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Molecular recognition, binding and transport of different chemical species represents an aspect of supramolecular chemistry that has relevance to a number of areas that include biochemical processes, analytical techniques, recycling and environmental processes as well as aspects of catalysis and medicine. Over the years, a large number of both efficient and selective receptors for cations, anions, salts and zwitterions based on different architectures and binding modes have been developed and studied.
Among the manifold experimental techniques employed for the application of such receptors has been the investigation of the distribution of species between two immiscible solutions, normally an aqueous and an organic phase, under the influence of the receptor in the organic phase. Such a procedure has often allowed characterization of the receptor’s complexation behavior towards individual species as well as enabling an evaluation of its suitability for species monitoring, separation and/or concentration; especially with respect to possible analytical applications as well as for use in extraction and membrane transport processes.

Ziel/Aim:

Combined whole body PET/MR systems have become commercially available recently. In 2010, one of the first of these systems (Philips Ingenuity TF PET/MR) has been installed at our institute. PET/MR is expected to offer new possibilities, in particular in the field of quantitative bimodal functional imaging (1). Quantitative PET image reconstruction requires attenuation correction (AC) which is commonly based on a direct measurement of photon attenuation using either a transmission scan with a Ge-68 radioactive source in standalone PET (TRAC) or a CT scan in PET/CT systems (CTAC). In PET/MR systems such a measurement cannot be performed. Hence, AC is performed with a software-based approach (MRAC) using dedicated tissue segmentation and tissue type identification (air, lung, soft tissue) of a MR image (2). Here, we report on a first evaluation of the accuracy of the manufacturer provided MRAC in whole body investigations with the Ingenuity TF PET/MR.

Methodik/Methods:

An evaluation of MRAC was performed by a direct comparison of the MR derived attenuation maps with transmission based attenuation maps acquired with a Siemens ECAT Exact HR+ PET system for 10 patients (8m/2f). We compared the pairs of coregistered attenuation maps in a voxel by voxel correlation analysis in the lung and the torso. In order to assess the influence of differences between the two AC methods on the resulting emission images we developed methods allowing to reconstruct PET emission data acquired at the PET/MR using the transmission based attenuation maps from the HR+ PET .

Ergebnisse/Results:

Our correlation analysis has shown that approximately 80% of the voxels in the lung and torso are in quantitative agreement. In one case, the MRAC algorithm failed to correctly detect the lung of the patient. In a further investigation, we observed metal artifacts resulting in distorted MR-derived attenuation maps.

Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions:

The vendor-provided MRAC algorithm generally yields satisfactory results with respect to soft tissue and air segmentation. However, the algorithm relies on anatomic reference data and thus artifacts can arise if the anatomy of the patient does not fit to the reference. Additionally, metal artifacts can lead to distortion of the MR based attenuation maps.

Literatur/References:

(1) Pichler, B.J. et al., Sem. Nucl. Med., 38:199-208, 2008
(2) Martinez-Möller, A. et al., J. Nucl. Med., 50:520-526, 2009

Ziel/Aim:

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme induced during inflammation, but overexpression of COX-2 also has been observed in carcinogenic processes. Non-invasive monitoring and quantitative characterization of functional expression of COX-2 by means of PET would substantially improve understanding of the role of this enzyme during manifestation and progression of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Methodik/Methods:

Two compounds having a 2,3-diaryl substituted indole scaffold; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-1H-indole 1 and 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-1H-indole 2, both showing high inhibitory activity for COX-2 (IC₅₀~20nM) served as non-radioactive references. The fluorine-18 radiolabeled tracer [¹⁸F]1 was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of an appropriate trimethylammonium-substituted aromatic precursor with [¹⁸F]fluoride and subsequent McMurry cyclization. The carbon-11 radiolabeled probe [¹¹C]2 was formed via a methylation reaction of the corresponding desmethyl precursor with [¹¹C]CH₃I. Unstimulated human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), phorbol ester stimulated THP-1 macrophages (THP-1M) and human tumor cell lines showing selectively high COX-2 (FaDu, HT-29, A2058) or COX-1 expression (A375) were used to study the overall uptake or cellular association of [¹⁸F]1 and [¹¹C]2 in vitro. The stability of [¹⁸F]1 was determined by metabolite analysis of arterial blood samples in rats. In vivo kinetics and tumor uptake were investigated by dynamic small animal PET studies on HT-29 tumor bearing mice.

Ergebnisse/Results:

[¹⁸F]1 was synthesized in 10% yield (d.c.) in 98% radiochemical purity with a specific activity of 74-91 GBq/µmol. [¹¹C]2 was obtained in 23% yield (d.c.) in 99% radiochemical purity with a specific activity of 79-89 GBq/µmol. The radiotracer cellular uptake in each model used correlated well with the observed COX protein synthesis. Cell models with prominent COX-2 overexpression showed a substantially higher uptake of both [¹⁸F]1 and [¹¹C]2 in the order FaDu>HT29>THP-1M>A2058 when compared to COX-1 overexpressing A375 cells. The lowest cellular uptake was observed in THP-1 showing no or very low baseline expression of both COX-1 and COX-2. Metabolite analysis revealed 75% of original compound [¹⁸F]1 after 60 min. In contrast to the in vitro results no substantial tumor uptake of [¹⁸F]1 on HT-29 tumor bearing mice was detected.

Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions:

The radiolabeled COX-2 inhibitors [¹⁸F]1 and [¹¹C]2 were synthesized in good radiochemical yield and high purity. Cellular studies demonstrated well correlation of the overall radiotracer uptake with COX expression/protein synthesis rate. In vivo investigation did not show any accumulation of [¹⁸F]1 in COX-2 overexpressing tumors. Further exploration of new fluorine-18 and carbon-11 radiolabeled COX-2 inhibitors is required and currently under the way.

A novel tomography device has been realised which enables ultrafast three-dimensional imaging with up to 1000 volumeframes per second. This is achieved by scanning an electron beam over a specially designed annular x-ray transparent target. Its height of 37 mm is also the maximum height of the tomography volume. The maximum experiment diameter is 75 mm. The design of the setup is similar to cone beam tomography which allows image reconstruction based on Feldkamp type algorithms to be used. Various phantom experiments were performed and proved good spatial resolution of up to 1.2 mm at a volume-frame rate of 250 s-1. Eventually, the device was applied to image complex industrial two-phase flows as can be found e.g. in energy and process engineering.

The effects of lattice vibration on the thermodynamics of nanosized coherent clusters in bcc-Fe consisting of vacancies and/or copper are investigated within the harmonic approximation. A combination of on-lattice simulated annealing based on Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations and off-lattice relaxation by molecular dynamics is applied to obtain the most stable cluster configurations at T = 0 K. The most recent interatomic potential built within the framework of the embedded-atom method for the Fe–Cu system is used. The total free energy of pure bcc-Fe and fcc-Cu as well as the total formation free energy and the total binding free energy of the vacancy–copper clusters are determined for finite temperatures. Our results are compared with the available data from previous investigations performed using many-body interatomic potentials and first-principles methods. For further applications in rate theory and object kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, the vibrational effects evaluated in the present study are included in the previously developed analytical fitting formulae.

