Showing papers in "Pramana in 1986"

Paramagnetic nematic liquid crystals

Abstract: The paper reports new nematic liquid crystals that are paramagnetic.

Hamiltonian systems with indefinite kinetic energy

Abstract: Some interesting features of a class of two-dimensional Hamiltonians with indefinite kinetic energy are considered. It is shown that such Hamiltonians cannot be reduced, in general, to an equivalent dynamical Hamiltonian with positive definite kinetic energy quadratic in velocities. Complex nonlinear evolution equations like the K-dV, the MK-dV and the sine-Gordon equations possess such Hamiltonians. The case of complex K-dV equation has been considered in detail to demonstrate the generic features. The two-dimensional real systems obtained by analytic continuation to complex plane of one-dimensional dynamical systems are also discussed. The evolution equations for nonlinear, amplitude-modulated Langmuir waves as well as circularly polarized electromagnetic waves in plasmas, are considered as illustrative examples.

Special Stäckel electrovac spacetimes

Abstract: Classification of all electrovac specetimes permitting the separation of variables in the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for a charged test particle is carried out. This separation requires the existence of a complete set consisting of Killing’s vectors and tensors of a special kind. Every complete set defines its own type of metric and electromagnetic potential in the separable coordinate system. There exist seven types of separation of variables for electromagnetic spaces. For every type an additional classification is carried out by transformation of coordinates without any disturbance of the separation conditions, the gradient transformation of electromagnetic potential and the conformal-constant transformation of metric. The key step in solving the problem is the extraction of an autonomous subsystem which determines the metric from only the Einstein-Maxwell equations for every type of separation of variables. Representatives of all classes of metrics and electromagnetic potential are given for every type of separation of variables with the exception of the spaces found in the well-known work by Carter. The problem is solved in terms of metric formalism. The classes of electrovac spacetimes obtained are found to be related to Petrov’s classification.

Double-diffusive magnetoconvection

Abstract: This review deals principally with the interaction between double-diffusive convection and an externally imposed vertical magnetic field in a Boussinesq fluid. Both linear and nonlinear (two and three-dimensional) theories have been discussed. Double-diffusive magnetoconvection is shown to exhibit a rich variety of dynamical behaviour unimaginable in a single component system and serves as a guide to the behaviour of all triple-diffusive systems. Finally, the effects of cross-diffusion, rotation and chemical reaction on double-diffusive magnetoconvection and pattern selection have been briefly touched upon.

Photophysics of 9-aminoacridinium hydrochloride

Abstract: The steady state and time domain spectroscopy of 9-aminoacridinium hydrochloride have been studied. 9-aminoacridine (I), 9-aminoacridinium (II) and the double protonated ion (III) follow Waterman’s principle with respect to their spectra and lifetimes. It is established that the excimer formation in (II) is from the ground state dimers which undergo either thermally-activated radiationless excimer conversion or a geometrical rearrangement in the excited state at room temperature. The quenching of monomer emission by dimers or foreign quenchers (KI) is found to be of transient nature as suggested by the continuum model.

Diffraction from a quasi-crystalline chain

Abstract: We present a general formalism for diffraction from a one-dimensional quasicrystal with arbitrary length scales and sequences. The notion of sub-quasi-lattices is introduced and the effect of different basis on different sites is studied. The relevance of this work for the study of vibrational and electronic spectra of the chain is discussed.

Accurate measurement of thermal expansion of solids between 77 K and 350 K by 3-terminal capacitance method

Abstract: The construction of a 3-terminal capacitance cell and a bath-type cryostat to measure thermal expansion of solids in the temperature range 77 K to 350 K is described. Calculation of the thermal expansion coefficients by using spline approximation is discussed along with the various errors involved in the measurement. The capacitance cell is calibrated by using aluminium and germanium as standard reference materials. The cell has an accuracy of 4% in the measurement of thermal expansion coefficient and a resolution of 1 A change in length of sample of length 1 cm.

On the axiomatic approach to the maximum entropy principle of inference

Abstract: Recent axiomatic derivations of the maximum entropy principle from consistency conditions are critically examined. We show that proper application of consistency conditions alone allows a wider class of functionals, essentially of the form ∝ dx p(x)[p(x)/g(x)] s , for some real numbers, to be used for inductive inference and the commonly used form − ∝ dx p(x)ln[p(x)/g(x)] is only a particular case. The role of the prior densityg(x) is clarified. It is possible to regard it as a geometric factor, describing the coordinate system used and it does not represent information of the same kind as obtained by measurements on the system in the form of expectation values.

