Microscopic model of (CuCl)LaNb2O7: coupled spin dimers replace a frustrated square lattice

We present a microscopic model of the spin-gap quantum magnet (CuCl)LaNb2O7 that was previously suggested as a realization of the spin-1/2 frustrated square lattice. Taking advantage of the precise atomic positions from recent crystal structure refinement, we evaluate individual exchange integrals and construct a minimum model that naturally explains all the available experimental data. Surprisingly, the deviation from tetragonal symmetry leads to the formation of spin dimers between fourth neighbors due to a Cu-Cl-Cl-Cu pathway with a leading antiferromagnetic exchange J4 ~ 25 K. The total interdimer exchange amounts to 12 - 15 K. Our model is in agreement with inelastic neutron scattering results and is further confirmed by quantum Monte-Carlo simulations of the magnetic susceptibility and the high-field magnetization. Our results establish (CuCl)LaNb2O7 as a non-frustrated system of coupled spin dimers with predominant antiferromagnetic interactions and provide a general perspective for related materials with unusual low-temperature magnetic properties.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 1 table + supplementar

The Effect of Ru substitution for Ni on the superconductivity in MgCNi3-xRux

The superconductor MgCNi3 has been chemically doped by partial substitution of Ru for Ni in the solid solution MgCNi3-xRux for 0<x<0.5. Magnetic and specific heat measurements show that the Sommerfeld parameter (gamma_exp) and TC decrease immediately on Ru substitution, but that a TC above 2K is maintained even for a relatively large decrease in gamma_exp. Ferromagnetism is not observed to develop through Ru substitution, and the normal state magnetic susceptibility is suppressed.Comment: 18 pages, 13 figure

Differential cross section analysis in kaon photoproduction using associated legendre polynomials

Angular distributions of differential cross sections from the latest CLAS data sets \cite{bradford}, for the reaction ${\gamma}+p {\to} K^{+} + {\Lambda}$ have been analyzed using associated Legendre polynomials. This analysis is based upon theoretical calculations in Ref. \cite{fasano} where all sixteen observables in kaon photoproduction can be classified into four Legendre classes. Each observable can be described by an expansion of associated Legendre polynomial functions. One of the questions to be addressed is how many associated Legendre polynomials are required to describe the data. In this preliminary analysis, we used data models with different numbers of associated Legendre polynomials. We then compared these models by calculating posterior probabilities of the models. We found that the CLAS data set needs no more than four associated Legendre polynomials to describe the differential cross section data. In addition, we also show the extracted coefficients of the best model.Comment: Talk given at APFB08, Depok, Indonesia, August, 19-23, 200

The role of carbon for superconductivity in MgCx_{x}Ni3_{3} from specific heat

The influence of carbon deficiency on superconductivity of MgCNi$_{3}$ is investigated by specific heat measurements in the normal and superconducting state. In order to perform a detailed analysis of the normal state specific heat, a computer code is developed which allows for an instantaneous estimate of the main features of the lattice dynamics. By analyzing the evolution of the lattice vibrations within the series and simultaneously considering the visible mass enhancement, the loss in the electron-phonon coupling can be attributed to significant changes of the prominent Ni vibrations. The present data well supports the recently established picture of strong electron-phonon coupling and ferromagnetic spin fluctuations in this compound.Comment: 4 pages, latex, corrections to the text, one reference added, one figure correcte

Extension of the spin-1/2 frustrated square lattice model: the case of layered vanadium phosphates

