positive value of deceleration parameter where as it accelerates for negative one. The physical constraints on the solutions of the field equations, and, in particular, the thermodynamical laws and energy conditions that govern such solutions are discussed in some detail.The behavior of the observationally important parameters like expansion scalar, anisotropy parameter and shear scalar is considered in detail.

Comparisons between two wavelet functions in extracting coherent structures from solar wind time series

Abstract: Nowadays, wavelet analysis of turbulent flows have become increasingly popular However, the study of geometric characteristics from wavelet functions is still poorly explored In this work we compare the performance of two wavelet functions in extracting the coherent structures from solar wind velocity time series The data series are from years 1996 to 2002 (except 1998 and 1999) The wavelet algorithm decomposes the annual time-series in two components: the coherent part and non-coherent one, using the daubechies-4 and haar wavelet function The threshold assumed is based on a percentage of maximum variance found in each dyadic scale After the extracting procedure, we applied the power spectral density on the original time series and coherent time series to obtain spectral indices The results from spectral indices show higher values for the coherent part obtained by daubechies-4 than those obtained by the haar wavelet function Using the kurtosis statistical parameter, on coherent and non-coherent time series, it was possible to conjecture that the differences found between two wavelet functions may be associated with their geometric forms

Correlation energy in a triplet state of a two-electron spherical quantum dot

Abstract: Correlation energies in the (1s-1p) triplet state of a two-electron spherical QD with square-well potential confinement are estimated for dots of different radii. The results are presented taking GaAs dot as an example. Our results show that the correlation energies are i) negative in a triplet state in contrast to the singlet state, ii)approaches zero as the dot size approaches infinity, and iii) the "fictitious crossing" of the singlet and triplet state energies at a particular dot size is explained on the basis of Hund's rules.

EPR study of gamma induced radicals in amino and iminodiacetic acid derivatives

Abstract: In this study, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to investigate free radicals formed in gamma irradiated L-glutamine hydrochloride, iminodiacetic acid hydrochloride and N-(2-hyroxyethyl) iminodiacetic acid powders. The free radicals produced in L-glutamine hydrochloride powders were attributed to the CH2 ˙ CHCOOH radical; and those in iminodiacetic acid hydrochloride and N-(2-hyroxyethyl) iminodiacetic acid powders to the HNCHCH2(COOH)2 and HOCH2CH2N ˙ CHCH2(COOH)2, respectively. The g-values of the radicals and the hyperfine structure constants of the free electron with the environmental protons and 14 N nucleus were determined. The samples were not displayed before they were not irradiated. The free radicals were found stable at room temperature for more than six months. Some spectroscopic properties and suggestions concerning possible structure of the radicals are discussed in this paper.

Effects of Ag addition on some physical properties of granular YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductor

Abstract: The effects of Ag addition on some physical properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductor has been studied. The samples were produced by different routes and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation. The superconducting properties were studied by dc magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements. The X-ray patterns revealed that all samples were polycrystalline and corresponded to the orthorhombic YBa2Cu3O7-δ phase. However, for some samples, silver appears to be present within the grains. The superconducting properties were not significantly influenced by Ag addition. Hardness and elastic modulus were also obtained by instrumented indentation. Ag addition was found to be effective in improving the mechanical properties, probably by filling the pores in the grain boundaries. Hardness profiles indicated values between 3.1 and 3.4 GPa at deep tip penetration depths. The highest elastic modulus of 146 GPa was attained for samples prepared using Y2O3, BaCO3, CuO and Ag2O as precursors, while the lowest modulus (125 GPa) was obtained for the pure YBa2Cu3O7-δ sample.

Annealing time effect on the properties of CuInSe2 grown by electrodeposition using two electrodes system

Abstract: In this paper, we report the effect of annealing time on the properties of copper indium diselenide CuInSe2 films. The CuInSe2 thin films have been grown at room temperature by electrochemical deposition technique using two electrodes system. The as deposited films were annealed under argon atmosphere at 300 o C during 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. The structural and morphological properties of the resulting films were characterized respectively by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical band gap was estimated from transmittance measurements. We have found, that after annealing, all films present CuInSe2 in its chalcopyrite structure and with preferred orientation along direction. The film annealed during 45 min exhibits better crystallinity and excellent optical properties. The SEM pictures show that the elaborated films have a uniform surface morphology with a homogeneity distribution of crystallites, the grain became higher in size with prolongation of annealing time; it lays in the range of 195 to 515 ˚ A.