Magnetic molecules as sensors of topological hysteresis of superconductors

Superconductors and magnetic materials, including molecules, are key ingredients for quantum and advanced spintronic applications. However, only a little is known about how these materials are mutually influenced at their interface in hybrid architectures. Here, we show that a single layer of magnetic molecules, the Terbium(III) bis-phthalocyaninato (TbPc2) complexes, deposited on a superconducting Pb(111) surface is sensitive to the topology of the intermediate state of the superconductor, namely to the presence and evolution of superconducting and normal domains due to the magnetic field screening and penetration. The evidence of this sensitivity is found in the magnetisation dynamics of the TbPc2 sub-monolayer in its paramagnetic regime showing the fingerprint of the topological hysteresis of the superconducting substrate. This study reveals the great potentialities hold by thin layers of magnetic molecules for sensing local magnetic field variation in hybrid molecular/superconductor architectures, including spin resonators or spin injection devices for spintronics applications.

Optimal Plot Dimensions for Performance Testing of Hybrid Potato in the Field

Field trials to evaluate the performance of new varieties are an essential component of potato breeding. Besides the genetic differences, environmental factors can lead to variation in a trial. In variety trials, the observed differences amongst varieties should reflect genetic differences, without a large impact of the random or systematic variation in the field. One way to reduce within-field variation is to adjust the plot size and its shape in a trial. Two years of field trials in which individual plants in 90-plant plots of both diploid hybrid and tetraploid varieties were measured provided data to derive relationships between LSD% and plot size and shape. We provide a method to estimate the equations to calculate the expected variation when using different plot dimensions in a relatively homogeneous trial field for tuber yield, tuber volume, tuber count, tuber shape and the standard deviations of tuber volume and shape. Compared with the yield traits, the variation for tuber shape was relatively small. The effect of plot shape was minor. With these equations, breeders can determine what plot dimensions are needed to reach the desired precision for each trait.

A Computational Study of Aspects of ZnO Nanorod Film Electro-Crystallisation

<p>A new generation of material technologies is being produced by tuning the properties of an existing material through control of the size and shape on the nanoscale. Zinc oxide is an excellent candidate for such an approach due to its possession of a plethora of useful properties, both mechanical and electronic, and a fantastically rich family of morphologies accessible on the nanoscale. A more detailed control over the nano-structure of these materials requires a more detailed understanding of the events that control the growth. We have undertaken computational studies of the electrodeposition of zinc oxide nano-rod films to open up and improve the understanding of the pathways, and events that facilitate the controlled selection of desired structures and therefore properties. We have applied methods that span vastly different scales to provide insight on the continuum and atomistic regimes. Specifically, we have developed a macroscopic transport model to track the evolution of crystallite shape, surrounding concentration distributions, and electric field variation. The macroscopic view is complemented with a classical description of crystal growth, in which we obtain the key parameters using quantum mechanical calculations.</p>

A Computational Study of Aspects of ZnO Nanorod Film Electro-Crystallisation

<p>A new generation of material technologies is being produced by tuning the properties of an existing material through control of the size and shape on the nanoscale. Zinc oxide is an excellent candidate for such an approach due to its possession of a plethora of useful properties, both mechanical and electronic, and a fantastically rich family of morphologies accessible on the nanoscale. A more detailed control over the nano-structure of these materials requires a more detailed understanding of the events that control the growth. We have undertaken computational studies of the electrodeposition of zinc oxide nano-rod films to open up and improve the understanding of the pathways, and events that facilitate the controlled selection of desired structures and therefore properties. We have applied methods that span vastly different scales to provide insight on the continuum and atomistic regimes. Specifically, we have developed a macroscopic transport model to track the evolution of crystallite shape, surrounding concentration distributions, and electric field variation. The macroscopic view is complemented with a classical description of crystal growth, in which we obtain the key parameters using quantum mechanical calculations.</p>

Global Isotopic Hydrograph Separation Research History and Trends: A Text Mining and Bibliometric Analysis Study

Scientific research into isotope hydrograph separation (IHS) has rapidly increased in recent years. However, there is a lack of systematic and quantitative research to explore how this field has evolved over time. In this study, the methods of text mining and bibliometric analysis were combined to address this shortcoming. The results showed that there were clear periodical characteristics in IHS studies between 1986 and 2019. High-frequency words, e.g., catchment, stable isotope, runoff, groundwater, precipitation, runoff generation, and soil, were the basic topics in IHS studies. Forest and glacier/snow were the main landscapes in this research field. ‘Variation’, ‘spatial’, and ‘uncertainty’ are hot issues for future research. Today, studies involving the geographical source, flow path, and transit/residence time of streamflow components have enhanced our understanding of the hydrological processes by using hydrometeorological measurements, water chemistry, and stable isotope approaches. In the future, new methods, such as path analysis and ensemble hydrograph separation, should be verified and used in more regions, especially in remote and mountainous areas. Additionally, the understanding of the role of surface water in streamflow components remains limited and should be deeply studied in the future.

Tunable Martensitic Transformation and Magnetic Properties of Sm-Doped NiMnSn Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys

NiMnSn ferromagnetic shape memory alloys exhibit martensitic transformation at low temperatures, restricting their applications. Therefore, this is a key factor in improving the martensitic transformation temperature, which is effectively carried out by proper element doping. In this research, we investigated the martensitic transformation and magnetic properties of Ni43Mn46-x SmxSn11 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) alloys on the basis of structural and magnetic measurements. X-ray diffraction showed that the crystal structure transforms from the cubic L21 to the orthorhombic martensite and gamma (γ) phases. The reverse martensitic and martensitic transformations were indicated by exothermic and endothermic peaks in differential scanning calorimetry. The martensitic transformation temperature increased considerably with Sm doping and exceeded room temperature for Sm = 3 at. %. The Ni43Mn45SmSn11 alloy exhibited magnetostructural transformation, leading to a large magnetocaloric effect near room temperature. The existence of thermal hysteresis and the metamagnetic behavior of Ni43Mn45SmSn11 confirm the first-order magnetostructural transition. The magnetic entropy change reached 20 J·kg−1·K−1 at 266 K, and the refrigeration capacity reached ~162 J·Kg−1, for Ni43Mn45SmSn11 under a magnetic field variation of 0–5 T.