We study the influence of the spin lattice distortion on the properties of frustrated magnetic systems and consider the applicability of the spin-1/2 frustrated square lattice model to materials lacking tetragonal symmetry. We focus on the case of layered vanadium phosphates AA'VO(PO4)2 (AA' = Pb2, SrZn, BaZn, and BaCd). To provide a proper microscopic description of these compounds, we use extensive band structure calculations for real materials and model structures and supplement this analysis with simulations of thermodynamic properties, thus facilitating a direct comparison with the experimental data. Due to the reduced symmetry, the realistic spin model of layered vanadium phosphates AA'VO(PO4)2 includes four inequivalent exchange couplings: J1 and J1' between nearest-neighbors and J2 and J2' between next-nearest-neighbors. The estimates of individual exchange couplings suggest different regimes, from J1'/J1 and J2'/J2 close to 1 in BaCdVO(PO4)2, a nearly regular frustrated square lattice, to J1'/J1 ~ 0.7 and J2'/J2 ~ 0.4 in SrZnVO(PO4)2, a frustrated square lattice with sizable distortion. The underlying structural differences are analyzed, and the key factors causing the distortion of the spin lattice in layered vanadium compounds are discussed. We propose possible routes for finding new frustrated square lattice materials among complex vanadium oxides. Full diagonalization simulations of thermodynamic properties indicate the similarity of the extended model to the regular one with averaged couplings. In case of moderate frustration and moderate distortion, valid for all the AA'VO(PO4)2 compounds reported so far, the distorted spin lattice can be considered as a regular square lattice with the couplings (J1+J1')/2 between nearest-neighbors and (J2+J2')/2 between next-nearest-neighbors.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, 4 table

Theoretical search for superconductivity in Sc3XB perovskites and weak ferromagnetism in Sc3X (X = Tl, In, Ga, Al)

A possibility for a new family of intermetallic perovskite superconductors Sc3XB, with X = Tl, In, Ga and Al, is presented as a result of KKR electronic structure and pseudopotential phonon calculations. The large values of computed McMillan--Hopfield parameters on scandium suggest appearance of superconductivity in Sc3XB compounds. On the other hand, the possibility of weak itinerant ferromagnetic behavior of Sc3X systems is indicated by the small magnetic moment on Sc atoms in two cases of X =~ l and In. Also the electronic structure and resulting superconducting parameters for more realistic case of boron--deficient systems Sc3XB_x are computed using KKR--CPA method, by replacing boron atom with a vacancy. The comparison of the calculated McMillan--Hopfield parameters of the Sc3XB series with corresponding values in MgCNi3 and YRh3B superconductors is given, finding the favorable trends for superconductivity.Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures. v3 - revise

Dilepton asymmetries at BB factories in search of ΔB=−ΔQ\Delta B =- \Delta Q transitions

In order to detect the possible presence of $\Delta B = - \Delta Q$ amplitudes in neutral $B$ meson decays, we consider the measurement of decay time asymmetries involving like-sign dilepton events at the $B$ factories.Comment: 5 pages, latex, no fig

Atomic Parity Violation and Precision Electroweak Physics - An Updated Analysis

A new analysis of parity violation in atomic cesium has led to the improved value of the weak charge, $Q_W({\rm Cs}) = -72.06 \pm 0.46$. The implications of this result for constraining the Peskin-Takeuchi parameters S and T and for guiding searches for new Z bosons are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX, 3 figures, Submitted to Physical Review D. Updated experimental inputs and references; clarification of notatio

Perspectives of Nuclear Physics in Europe: NuPECC Long Range Plan 2010

The goal of this European Science Foundation Forward Look into the future of Nuclear Physics is to bring together the entire Nuclear Physics community in Europe to formulate a coherent plan of the best way to develop the field in the coming decade and beyond.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; The primary aim of Nuclear Physics is to understand the origin, evolution, structure and phases of strongly interacting matter, which constitutes nearly 100% of the visible matter in the universe. This is an immensely important and challenging task that requires the concerted effort of scientists working in both theory and experiment, funding agencies, politicians and the public.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Nuclear Physics projects are often “big science”, which implies large investments and long lead times. They need careful forward planning and strong support from policy makers. This Forward Look provides an excellent tool to achieve this. It represents the outcome of detailed scrutiny by Europe’s leading experts and will help focus the views of the scientific community on the most promising directions in the field and create the basis for funding agencies to provide adequate support.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; The current NuPECC Long Range Plan 2010 “Perspectives of Nuclear Physics in Europe” resulted from consultation with close to 6 000 scientists and engineers over a period of approximately one year. Its detailed recommendations are presented on the following pages. For the interested public, a short summary brochure has been produced to accompany the Forward Look.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt