Zeeman splittings of the 5D0–7F2 transitions of Eu3+ ions implanted into GaN

We report the magnetic field splittings of emission lines assigned to the 5D0–7F2 transitions of Eu3+ centres in GaN. The application of a magnetic field in the c-axis direction (B||c) leads to a splitting of the major lines at 621 nm, 622 nm and 622.8 nm into two components. The Zeeman splitting is linear with magnetic field up to 5 Tesla for each line. In contrast, a magnetic field applied in the growth plane (B┴c) does not influence the photoluminescence spectra. The estimated g-factors vary slightly from sample to sample with mean values of g|| ~2.8, ~1.5 and ~2.0 for the emission lines at 621 nm, 622 nm and 622.8 nm respectively

The origin of the red luminescence in Mg-doped GaN

Optically-detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) experiments have been employed to study magnesium-doped GaN layers grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. As the Mg doping level is changed, the combined experiments reveal a strong correlation between the vacancy concentrations and the intensity of the red photoluminescence band at 1.8 eV. The analysis provides strong evidence that the emission is due to recombination in which electrons both from effective mass donors and from deeper donors recombine with deep centers, the deep centers being vacancy-related defects.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Linear polarization of the photoluminescence of quantum wells

The degree and orientation of the magnetic-field induced linear polarization of the photoluminescence from a wide range of heterostructures containing (Cd,Mn)Te quantum wells between (Cd,Mn,Mg)Te barriers has been studied as a function of detection photon energy, applied magnetic field strength and orientation in the quantum well plane. A theoretical description of this effect in terms of an in-plane deformation acting on the valence band states is presented and is verified by comparison with the experimental data. We attempted to identify clues to the microscopic origin of the valence band spin anisotropy and to the mechanisms which actually determine the linear polarization of the PL in the quantum wells subject to the in-plane magnetic field. The conclusions of the present paper apply in full measure to non-magnetic QWs as well as ensembles of disk-like QDs with shape and/or strain anisotropy.Comment: 21 pages, 10 figure

Mapping the nonequilibrium order parameter of a quasi-two dimensional charge density wave system

The driving force of a charge density wave (CDW) transition in quasi-two dimensional systems is still debated, while being crucial in understanding electronic correlation in such materials. Here we use femtosecond time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy combined with computational methods to investigate the coherent lattice dynamics of a prototypical CDW system. The photo-induced temporal evolution of the periodic lattice distortion associated with the amplitude mode reveals the dynamics of the free energy functional governing the order parameter. Our approach establishes that optically-induced screening rather than CDW melting at the electronic level leads to a transiently modified potential which explains the anharmonic behaviour of the amplitude mode and discloses the structural origin of the symmetry-breaking phase transition

A psychometric study of the Flourishing Scale for people living with dementia

INTRODUCTION There are few validated strengths-based outcome measures for evaluations of psychosocial interventions in dementia and measurement of the concept of flourishing has not been directly explored. This study therefore examined the psychometric properties of the Flourishing Scale (FS)—an eight-item generic self-report measure of social-psychological well-being—and how it might be adapted for people with dementia. METHOD A secondary data analysis of baseline data from the Journeying Through Dementia study, a randomized controlled trial of a self-management intervention for older adults with dementia living in the community in the United Kingdom (n = 480). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses, and convergent/discriminatory analyses were undertaken. RESULTS Moderate negative skew in total FS scores was noted and adjusted for. A good level of internal consistency reliability was evident (alpha = 0.83). Both CFA and IRT analyses verified the unidimensionality of the scale and there was evidence of item discrimination. Measurement precision appeared greater for lower to moderate levels of well-being, with some item-level variation. Total FS scores were significantly associated with quality of life, self-efficacy, and mood, supporting convergent validity. FS total scores were not associated with cognitive ability or time since diagnosis in this sample but were associated with living alone / with others. DISCUSSION These findings offer new avenues for strengths-based research and practice of psychosocial interventions for people with dementia in relation to the measurement social-psychological well-being. The FS shows promise as a valid and reliable self-report instrument for people with early-stage dementia but further validation research is needed to confirm optimum item content and responsiveness. The measurement of well-being of people living with moderate to severe cognitive impairments requires further research. Highlights Previous work suggests that well-being in dementia could align with the concept of flourishing—optimized social-psychological well-being—but valid and reliable measurement of flourishing in dementia has not yet been directly explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Flourishing Scale, a brief measure of social-psychological well-being previously validated with older people and cross-culturally, for people living with dementia. We carried out a secondary analysis of baseline data (n = 480) from a previous randomized controlled trial of a self-management psycho-social intervention in dementia (the Journeying Through Dementia trial). Participants were living with early-stage dementia, were predominantly White/British, and 57.8% were male. We utilized Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory methods to examine the reliability, uni-dimensionality, and validity of the Flourishing Scale as well as item characteristics. Findings indicate the Flourishing Scale is uni-dimensional and has adequate internal consistency and validity for measuring social-psychological well-being in dementia. The scale can discriminate between different levels of well-being in dementia, particularly at lower to moderate levels. Items concerned with active engagement appear most sensitive to measured levels of flourishing overall. People with dementia living alone may be most at risk of lower levels of social-psychological well-being. Levels of flourishing were not correlated with cognitive impairment. The Flourishing Scale measures eudaimonic dimensions of well-being and may be of value in future dementia studies focused on these. The measurement precision of the Flourishing Scale for people with dementia may be best at low-moderate levels and items may vary somewhat in terms of ability to discriminate levels of well-being. Further research should explore optimum item content and response format and investigate how reliable and valid the instrument is longitudinally and for people living with a range of cognitive impairments at different stages of dementia