The magneto-dynamics of lense shaped thin lm elements where studied using vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR). An unexpected strong increase of the resonance frequency was found when approaching the switching eld. Using Magnetic Force Microscopy this resonance increase could be ascribed to the formation and evolution of a buckling domain state. The experimental data have been qualitatively reproduced by micromagnetic simulations of a model element. Thereby the role of the external magnetic eld and the buckling wavelength was studied separately. Domain modes with dynamic magnetization modulations parallel and perpendicular to the static magnetization were identied. We derive qualitative arguments based on mageto-static energy considerations that allow for an interpretation of the dynamic response in such low-symmetric magnetization distributions.

We investigated patterning of magnetic thin films by ion implantation. As shown in Ref. 1 by using ion implantation of an exchange coupled Fe/Cr/Fe system one can control the strength and sign of the antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling. Starting with a synthetic AF (SAF) trilayer (Co90Fe10/Ru/Co90Fe10) we used lithographic masks to irradiate spatially restricted areas. By doing this the trilayer structure was intermixed and resulted in ferromagnetic (FM) patterned elements surrounded by a SAF trilayer. At low fields the magnetization in the two Co90Fe10 layers of the SAF is antiparallel to each other and therefore behaves like an environment with a much lower susceptibility than the soft-magnetic Co90Fe10 film. The advantage of patterning by implantation compared to etching is that the magnetic elements don’t have a structural edge which usually is not free from roughness. The boundary of the patterned structures is only a magnetic boundary. Comparing to a previously used method, where we reduced the saturation magnetization locally by implanting Cr ions into a Ni81Fe19 layer [2], the method presented here needs a much lower ion fluence and therefore results in less irradiation damage and sputter losses.

The patterning was done by implanting Co ions with an energy of 80 keV into the following stack structure (deposited by dc-sputtering in an UHV vacuum system onto an oxidized Si wafer): Ta(4nm)/Co90Fe10(10nm)/Ru(1.15nm)/Co90Fe10(10nm)/Ru(3nm). Using optical lithography a mask was formed in photoresist and partly removed. At the used fluence of 5×1015 cm-2 the Co-ions intermixed the two Co90Fe10 layers with the Ru interlayer in the open areas of the mask (shown in Fig. 1 is a simulation of the intermixing during implantation using the Tridyn software package [3]). By this method FM elements were created that are surrounded by an AF-coupled Co90Fe10 bilayer. The magnetization reversal and domain structures were compared to patterned FM Ta(4nm)/Co90Fe10(20nm)/Ru(3nm) where the structures are etched.

Magnetic domain imaging was done using wide-field Kerr microscopy. By analyzing the gray scale intensity of individual stripes the magnetization loops of the FM stripes could be extracted. In the etched 20 µm wide stripes domains with anti-parallel magnetization and 180° domain walls are formed throughout the stripe during hard axis magnetization reversal. In the stripes surrounded by the SAF the magnetization is evolving into a different pattern. Along the FM-SAF interface edge domains evolve that depend on the magnetic field history. Fig. 2 shows the domain states during hard axis reversal for the implanted and etched sample as well as the hysteresis loops for the two different samples. The implanted sample has a smaller coercivity. Therefore even a small misalignment of the magnetic field with the hard axis has a stronger influence than in the etched sample. So in the implanted sample the magnetization in the center of the stripe is turning towards one direction due to the external field but the magnetization at the edge does not flip and is forming an edge domain. This can also explain the different domain size in the two images shown in Fig. 2. The smaller coercivity indicates that there are less pinning sites in the implanted sample compared to the etched stripes.

In narrower stripes with a nominal width of 2 µm Hc and Hk are the same for the etched and implanted stripes. Also here the coercivity is smaller in the implanted sample. The different anisotropy field for the implanted and etched stripes is caused from a different resulting width of the FM stripes for the two different preparation methods (stripe width obtained from AFM/MFM microscopy, not shown here).

To summarize, we used ion implantation to pattern extended magnetic thin films into elements of different sizes without introducing additional structural edges. Only the magnetic behavior is patterned (FM and SAF) and no structural edges are created. By using asymmetric Co90Fe10 thicknesses also patterning into areas of high and low effective saturation magnetization is possible. More examples of the resulting magnetic behavior will be shown during the presentation.

Support by DFG (FA 314/3 and MC 9/7) is gratefully acknowledged

The fundamental understanding how patterning on the nanometer length scale is affecting the magnetic properties is crucial to improve magnetic devices or recording media [1]. This is even more important when going from 2-dimensional patterns to 3-dimensional structures. Currently, there are still many open questions on this issue. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of these systems like damping and anisotropy need to be investigated. For 2-dimensional arrays this is quite easy. However the third dimension adds a lot of complexity to this issue, especially for micromagnetic simulations, due to the large cell number. Nowadays, there are several methods common practice like lithography and nanoimprinting to obtain patterned surfaces on the nanometer scale. Self-assembled nanostructures are a promising alternative to cover the third dimension.
Applying Ar⁺-ions with a broad beam ion source at normal incidence one obtains a self-assembled uniform pattern of nanocones on GaSb [2]. Due to the ion erosion the GaSb cones have an amorphous surface layer of a few nanometer. The size is adjustable (aspect ratio = 1) in the range of 10 to 100 nm. The size depends on the ion energy and thus can be selected. The relation between the ion energy and the characteristic length l_c is described in [3]. The higher the ion energy is the higher and broader the nanocones can be adjusted. The size distribution is homogeneous within 10% and a short range hexagonal ordering is achieved as well. For the magnetic layers the substrate template was coated by molecular beam epitaxy with a seed layer of 5 nm Cr, followed by a 20 nm Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ and a 3 nm Cr cap layer. In Fig. (1) a transmission electron microscope (TEM) of a magnetically coated sample prepared at an ion energy of 200 eV and a characteristic length l_c of about 30 nm. It depicts the film growth on the nanocones.
We investigated the magnetic properties by vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR). With VNA-FMR one can achieve information about the magneto-static properties like anisotropy and g-factor as well as information about dynamic properties like damping and inhomogeneous linewidth broadening. We measured resonance field and linewidth frequency dependent from 1 to 45 GHz in the polar geometry at θ_H = 0° [out-of-plane (oop)] and θ_H = 90° [in-plane (ip)]. In addition the angular-dependent measurements at 15 GHz from θ_H = - 30° to 195° were analyzed. The results have to be fitted by the FMR resonance equations. The dynamic behavior is shown in Fig. (2a) and (2b). Fig. (2a) shows the Gilbert damping constant α versus the characteristic length l_c determined from the frequency dependence. Data for external field directions, i.e. θ_H = 0° (blue lines / points) and θ_H = 90° (red lines / points) are shown. The frequency dependence (not shown) evidences that only Gilbert damping contributes to the dynamic properties. The α values for the θ_H = 90° starts to increase between l_c = 34 nm and 51 nm from about 0.010 to 0.034. This is due to the different growth type with increasing nanocone dimension. Whereas the damping for the θ_H = 0° measurement stays almost constant for all cone sizes with a fitted average value α = 0.006. These resulting damping constants for the measurements in both geometries are comparable to the Permalloy bulk value α_bulk = 0.013(4) in literature [4]. The g-factor has been determined to be g = 2.095(4) which is in agreement with the literature value [5]. Fig. (2b) illustrates the behavior of the inhomogeneous linewidth broadening ΔH₀ for the two external field directions (blue: θ_H = 0° / red: θ_H = 90°). For the oop–geometry ΔH₀ is comparable to the bulk value magnitude ΔH₀ = 8.6 Oe [4] and almost constant over l_c. Along the ip–geometry ΔH₀ is significantly higher than for θ_H = 0°. This can be explained by the superposition of several local resonances around the cone with slightly different resonance fields due to the different local field directions with respect to the cone’s normal. In the oop–geometry no such different resonance fields occur.
Financial support provided by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) via projects DFG FA 314-7.1 and AL 618-6 is gratefully acknowledged.
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[1] B. D. Terris et al., J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 41, 10 (2009).
[2] S. Facsko et al., Science 285, 1551 (1999).
[3] S. Facsko et al., Phys. Rev. B 63, 16 (2001).
[4] B. K. Kuanr et al., J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 286, (2005).
[5] D. Markó et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 96, 022503 (2010).

When studying magnetization dynamics of thin magnetic films, intrinsic as well as extrinsic spin relaxation processes have to be taken into account. While intrinsic processes, summarized as Gilbert damping, are well known and studied for the last decades, the focus now has shifted to extrinsic contributions. In this context the two-magnon scattering (TMS) is of particular interest. This type of scattering is induced within thin magnetic films by defects and inhomogeneities. It was shown that periodic magnetic patterns can serve as defect structure, e.g. by periodically varying the magnetization saturation using ion beam irradiation combined with periodic sample patterning by electron beam lithography. Due to irradiation of the material a local variation of the magnetic properties can be achieved [1], where the TMS strength is set by the periodicity of the modification. However, directly patterning the material is time consuming and not suitable for large scale manufacturing. Hence a self-organized nanoscale patterning is more favorable. Broad ion beam erosion is a well-established technique for structuring large surface areas. By varying the irradiation parameters, e.g. ion energy, fluence, and incident angle sinusoidally modulated surfaces (ripples) can be created with a periodicity tuneable over a wide range [2]. Growing magnetic materials on these ripples imprints the corrugation to the material and induces by dipolar effects a wavelength dependent uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA). Furthermore the imprinted corrugation can serve as a spin wave scattering center, modifying the two-magnon damping contribution.
Here we present the influence of the substrate surface corrugation on the magnetic damping properties of 30 nm thin Ni80Fe20 (Py) films grown by molecular beam epitaxy at room temperature on rippled Si substrates. Due to ion beam erosion of flat Si as well as natural oxidation of the substrate prior to film deposition, Py films grown on top exhibit a polycrystalline structure that suppresses the intrinsic magneto-crystalline anisotropy almost completely. The in-plane magnetostatic and dynamic properties of these samples were investigated by means of angular and frequency dependent vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR).
Starting with a planar reference sample the angular together with the frequency dependent linewidth measurements reveal a Gilbert dominated relaxation process, whereby no TMS can be observed. Due to the polycrystalline film structure, only a very weak magnetic anisotropy is observed. This uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) has a two-fold symmetry and is randomly aligned with respect to the sample edges. Changing to rippled substrates the grown Py film maintains its polycrystalline structure. Depending on the ripple wavelength λ, ranging from 25 nm to 230 nm, an UMA is induced with its easy axis always aligned parallel to the ripple ridges. The strength of the UMA decays with increasing wavelength and is strongest for λ=25 nm. In this case no influence of the corrugation on the damping is observed. This changes drastically for samples with a higher wavelength of λ=230 nm. While the UMA is reduced to the value of the planar reference sample the linewidth measurements now show clear indications for defect induced TMS. This is shown in Fig. 1a, where the peak-to-peak linewidth is plotted as a function of the in-plane magnetic field angle (open circles). Modeling the linewidth results in a Gilbert contribution that is constant for all in-plane field orientations. Additionally an angle dependent TMS contribution is found, which consists of a small four-fold and a dominating two-fold (uniaxial) part. Thereby the direction of minimal linewidth aligns parallel with the ripple ridges, which in turn defines the uniaxial symmetry of the damping. Fig. 1b depicts the frequency dependent measurements parallel (red squares) and perpendicular (green circles) to the ripple ridges. In parallel configuration the damping is purely Gilbert-like, as already observed in the reference measurement. The monotonous increase of the linewidth with applied microwave frequency is instead lost in case of the perpendicular geometry. Here, a preeminent peak is observed with its center at f=10 GHz. Following the description of Barsukov et al. [1] this excessive linewidth increase is a result of defect induced TMS, where the width and frequency position of the peak is determined by the scattering potential, created by the corrugation of the film. The origin and wavelength dependence of these morphology induced linewidth manipulation will be discussed in detail.
We thank I. Barsukov, J. Lindner, and P. Landeros for fruitful discussions. This work is supported by DFG grant no. FA 314/6-1. References: [1] I. Barsukov et al., Phys. Rev. B 84, 140410(R) (2011)
[2] J. Fassbender et al., New J. Phys. 11, 125002 (2009)

In order for spin transfer torque oscillators to find their way to applications, the problems of obtaining high output power and low frequency linewidth must be solved. To this end differing geometries have been proposed and near zero applied field large high power microwave emission has been obtained [1,2]. One contains an out-of-plane polariser and an in-plane free layer [1], while the other contains an in-plane polariser and an out-of-plane free layer [2]. The former device has the requirement of a third layer in order to read out the magnetoresistance (MR) signal, whereas in the latter device the polariser functions as the reference layer.

[1] Houssameddine, D., et al., Nature Mater. 6, 447 (2007).
[2] Rippard, W. H., et al., Phys. Rev. B 81, 014426 (2010).

Tailoring magnetization dynamics in nano structures is a very important field. Here we present, how magnetic hybrid materials can be used to increase the relaxation rate just within several small frequency ranges.

Various elements like Pd, Cr, Ta, as well as several rare-earth elements can be used to modify the magnetic properties of thin ferromagnetic films. They are incorporated either by co-sputtering or ion implantation and are well known to reduce the Curie temperature, saturation magnetization, anisotropy and damping [1,2]. In combination with lithographic masking this allows for magnetic property patterning at the nanoscale [3,4].
In thin ferromagnetic films, the magnetization dynamics are governed by intrinsic effects like Gilbert damping and spin-pumping but also by extrinsic effects like two-magnon scattering [5] due to inevitable defect structures. By lithographic nano patterning or by using ion-eroded, nanoscale periodically modulated substrates (ripples) as templates we are able to artificially create and thus control those defect structures necessary to induce two-magnon scattering.

This preparation procedure is sketched in Fig. 1. First a thin film sample is prepared by molecular beam epitaxy. In our case we use a 30 nm thin Ni80Fe20 (Permalloy=Py) film covered by a 3 nm Cr cap layer. In the second step, using a ~100 nm PMMA resist and electron beam lithography, the periodic stripe pattern is written into the mask over an area of 1x1 mm2 with periodicities of 250 and 400 nm. After development the sample was irradiated with Cr+ ions with a kinetic energy of 5 keV and a fluence of 5x1015 ions/cm2. The Cr ions either get absorbed by the PMMA or penetrate the topmost 8 nm of the sample as depicted in step (iii) of Fig. 1 [4]. This mixes the Cr coming from the ions and the cap layer into the Py layer, hence reducing the saturation magnetization in the irradiated stripe areas. Thus, the modified Py+Cr stripes act as magnetic defects respectively scattering centers.

Broadband ferromagnetic resonance is used to measure the resonance linewidth ΔH for different field directions. From the frequency and angular dependence of ΔH the damping contributions are disentangled like described in Ref. [5]. The frequency-dependent measurements with the external magnetic field aligned parallel to the stripes show a linear increase of ΔH. Therefore the magnetic relaxation is purely Gilbert-like (see Fig. 2a). With the magnetic field aligned perpendicular (Fig. 2b), the frequency dependence exhibits a non-monotonous increase due to two-magnon scattering. There are several distinct peaks (marked by arrows in Fig. 2b). Depending on the stripe periodicity the peak positions shift and the number of visible peaks changes as well.
The conventional model of two-magnon scattering in thin films [5] does not cover this effect. However, the stripe defects resemble a periodic scattering field, which couples the uniform with the final-state magnons in the two-magnon scattering process. The coupling strength and so the FMR linewidth scale with the square of the Fourier transform of the scattering field. Figure 2c shows the corresponding simulated two-magnon scattering strength as function of frequency and stripe periodicity. The black squares ("linescans"), correspond to the FMR linewidth measurements qualitatively very well. Note that a quantitative agreement depends very sensitively on the knowledge of the the static magnetic properties. For spintronic devices it could be very interesting to have a selectively higher damping at certain frequencies---a feature that could be even switched-off simply by changing the external field direction.

In summary, this magnetic hybrid material allows for designing samples where the spin relaxation rate can be easily switched between high and low damping just by slightly varying the frequencies. In contrast to that, with conventional materials only a monotonous increase of damping with frequency is achievable.

This work was supported by the DFG grants FA 314/6-1, FA314/3-2, and SFB491.

A major obstacle towards the increase in areal magnetic recording density and the decrease in bit size is the retention of thermal stability while maintaining reasonable write fields. Materials with graded magnetic anisotropy are promising candidates to solve this problem.
Here we demonstrate the approach of using post-deposition Ar-ion irradiation to tailor the perpendicular anisotropy in Co/Pd multilayer thin films. The films, with uniform, anisotropy, were synthesized by magnetron sputtering. Based on TRIDYN simulations, different primary ion energies (1-25keV) are chosen to achieve varying penetration depths of the ions creating a depth dependent anisotropy grading. Before and after ion irradiation, MOKE as well as magnetometry measurements were employed to detect the changes of the magnetic properties. Upon ion irradiation, the Co/Pd films exhibit reduced coercivity and remanence with increasing fluence.
Higher ion energies have a more pronounced effect on reducing the perpendicular anisotropy.

A hexanuclear Th(IV) glycine complex was observed by Th L3-edge EXAFS measurements in aqueous solution. Within the stability range of this complex the positively charged hexanuclear species [Th6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4(H2O)6(Gly)6(HGly)6]6+ was preserved in a crystal with the composition [Th6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4(H2O)6(Gly)6(HGly)6]•(NO3)3(ClO4)3(H2O)3. This complex appears as result of a competing reaction between hydrolysis and ligation by glycine. At a pH value below the stability range of the hexanuclear complex, crystals with the composition [Th(H2O)3(HGly)3]•(ClO4)4H2O were obtained from the solution. Three water molecules in the thorium coordination sphere indicate that this complex occurs below the onset of Th(IV) hydrolysis.

For the long-term safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal sites, detailed knowledge on the migration behavior of the different actinides as a function of pH value and redox potential of the solution, concentration of inorganic or organic complex partners and temperature is important. The majority of the studies on the uranium chemistry in presence of carboxylic acids deal with complexation reactions performed at lower pH value and at room temperature. Thermodynamic data of the complexation of U(IV) and U(VI) by citric acid are summarized up to the year 2005 by Hummel et al. [1] and since then comprehensively studied by Bonin et al. [2], Steudtner [3] and Guenther et al. [4]. The photoreduction of U(VI) in citric acid solutions was studied in the presence of visible light by Ohyoshi and Ueno [5]. However, the mechanistic understanding of the basic interaction processes is very fragmentary.
Thus, the study is focused on the mechanism and kinetics of the uranium complexation and redox reactions as a function of carbonate concentration and visible light in citric acid solution. To evaluate the influence of these reaction parameters on the uranium – citric acid – system we used UV-Vis, ATR FT-IR and TRLF spectroscopy. The aqueous complexes of the U(VI) and U(IV) compounds are spectroscopically characterized to gain information on their molecular structures. The knowledge of the spectral properties is indispensable for the interpretation of the spectral changes occurring during the redox reactions. The variation of reaction parameters and the change of different reaction paths strongly influence the redox reactions. The derivation and verification of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the complexation and redox processes will improve the safety assessment of nuclear waste disposal sites.

A model experiment of a submerged gas injection system in a cylindrical vessel under the influence of a rotating magnetic field and its effect on liquid metal mixing is presented. Argon gas is injected through a nozzle into a column of the eutectic alloy GaInSn, which is liquid at room temperature. Without a magnetic field the bubble plume in the center region of the cylindrical vessel produces a recirculation zone with high fluid velocities near the free surface while the fluid velocities in the bottom region are rather low. Our measurements revealed the potential of rotating magnetic fields to control both the amplitude of the meridional flow and the bubble distribution and to provide an effective mixing in the whole fluid volume. Various periodic flow patterns were observed in a certain parameter range with respect to variations of the magnetic field strength and the gas flow rate.

We have investigated the charge-ordered state of the quasi-one-dimensional organic charge-transfer salts (TMTTF)₂X (where TMTTF stands for tetramethyltetrathiafulvalene and X = PF₆ AsF₆, SbF₆, and SCN) by performing comprehensive electron-spin-resonance (ESR) experiments at several frequencies for 4 K < T < 300 K. At elevated temperatures all compounds show a linear increase of ΔH(T ). Below the charge-ordering transition TCO important anomalies are observed in both the temperature dependence and the anisotropy of the ESR linewidth. In the case of the centrosymmetric anions PF₆, AsF₆, and SbF₆, the linewidth doubles its periodicity when rotated in a plane normal to the molecule axis; and it exhibits a significant frequency dependence. This enhanced linewidth is caused by anisotropic Zeeman interaction that we identify as a relaxation process in the charge-ordered state where magnetically inequivalent sites are present in adjacent stacks. Thus, charge order not only produces ferroelectricity but also breaks the symmetry of the magnetic degree of freedom in these organic quantum spin chains. For (TMTTF)₂SCN charge order coincides with the ordering of the non-centrosymmetric anions; the large contribution of dipolar interaction dominates the relaxation process.

Background: Escherichia coli is one of the best studied microorganisms and finds multiple applications especially as tool in the heterologous production of interesting proteins of other organisms. The heterologous expression of special surface (S-) layer proteins caused the formation of extremely long E. coli cells which leave transparent tubes when they divide into single E. coli cells. Such natural structures are of high value as bio-templates for the development of bio-inorganic composites for many applications. In this study we used genetically modified filamentous Escherichia coli cells as template for the design of polyelectrolyte tubes that can be used as carrier for functional molecules or particles.
Diversity of structures of biogenic materials have the potential to be used to construct inorganic or polymeric superior hybrid materials that reflect the form of the bio-template. Such bio-inspired materials are of great interest in diverse scientific fields like Biology, Chemistry and Material Science and can find application for the construction of functional materials or the bio-inspired synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles.
Results: Genetically modified filamentous E. coli cells were fixed in 2 % glutaraldehyde and coated with alternating six layers of the polyanion polyelectrolyte poly(sodium-4styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and polycation polyelectrolyte poly(allylamine-hydrochloride) (PAH). Afterwards we dissolved the E. coli cells with 1.2 % sodium hypochlorite, thus obtaining hollow polyelectrolyte tubes of 0.7 µm in diameter and 5-50 µm in length. For functionalisation the polyelectrolyte tubes were coated with S-layer protein polymers followed by metallisation with Pd(0) particles. These assemblies were analysed with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusion: The thus constructed new material offers possibilities for diverse applications like novel catalysts or metal nanowires for electrical devices. The novelty of this work is the use of filamentous E. coli templates and the use of S-layer proteins in a new material construct.

We present data on dielectron emission in proton induced reactions on a Nb target at 3.5 GeV kinetic beam energy measured with HADES installed at GSI. The data represent the first high statistics measurement of dielectrons radiated from cold nuclear matter in a kinematic regime, where strong medium effects are expected. Combined with the good mass resolution of 2\%, it is the first measurement sensitive to changes of the spectral functions of vector mesons, as predicted by models for hadrons at rest or small relative momenta. Comparing the e^+e^- invariant mass spectra to elementary p+p data, we observe for e^+e^- momenta P_{ee}<0.8 GeV/c a strong modification of the shape of the spectra, which we attribute to an additional rho-like contribution and a decrease in omega yield. These opposite trends are tentatively interpreted as a strong coupling of the rhomeson to baryonic resonances and an in-medium broadening of the omega spectral function.

The magnetic domain structure of stepped ferromagnetic Ni81Fe19 films, exchange coupled to antiferromagnetic alpha-Fe2O3, has been studied using PhotoEmission Electron Microscopy combined with X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism. Annealing the alpha-Fe2O3/Ni81Fe19 bilayers in a magnetic eld, applied parallel or perpendicular to the step edges, results in a signifcant increase in the domain size compared to the as-grown bilayer. Subsequent zero-eld annealing induces spin-relaxation along the crystallographic axes of the alpha-Fe2O3. The spin-relaxation process is found to depend on the magnetic field direction during annealing with the domain structure determined by a competition between the step-induced uniaxial anisotropy and the exchange anisotropy.

A spin-polarized current flowing through a ferromagnet can exert a torque on the local magnetization [1,2]. This phenomenon is currently intensively investigated due to its potential application in magnetic random access memory (MRAM) or in telecommunication devices. Presently, the structure of choice for spin-torque devices includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with an MgO barrier, due to their large magnetoresistance signals. However, a key step towards the practical implementation as MRAM elements is the reduction of the critical voltages, in order to keep the size of the selection transistor down and compete with existing technologies [3]. A second issue (but equally important) is the thermal stability of the devices, as data retention for over ten years is required for industrial applications.

The thermal stability of the MgO-MTJs is currently evaluated based on the formalism developed for metallic nanopillars [4]. However, it has been pointed out that based on this formalism, the thermal stability coefficients evaluated for switching starting from different states (parallel or antiparallel) have different values in MgO-MTJs [5]. In addition, magnetic tunnel junctions also exhibit a somewhat obscure behaviour referred to as ‘back-hopping’, whereby reliable switching to the desired state is achieved for applied voltages of the order of the critical voltage, but a larger applied bias induces a telegraph-noise behaviour [6, 7]. Back-hopping is characteristic for MTJs, as it has not been observed in metallic multilayers, and poses serious concerns for designing industrially-competitive MRAM devices.

We evaluate the switching voltages and their temperature dependence by analytically and numerically solving the modified Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation which includes both Slonczewski-like (in-plane) and field-like (out-of-plane) torque terms (equation 1). Here, γ is the gyromagnetic ratio, Heff the effective field (including the anisotropy, demagnetization field and applied field), α the Gilbert damping coefficient, Ms the saturation magnetization and V¬mag the volume of the free layer. and are the coefficients for in-plane and out-of-plane spin-transfer torques, respectively, which can be determined from spin-torque bias dependence measurements [8, 9, 10], and is the vector of the spin polarization (parallel to the pinned layer magnetization).

In metallic spin-valves, the out-of-plane torque has been demonstrated to be about two orders of magnitude lower than the in-plane spin-torque, and can generally be neglected [11], yielding a linear dependence of the switching current on the applied field. In MgO-MTJs, the field-like torque can be of the order of 25% of the in-plane torque [7], and needs to be taken into account. Its quadratic dependence on the applied voltage [9,12] translates into a more complex correlation between the critical bias and the external field, altering the shape of the phase diagram, as demonstrated experimentally [5]. It also offers a potential explanation for the occurrence of back-hopping at a large bias. In addition, it alters the temperature dependence of the critical voltages, which needs to be taken into account when evaluating the thermal stability of such devices.

References:

[1] J. C. Slonczewski, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Material 159, L1 (1996)
[2] L. Berger, Physical Review B 54, 9359 (1996)
[3] Z. Diao et al., Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter 19, 165209 (2007)
[4] S. Ikeda et al., Nature Materials 9, 721 (2010)
[5] S.-C. Oh et al., Nature Physics 5, 898 (2009)
[6] J. Z. Sun, J. Appl. Phys. 105, 07D109 (2009)
[7] T. Min et al., J. Appl. Phys. 105, 07D126 (2009)
[8] H. Kubota et al., Nature Phys. 4, 37 (2008)
[9] J. C. Sankey et al., Nature Phys. 4, 67 (2008)
[10] A. Deac et al., Nature Physics 4, 803 (2008)
[11] M. A. Zimmler et al., Phys. Rev. B 70, 184438 (2004)
[12] I. Theodonis et al., Phys. Rev. Lett, 97, 237205 (2006)

Recently, in Hilger et al. (2011) [1] QCD sum rules for chiral partners in the open-charm meson sector have been presented at nonzero baryon net density or temperature up to and including mass dimension 5. Referring to this, details concerning the cancelation of infrared divergences are presented and important technical and conceptional ingredients for an incorporation of four-quark condensates beyond factorization and of other mass dimension 6 condensates are collected.

Titanium aluminides based on the gamma-phase (γ-TiAl) are promising materials for advanced power generation, aerospace and automobile applications. Oxidation-resistance problems, however, limit the maximal service temperature of these alloys to about 700°C. A significant improvement in environmental durability of γ-TiAl up to 1050°C can be achieved by ion-implanting fluorine into the alloy subsurface relying on the so-called halogen effect. Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) of F has been employed because of the possibility to process components of complex geometry as well as to inject sufficiently high F doses in relatively short times. In this work, characterization of the microstructure of F-implanted γ-TiAl alloys has been undertaken using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Preliminary studies by elastic recoil detection analysis have revealed anomalously broad, high-concentration (up to 60 at. %) F profiles of either Gaussian-like or plateau-like shape extending to much larger depths than those predicted by theory; a phenomenon which cannot be accounted for by standard ion-solid interaction and F diffusion mechanisms. It has been found that the F implant profiles result from a complex amorphiztation/recrystallization (a/c) process, which occurs via the a/c front progressing toward the bulk and giving rise to anomalous F diffusion. The final F distribution is implantation-temperature dependent, with higher temperatures causing partial dynamic annealing of the amorphized TiAl material and profile shrinkage. Long-term pos-implantation oxidation tests have indicated that enhanced oxidation resistance is always associated with Gaussian-type as-implanted fluorine profiles coupled with optimal fluorine doses while flat-topped implant profiles resulting from the implantation of excessively high F doses produce a poorly oxidation-resistant surface. The results of these analyses have been helpful in understanding the behavior of the implanted F from both a basic scientific and a technological standpoint.

The first year of membership of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HGF) was a year of many changes also for the Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research (IIM). The transition period, however, is not yet over, since the full integration of the Center into the HGF will only be completed in the next period of the so-called program-oriented funding (POF). This funding scheme addresses the six core research fields identified by the Helmholtz Association (Energy; Earth and Environment; Health; Key Technologies; Structure of Matter; Aeronautics, Space and Transport) to deal with the grand challenges faced by society, science and industry. Since the Institute has strong contributions to both core fields “Key Technologies” and “Structure of Matter”, intense discussions were held amongst the leading scientists of the Institute, across the Institutes of the HZDR, and finally with leading scientists of other Helmholtz centers, to determine the most appropriate classification of the Institute’s research. At the end we decided to establish ourselves in Structure of Matter, the core field in which most of the large-scale photon, neutron and ion facilities in Germany are located. As a consequence, the Ion Beam Center (IBC) of the Institute submitted an application to become a HGF recognized large-scale facility, providing more than 50% of its available beam time to external users. This application perfectly reflects the development of the IBC over more than a decade as a European Union funded infrastructure in the framework of the projects “Center for Application of Ion Beams in Materials Research (AIM)” (1998-2000, 2000-2003, 2006-2010) and subsequently as the coordinator of the integrated infrastructure initiative (I3) “Support of Public and Industrial Research using Ion Beam Technology (SPIRIT)” (2009-2013). Another part of the Institute’s activities is dedicated to exploit the infrared/THz free-electron laser at the 40 MeV superconducting electron accelerator ELBE for condensed matter research. This facility is also open to external users and funded by the European Union.

In this short review, I will give an overview on the current understanding of the superconductivity in quasi-two-dimensional organic metals. Thereby, I will focus on charge-transfer salts based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF or ET for short). In these materials, strong electronic correlations are clearly evident, resulting in unique phase diagrams. The layered crystallographic structure leads to highly anisotropic electronic as well as superconducting properties. The corresponding very high orbital critical field for in-plane magnetic-field alignment allows for the occurrence of the Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov state as evidenced by thermodynamic measurements. The experimental picture on the nature of the superconducting state is still controversial with evidence both for unconventional as well as for BCS-like superconductivity.

High magnetic fields are one of the most powerful tools available to scientists for the study, modification, and control of the state of matter. The application of magnetic fields, therefore, has become a commonly used instrument in condensed-matter physics. Consequently, the demand for ever higher magnetic-field strengths is increasing. At the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Hochfeld-Magnetlabor Dresden, HLD), pulsed magnetic fields up to about 90 T are readily available for users. For the generation of such high pulsed magnetic fields a specially designed world-unique capacitor bank has been installed. Operating at a maximum voltage of 24 kV, peak currents of up to 500 kA with a pulsed power of about 5 GW can be supplied. Besides this high-energy (50 MJ) capacitor bank, a number of smaller capacitive pulsed-power generators are designed at the HLD, some of which supply currents beyond 1.5 MA on a microsecond time scale.

Background
As is well known, limited spatial resolution leads to partial volume effects (PVE) and consequently to limited signal recovery. Determination of the mean activity concentration of a target structure is thus compromised even at target sizes much larger than the reconstructed spatial resolution. This leads to serious size-dependent underestimates of true signal intensity in hot spot imaging. For quantitative PET in general and in the context of therapy assessment in particular it is, therefore, mandatory to perform an adequate partial volume correction (PVC). The goal of our work was to develop and to validate a model-free PVC algorithm for hot spot imaging.
Methods
The algorithm proceeds in two automated steps. Step 1: estimation of the actual object boundary with a threshold based method and determination of the total activity A measured within the enclosed volume V. Step 2: determination of the activity fraction B, which is measured outside the object due to the partial volume effect (spill-out). The PVE corrected mean value is then given by C_mean = (A+B)/V. For validation simulated tumours were used which were derived from real patient data (liver metastases of a colorectal carcinoma and head and neck cancer, respectively). The simulated tumours have characteristics (regarding tumour shape, contrast, noise, etc.) which are very similar to those of the underlying patient data, but the boundaries and tracer accumulation are exactly known. The PVE corrected mean values of 37 simulated tumours were determined and compared with the true mean values.
Results
For the investigated simulated data the proposed approach yields PVE corrected mean values which agree very well with the true values (mean deviation (± s.d.): .(-0.8 ± 2.5)%).
Conclusions
The described method enables accurate quantitative partial volume correction in oncological hot spot imaging.

Citrate complexes are the dominant binding form of trivalent actinides and lanthanides in human urine at pH < 6. Hence, an accurate prediction of the speciation of these elements in the presence of citric acid is crucial for the understanding of the impact on the metabolism of the human organism and the corresponding health risks. We studied the complexation of Cm(III) and Eu(III), as representatives of trivalent actinides and lanthanides, respectively, in aqueous citrate solution over a wide pH range using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Four distinct citrate complexes were identified and their stability constants were determined for both Cm(III) and Eu(III), which are MHCit0, M(HCitH)HCit2-, M(HCit)23-, and M(Cit)25- (M = Cm, Eu). Additionally, there were also indications for the formation of MCit- complexes. Structural details on the EuHCit and EuCit- complexes were obtained with FT-IR spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory calculations. IR spectroscopic evidence for the deprotonation of the hydroxyl group of the citrate ion in the EuCit- complex is presented, which also revealed that the complexation of the Eu3+ ion takes place not only through the carboxylate groups, like in EuCit0, but additionally via the hydroxylate group. In both EuCit0 and EuCit- the carboxylate binding mode is mono-dentate. Under very low metal : citrate ratio that is typical for human body fluids, the Cm(III) and Eu(III) speciation was found to be strongly pH-dependent. The Cm(III) and Eu(III) citrate complexes dominant in human urine at pH < 6 were identified to be Cm(HCitH)HCit2- and a mixture of Eu(HCitH)HCit2- and EuHCit0. The results specify our previous in vitro study using natural human urine samples.

The research field focussing on the investigations and the analyses of severe accidents is an important part of the nuclear safety. To maintain the safety barriers as long as possible and to retain the radioactivity within the airtight premises or the containment, to avoid or mitigate the consequences of such events and to assess the risk, thorough studies are needed. On the one side, it is the aim of the severe accident research to understand the complex phenomena during the in- and ex-vessel phase, involving reactor-physics, thermal-hydraulics, physico-chemical and mechanical processes. On the other side the investigations strive for effective severe accident management measures.

This paper is focused on the possibilities for accident management measures in case of severe accidents. The reactor pressure vessel is the last barrier to keep the molten materials inside the reactor, and thus to prevent higher loads to the containment. To assess the behaviour of a nuclear power plant during transient or accident conditions, computer codes are widely used, which have to be validated against experiments or benchmarked against other codes. The analyses performed with the integral code ASTEC cover two accident sequences which could lead to a severe accident: a small break loss of coolant accident and a station blackout. The results have shown that in case of unavailability of major active safety systems the reactor pressure vessel would ultimately fail. The discussed issues concern the main phenomena during the early and late in-vessel phase of the accident, the time to core heat-up, the hydrogen production, the mass of corium in the reactor pressure vessel lower plenum and the failure of the reactor pressure vessel. Additionally, possible operator’s actions and countermeasures in the preventive or mitigative domain are addressed. The presented investigations contribute to the validation of the European integral severe accidents code ASTEC for VVER-1000 type of reactors.

Typically, the assessment of effective diffusion parameters of natural geologic media is conducted by repeated concentration measurements in diffusion cells. They contain small-sized samples which are regarded as 1D-homogeneous “black boxes”. Alternatively, 1D-tracer profiles can be obtained by means of abrasive pealing [1]. These methods have in common that 2D or higher spatial inhomogeneity of structure (and composition) and anisotropy cannot be considered in one and the same sample. In the course of the past decade we established the GeoPET-method allowing the direct, non-destructive, quantitative spatiotemporal visualization of (e.g.) diffusion processes in natural geological media on drill-core scale [2-4]. Here we couple it with the parameterization of heterogeneous and anisotropic effective diffusion parameters by means of inverse modeling with a finite element based numerical model (COMSOL Multiphysics, V4.2a) [5].
Out GeoPET-method is characterized by unrivalled sensitivity and selectivity to positron-emitting radio nuclides (here: PET tracers, Positron Emission Tomography, a nuclear medicine imaging method) in geological systems, without physical and chemical impact on the observed (reactive) transport process, and with adequate spatial and temporal resolution. Requirements for reaching the physical limit of image resolution of nearly 1 mm are a high-resolution PET-camera, like our ClearPET scanner (Raytest), and appropriate correction methods for scatter and attenuation of 511 keV-photons in the dense geological material. The latter are by far more significant than in human
and small animal body tissue (water). For long-term experiments, like diffusion monitoring, unconventional PET-nuclides, like 124I (T1/2 = 4.18 d), 58Co (T1/2 = 71.3 d) and 22Na (T1/2 = 4.602 a), are applied. The sensitivity is in the order of 0.1 kBq per voxel (1.5 mm3), which is limited by the background radiation.
Diffusion experiments were conducted on Opalinus clay drill cores with diameter of 10 cm and a length of 8 cm. These were cast into epoxy resin and a small axial drill hole was filled with 1 ml synthetic Opalinus pore water (OPW), labeled with a PET-nuclide. In first tests we applied 124Iodide.
Over 3 weeks we observed fast tracer propagation in distinct zones of the sample. This we interpret as due to suction into partially unsaturated zones. One sample was re-saturated over 3 months with OPW and then with OPW labeled with 22Na. The diffusion of the PET-tracer was observed for the following cause of 7 months. Then the specific activity fell below the detection threshold.
The quality of the obtained > 20 GeoPET-images is still improvable. Extensive Monte-Carlo simulations of our measurements, considering material dependent scattering cross sections of all occurring nuclear physical effects, have provided us with profound knowledge on the impact of scattering and attenuation on image quality [6]. Typical artifacts and blurring are identified as result of Compton scattering, which affects more than 70% of all recorded coincidences. Skillful selection of energy window and gantry diameter is capable of reducing this value to about 47%. This percentage will further drop significantly once the currently developed, appropriate scatter correction algorithms
are applied. Further, these Monte-Carlo simulations are a potential method for inversion-based image reconstruction [6].
We modeled this experiment with COMSOL Multiphysics ® 4.2a (3D convection-diffusion equation, PDE mode, PARDISO solver) for reproducing the observed spatiotemporal concentration distribution data with the differential equation for anisotropic diffusion and adsorption. By importing GeoPET images from various time steps and applying the Optimization Module (least square fit applying the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm) to these images we efficiently determined best fit values e.g. of the diffusion tensor. Combined with the parameter sweep operation the sensitivity analysis is performed in parallel and covers the range of literature values for porosity and Kd values for 22Na+ sorption on Opalinus clay [5].
The experimental data could be reproduced quite well, but the obtained parameter values for diffusion parallel and normal to the bedding are slightly larger than reported in [7]. This is in accordance with our observations of an emerging gas bubble in the tracer reservoir. In spite of the long re-saturation period, suction tensions caused by unsaturated clay zones must have significantly influenced the transport regime by an additional advective component.
References
1. Van Loon, L.R. and J. Eikenberg, A high-resolution abrasive method for determining diffusion profiles of sorbing radionuclides in dense argillaceous rocks. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2005. 63: p. 11-21.
2. Richter, M., et al., Positron Emission Tomography for modelling of geochmical transport processes in clay. Radiochimica Acta, 2005. 93: p. 643-651.
3. Kulenkampff, J., et al., Evaluation of positron emission tomography for visualisation of migration processes in geomaterials. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 2008. 33: p. 937-942.
4. Gründig, M., et al., Tomographic radiotracer studies of the spatial distribution of heterogeneous geochemical transport processes. Applied Geochemistry, 2007. 22: p. 2334-2343.
5. Schikora, J., Simulation of diffusion-adsorption processes in natural geological media by means of COMSOL Multiphysics, in Faculty of mechanical Science and Engineering. 2012, Dresden Technical University: Dresden, Germany. p. 95.
6. Zakhnini, A., et al., Monte Carlo simulations of GeoPET experiments: 3D images of tracer distributions (18F, 124I and 58Co) in Opalinus Clay, anhydrite and quartz. 2012. 2012 (submitted).
7. Gimmi, T. and G. Kosakowski, How mobile are sorbed cations in clay and clay rocks? Environmental Science and Technology, 2011. 45: p. 1443-1449.