The thorium cycle for fast breeder reactors

Abstract: The role that could be played by liquid metal-cooled fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs) in the utilization of India’s considerable thorium resources is reviewed in this article. Distinct advantages of thorium-based fuels over plutonium-uranium fuels in LMFBRs pertain to a more favourable coolant voiding reactivity coefficient and better fuel element irradiation stability. The poorer breeding capability of thorium-fuelled fast reactors can in principle be overcome by improved core design and development of advanced fuel concepts. The technical feasibility of such advanced thorium fuels and core designs must be established by sustained research and development. It is also necessary to efficiently close the thorium fuel cycle of fast breeder reactors by appropriate development of the fuel reprocessing and refabrication stages. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam is expected to be an important tool for development of thorium fuel and fuel cycle technology. A quick look at the economics of the thorium cycle for fast reactors, vis-a-vis the more conventional uranium cycle indicates only a small and acceptable cost disadvantage on account of the need for remote fabrication of recycled thorium fuel.

Lattice parameter and thermal expansion of CsCl and CsBr by x-ray powder diffraction. II. Thermal expansion of CsBr from room temperature to 78.2 °K

Abstract: The thermal expansion coefficients of CsCl at eight different temperatures between room temperature and 90° K are presented. The lattice parameters obtained from the observed Bragg angles with the use of Bragg formula were extrapolated to 90° using the Nelson-Riley extrapolation scheme to minimize the systematic errors. The true lattice parameters thus obtained at each temperature were used to obtain the thermal expansion coefficients and these results are compared with earlier interferometric measurements.

Velocity-dependent inertial induction and secular retardation of the earth's rotation

Abstract: According to the model of inertial induction proposed earlier, the inertia force consists of an acceleration-dependent term which comes out as identically equal to -ma. Besides, there is a velocity-dependent term which is exceedingly small to be easily detected. However, it has been shown that this results in a cosmological red shift of light coming from distant stars and galaxies; the magnitude of the red shift agrees very well with the observed values. Though this model yields correct results when applied to photons it needs modification before applying to other bodies. A modified form of the inertial induction model is now proposed where the proposed velocity-dependent inertia forces, when applied to the solar system, yields correct order of magnitude for the secular retardation of the earth’s rotation. Moreover, a combined model using the velocity term and the tidal friction also does not suggest any close proximity of the moon to the earth in the past. When the model is applied to the case of Phobos, a secular acceleration of the order of magnitude of 10−3 deg yr−2 is obtained.

Gravitational fields with space-times of Bianchi type IX

Abstract: Spatially homogeneous space-times of Bianchi type IX are considered. A general scheme for the derivation of exact solutions of Einstein’s equations corresponding to perfect fluid plus pure radiation fields is outlined. Some simple rotating Bianchi type IX cosmological models are presented. The details of these solutions are also discussed.

An X-band time domain electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer

Abstract: A computer-controlled X-band time domain electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer, with a time resolution of the order of 0.5μsec, has been constructed with many of the crucial microwave components designed and fabricated by the Microwave Engineering Group of TIFR. The spectrometer operates either in a microwave power pulsed mode for determination of spin-lattice relaxation times by the saturation recovery technique or in the kinetic mode for determination of the time dependence of EPR signal after laser excitation. It has an automatic frequency control, an automatic phase control and, most importantly, a field-frequency lock which ensures good stability of the EPR line positions enabling signal averaging for extended periods. The constructional details of the spectrometer and its performance in both the modes are described here by reporting results on certain typical systems.

Ionization states of cosmic rays:Anuradha (IONS) experiment in Spacelab-3

Abstract: The measurements of the ionization states, composition, energy spectra and spatial distribution of heavy ions of helium to iron of energies 10–100 MeV/amu in the anomalous cosmic rays are of major importance in understanding their origin which is unknown at present.Anuradha (IONS) cosmic ray experiment in Spacelab-3 was designed to determine the above properties in near earth space and this had a highly successful flight and operations aboard the shuttle Challenger at an orbital altitude of 352 km during 29 April to 6 May 1985. The instrument employs solid state nuclear track detectors (CR-39) of high sensitivity and large collecting area of about 800 cm2 and determines the arrival time information of particles with active elements. Experimental methods, flight operations and preliminary results are briefly described. Initial results indicate that relatively high fluxes of low energy cosmic ray α-particles, oxygen group and heavier ions were obtained. The flight period corresponded to that of quiet Sun and the level of solar activity was close to solar minimum. It is estimated that about 10,000 events of low energy cosmic ray alpha particles with time annotation are recorded in the detector together with similar number of events of oxygen and heavier ions of low energy cosmic rays.

Slow rotation of compressible viscous fluid in cosmological universe

Abstract: New analytic solutions for rotational perturbations of the Robertson-Walker metric are found in order to incorporate the possibility of a rotating viscous universe. The field equations impose restrictions on the matter rotationω(r, t), and some of the solutions for Ω(r, t) which is related to the local dragging of inertial frames are studied. In all the cases the rotational velocity is found to decay with increase of time. Geodesics of the metric are studied to reveal the intrinsic nature of rotation and to elucidate the role of Ω.

Elastic and inelastic scattering of 270 MeV 3 He particles from 58 Ni, 90 Zr, 116 Sn and 208 Pb

Abstract: Differential cross-section angular distributions for the elastic scattering of 270 MeV3He particles from58Ni,90Zr,116Sn and208Pb have been measured. Optical model analysis of the cross-sections has yielded the optical model parameters for3He particles at 270 MeV. Angular distributions have also been measured for the inelastic excitation of the low-lying levels in the above mentioned nuclei. A collective model analysis using the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) of these cross-sections with the distorted waves generated by the optical model parameters determined from the elastic scattering analysis, has yielded the reduced transition probability (B(EL)) values consistent with those reported in the literature.

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of Mn2+ in kainite

Abstract: epr measurements on kainite containing Mn2+ impurities are made at x-band microwave frequencies at room temperature. The fine structure transitions observed inac* plane have helped to extract the spin Hamiltonian parameters of Mn2 + ions in the crystalline environment. The results indicate strong orthorhombic crystalline field and the rhombic field parameter is larger than those observed in the other similar systems. The z-axis of the D-tensor is determined with respect toac* plane by theoretically fitting the experimental fine structure transitions.

Isochoric temperature coefficient of surface tension and S o -parameter of quasi-spherical molecular liquids

Abstract: The Sharma parameterS o which is characteristic of molten alkali halides and polymers has also been shown to be characteristic of a wide variety of liquids. Calculated data using the volume expansivity of the liquid establish the constancy of theS o-parameter which retains, on an average, a constant value of 1·11 for quasi-spherical molecular liquids. It is shown thatS o-parameter is also related to volume expansivity of the surface layer of the liquid, temperature coefficient of surface tension of liquids and describes the temperature and volume or pressure dependence of thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter and isochoric heat capacity with significant contribution for influencing the thermoacoustic and surface tension properties of liquids.

A new method for generation of quasi-periodic structures withn fold axes: Application to five and seven folds

Abstract: A new geometrical method for generating aperiodic lattices forn-fold non-crystallographic axes is described. The method is based on the self-similarity principle. It makes use of the principles of gnomons to divide the basic triangle of a regular polygon of 2n sides to appropriate isosceles triangles and to generate a minimum set of rhombi required to fill that polygon. The method is applicable to anyn-fold noncrystallographic axis. It is first shown how these regular polygons can be obtained and how these can be used to generate aperiodic structures. In particular, the application of this method to the cases of five-fold and seven-fold axes is discussed. The present method indicates that the recursion rule used by others earlier is a restricted one and that several aperiodic lattices with five fold symmetry could be generated. It is also shown how a limited array of approximately square cells with large dimensions could be detected in a quasi lattice and these are compared with the unit cell dimensions of MnAl6 suggested by Pauling. In addition, the recursion rule for sub-dividing the three basic rhombi of seven-fold structure was obtained and the aperiodic lattice thus generated is also shown.

Effect of high pressure on the vibrational modes and the energy gap of ZnP2

Abstract: The pressure dependence of the vibrational modes in ZnP2 has been investigated by Raman Spectroscopy using a diamond anvil cell, up to 150 kbar pressure. The intrachain phosphorus modes exhibit a strong pressure dependence whereas the low frequency Zn-P modes soften very slightly under pressure. For a crystal which is treated as a molecular crystal this is an unexpected result. It is suggested that the behaviour may be due to a buckling of the phosphorus chain, or due to a double bond promotion between P atoms, or a charge transfer under pressure. The shift in the energy gap has also been measured to 100 kbar hydrostatic pressure. There is a small initial blue shift which gradually changes over to a red shift. However the whole shift in 100 kbar is quite small. Combining the (dEg/dP) T with the published (dEg/dT) P the thermal expansion contribution and the electron-phonon interaction contribution were evaluated. The latter dominates the total (dEg/dT) P of ZnP2.

Optically selective coatings

Abstract: The natural optical selectivity of a material exhibited in the form of its reflectance, transmittance, or emittance spectra can be modified and tailored to yield any desired profile by applying surface coatings in the form of multilayers of suitable materials, or composite materials having an appropriate graded composition. This paper reviews the modes of selectivity, design and modelling of some technologically important optically selective coatings.

Enhancement of ablation smoothing in laser-irradiated, highZ coated, thin foil targets

Abstract: An enhanced spatial smoothing of ablative motion of thin plastic foil targets coated with high atomic number ablators such as gold or aluminium, irradiated by a spatially modulated Nd: glass laser beam was observed Optical shadowgraphy coupled with double foil technique was used to observe the laser-irradiated foil motion Laser irradiance used for the experiments was in the range of 1011–1013 watts/cm2 A 60–80% enhancement in the smoothing was observed for a laser beam modulation (width 75–150 µm) at the target surface

Boson-fermion relations in several dimensions

Abstract: Zero and positive temperature fermion field operators in several dimensions are constructed as stochastic integrals of certain reflection valued processes with respect to the corresponding boson field operator processes

Further examples of integrable systems in two dimensions

Abstract: The construction of the second constant of motion of second order for two-dimensional classical systems is carried out in terms ofz=q 1 +iq 2 andq=q 1 −iq 2. As a result a class of Toda-type potentials admitting second order invariants is explored.

Differential incoherent scattering of 279.2 keV photons by Zr, Sn, Ta, Pb and U

Abstract: Differential incoherent scattering cross-section ratios of 279.2 keV photons by zirconium, tin, tantalum, lead and uranium elements are experimentally determined by comparing the peak areas under the degraded photon energy with that of an equivalent aluminium foil employing a high resolution 35 c.c. coaxial Ge(Li) detector. Studies have been made in single configuration in an angular range of 20° to 115°. The results are compared with theoretical values obtained from the non-relativistichfs model of Hubbell and co-workers. The cross-section ratios decrease as the atomic number increases for a given scattering angle.

Nucleon octet in a relativistic logarithmic potential

Abstract: A simple independent-quark-model based on the Dirac equation with logarithmic potential is used to calculate several properties of octet baryons such as magnetic moment, the axial vector coupling constantg A (n) for neutronβ-decay and the charge radius of the proton. In view of the simplicity of the model, the results obtained are quite good.

The odd-even shifts in odd-odd deformed nuclei based on residual interaction studies

Abstract: Residual interaction calculations have been made for predicting the sign and the magnitude of the odd-even shifts observed in the rotational levels of theK=0 bands in the doubly-odd rare earth nuclei. It is shown that, contrary to the conclusions reached in earlier studies, the same zero-range spin-dependent residual interaction can reproduce the odd-even shifts as well as the GM splitting energies. This has been made possible with the inclusion of the phase factors for the total intrinsic spin and the total parity of the two-quasi-particle states in the Newby matrix elements. Predictions are made for the odd-even shifts for otherK=0 bands arising from several configurations not confirmed or observed so far.

Velocity-dependent inertial induction—possible explanation for supergravity shift at solar limb

Abstract: A quantitative model of inertial induction has been earlier proposed by the author which not only results in the exact equivalence of inertial and gravitational masses but also gives rise to an exceedingly small drag dependent on the velocity with respect to the mean rest frame of the universe. This leads to a cosmological redshift in close agreement with the observation. When this velocity drag due to local interaction is considered it is seen that a significant proportion of the secular retardation of the earth’s spin and the moon’s orbital motion can be attributed to this drag. This also resolves the problem of the moon’s close approach to the earth in the past as suggested by a purely tidal friction theory. The observed large secular acceleration of the Phobos is also explained. The present article shows that local interaction also yields a redshift. When applied to the solar radiation it is seen that the observed supergravity shift at the limb can be very satisfactorily explained.

Flat field spectrograph using convex holographic diffraction grating and concave mirror

Abstract: In this paper we have discussed the aberration properties and the design procedure of a spectrograph which uses a convex holographic grating as the dispersing element and a concave mirror as the focusing element. Both the concave mirror and the convex grating have common axis and they are concentric. The grating is constructed by recording the interference fringes on the convex surface which are formed by two convergent light beams incident from opposite sides of the axis. The illuminating source of the spectrograph is located on a plane perpendicular to the axis and passing through the common centre. It has been found that under certain conditions both positive and negative order spectra are perfectly focused on this plane. Aberration properties of the zero order image as well as the positive and the negative order spectral images have been studied by actual ray tracing. Using this system, design parameters of a medium-sized spectrograph having moderate dispersion and good resolution throughout theuv-visible region of the spectrum have been specified. The performance of the spectrograph has been evaluated by plotting spot diagram.

Structure property correlations in superconducting Ti-Nb alloys

Abstract: Titanium-rich transition metal alloys are metastable in their quenched boc β phase. The instability is relieved by low temperature structural transformations. We have investigated this in a series of Ti-Nb alloys, through the measurements of electrical resistivity (ρ), superconducting transition temperature and upper critical field. Supporting structural evidence has been obtained from transmission electron microscopy (tem) and x-ray studies. It is shown that both ρ and dρ/dT can be used as useful indices of this instability. The enhanced value of resistivity on account of the instability results in the enhancement of upper critical field as shown from dH c2/dT measurements.