A systematic review of the needs of children and young people of a parent diagnosed with young‐onset‐dementia: informing a nursing intervention

Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the needs of children and young people of a parent with young-onset dementia, to inform the development of a nursing model. Background: Children and young people of a parent diagnosed with young onset dementia have a range of needs that are subject to change and aligned to their stage of development and growth. Design: Systematic review. Data Sources: Searches were conducted in PsycInfo (1806–Jan 2025), Medline (1996–Jan 2025) and CINAHL (1961–Jan 2025); search terms were developed in consultation with an academic librarian. Review Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to assess the trustworthiness and applicability of the findings and the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool to assess quality. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024534104). Needs identified from the literature were matched with the activities and interventions of a specialist nursing model. Results: Searches yielded 223 records of which 17 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the majority of which used qualitative methods (N = 16). A thematic synthesis approach was used to analyse data to reveal four emergent themes: (1) finding a way, (2) social connection and peer support, (3) preserving childhood and adolescence and (4) practical support, including the needs relating to education. Identified needs: knowledge and information, emotional support, consistency in education and development, maintaining social connections, physical and psychological well-being, and grief and loss were mapped against a specialist nurse role. Conclusion: Children and young people with a parent diagnosed with young-onset dementia face unique challenges compared to older carers. Despite growing awareness of their needs, this population is often overlooked in national dementia strategies. Developing a specialist nurse role is a positive step, but broader systemic support is essential to safeguard their well-being and future opportunities

Reimagining Dementia Care: A Complex Intervention Systematic Review on Optimising Social Prescribing (SP) for Carers of People Living With Dementia (PLWD) in the United Kingdom

\ua9 2025 The Author(s). Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Introduction: Carers of people living with dementia (PLWD) face a range of complex needs, including medical, emotional, social and practical challenges, often exacerbated by social isolation and barriers to accessing support. Social prescribing (SP) addresses these needs by increasing access to non-clinical support and services. However, existing research lacks detailed descriptions of SP interventions for carers of PLWD, with limited understanding of the needs they target, the reasons for participation, their effectiveness and their potential to improve outcomes for carers of PLWD. Methods: A complex intervention systematic review of SP for carers of PLWD was undertaken using iterative logic modelling and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-CI) extension statement and checklist. Six databases and grey literature were searched, supplemented by hand searching reference lists of included studies. Results were screened in a two-step process, followed by data extraction. Gough\u27s Weight of Evidence Framework was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: Fifty-two studies were included. Findings indicated SP for carers of PLWD in the United Kingdom is varied and operates in a largely uncoordinated process involving initiation by diverse stakeholders and institutions across multiple sectors. The classification of SP interventions for carers of PLWD is inconsistent, and participation is often opportunistic. Positive outcomes included improved carer mood, social connections, practical support, quality of life and better PLWD–carer relationships. However, negative outcomes were associated with intervention suitability, emotional impact, relevance and strained PLWD–carer relationships. Discussion: While the evidence suggests SP is a promising intervention for carers of PLWD, its long-term impacts, challenges of tailoring prescriptions to carers\u27 needs and overcoming logistical issues remain. Additionally, further research is required to evaluate long-term impact, investigate specific mechanisms to tailor SP to specific carer needs and explore in greater detail the PLWD–carer relationship and its effects on SP uptake and maintenance. Patient and Public Contributions: A PPI advisory group was involved in the review, including providing insights into review questions, the logic model, findings and results. The group consisted of one person living with dementia and a caregiver