The aim of the present analysis is to determine the relative production cross sections of the Λ(1405) and Σ(1385)⁰ resonances in p+p collisions at E_kin = 3.5 GeV measured with HADES. Upper and lower limits have been determined for the ratio (Σ(1385)⁰+p+K⁺)(Λ(1405)+p+K⁺)=0.76+0.54−0.26. The knowledge of this ratio is an essential input for the analysis of the decay Λ(1405)→Σ^±π^∓ , where an unambiguous separation of the Λ(1405) and Σ(1385)⁰ signals is not possible.

We present an analysis of the hyperons Λ(1405) and Σ(1385)⁺ for p+p reactions at 3.5 GeV kinetic beam energy. The data were taken with the High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer (HADES). A Λ(1405) signal could be reconstructed in both charged decay channels Λ(1405) → Σ^±π^∓. The obtained statistics of the Σ(1385)⁺ signal allows also differential studies.

Electromagnetic stirring during solidification has been proved to be a striking method for achieving a purposeful alteration of the microstructure of casting ingots, such as grain refinement or the promotion of a transition from a columnar to an equiaxed dendritic groth (CET). However, the imposition of a rotating (RMF) or a travelling magnetic field (TMF) also causes problems like the occurrence of typical segregation pattern or a deflection of the upper free surface. A permanent radial inward (RMF and downward TMF) or outward (upward TMF) flow along the solidification front is responsible for the transport of solute to the axis or the wall of the ingot resulting in typical freckle segregation pattern filled with alloy of eutectic composition. Recent studies have shown, that modulated AC magnetic fields are appropriate to overcome these problems.
We present an experimental study concerning measurements of the flow inside a liquid metal column exposed to a pulsed rotating magnetic field. A novel ultrasound Doppler system was used two measure two-dimensional velocity fields of the secondary flow in the radial-meridional plane. It employs an array of 25 transducer elements allowing a fast electronic traversing with concurrently high spatial and temporal resolution. The measurements revealed transient flow regimes showing distinct inertial oscillations and coherent vortex structures. The results demonstrate that the arising flow structure depends sensitively on the frequency of the RMF pulses.

Das Wissen über die Parameter eines Strahlungsfeldes ist die Vorraussetzung um Studien zu strahleninduzierten Effekten durchzuführen. Besonders eine Exposition in einem gemischten Neutronen- und Gammastrahlungsfeld stellt eine besondere Herausforderung dar.
Messungen des Radioisotopes Calcium-41 (Halbwertszeit: etwa 100 000 Jahre), das durch eine Neutroneneinfangsreaktion an Calcium-40 in Zahnschmelz produziert wurde, erlauben es, die Fluenz thermischer Neutronen retrospektiv zu bestimmen.
Die verwendete Methode ist die höchstempfindliche Beschleunigermassenspektrometrie (accelerator mass spectrometry, AMS).

Die Messungen an Zahnschmelz wurden an Proben durchgeführt, die von Atombomben-Überlebenden von Hiroshima zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Die Neutronendosis der gemessenen Zähne beträgt zwischen 10 und 80 mGy und wurde mittels Rechnungen des Dosimetriesystems DS02 zugeordnet. Die Gammadosis in Zahnschmelz wurde bereits aus Messungen der Elektronen-Spin-Resonanz rekonstruiert. Durch die Kombination beider Methoden bietet sich erstmals die Möglichkeit, die Exposition durch ein gemischtes Neutronen- und Gammastrahlungsfeld in ein und demselben biologischen Material retrospektiv zu quantifizieren.

Literatur: A. Wallner et al., Radiation Research 174, 137-145, 2010 und W. Rühm et al., Radiation Research 174, 146-154, 2010.

We show that efficient simulations of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang interface growth in 2 + 1 dimensions and of the 3-dimensional Kinetic Monte Carlo of thermally activated diffusion can be realized both on GPUs and modern CPUs. In this article we present results of different implementations on GPUs using CUDA and OpenCL and also on CPUs using OpenCL and MPI. We investigate the runtime and scaling behavior on different architectures to find optimal solutions for solving current simulation problems in the field of statistical physics and materials science.

Dissolution of a tetrafluoroborate or perchlorate salt of [M(OH2)6]2+ (M = Co, Ni, Cu) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraluforoborate ionic liquid ([emim]BF4) results in significant solvatochromism and increasing intensity of color. These observations arise from partial dehydration from the octahedral [M(OH2)6]2+ and formation of the tetrahedral [M(OH2)4]2+. This reaction was monitored by the intense absorption band due to the d−d transition in the UV−vis absorption spectrum. The EXAFS investigation clarified the coordination structures around M2+ {[Co(OH2)4]2+, R(Co−O) = 2.17 Å, N = 4.2; [Cu(OH2)4]2+, R(Cu−O) = 2.09 Å, N = 3.8}.
1H and 19F NMR study suggested that both [emim]+ and BF4 − are randomly arranged in the second-coordination sphere of [M(OH2)4]2+.

The composition of solute-enriched clusters and precipitates formed in Fe-Cr alloys as the result of neutron irradiation is an unsolved issue. It is an important issue for several reasons, namely:

• to reach a complete and consistent description of the nanoscale features derived from the application of necessarily several complementary techniques,
• to correctly design and calibrate models addressing the long-term evolution of the nanoscale features,
• to correctly draw conclusions and configure models on the hardening effect of those nanoscale features.

A fundamental problem in light-matter interaction is the coupling of an intense, monochromatic electromagnetic wave with a quantum mechanical two-level system. One effect related to this is the Autler-Townes or AC Stark effect. Originally observed and described in molecular spectroscopy the effect refers to a splitting of an energy level that is resonantly coupled via intense radiation to an adjacent level, i.e. the states get ”dressed” by the light-matter interaction. We investigate this effect using a free-electron laser (FEL) driven intra-excitonic transition between the 1s and 2p states in a semiconductor multiple quantum well .We have observed distinct intensity- and wavelengthdependent Rabi sidebands of the heavy-hole hh(1s) exciton line when the FEL was tuned around the 1s-2p transition. We also present measurements at higher electric fields exploring the regime beyond the rotating-wave approximation.

A fundamental problem in light-matter interaction is the coupling of an intense, monochromatic electromagnetic wave with a quantum mechanical two-level system. One effect related to this is the Autler-Townes or AC Stark effect. Originally observed and described in molecular spectroscopy the effect refers to a splitting of an energy level that is resonantly coupled via intense radiation to an adjacent level, i.e. the states get ”dressed” by the light-matter interaction. We investigate this effect using a free-electron laser (FEL) driven intra-excitonic transition between the heavy-hole 1s and 2p states in a semiconductor multiple quantum well. We have observed distinct intensity- and wavelength dependent Rabi sidebands of the 1s exciton line when the FEL was tuned around the 1s-2p transition. We also present measurements at higher electric fields exploring the regime beyond the rotating-wave approximation (RWA). Theoretical calculations support the understanding of the underlying processes which is especially interesting for the regime beyond the RWA. Also temperature-dependent measurements have been done and a clear Rabi-sideband behavior is observable up to 200 K where the thermal energy already exceeds the exciton binding energy by a factor of 1.7.

In the current-driven, kink-type Tayler instability (TI) a sufficiently strong azimuthal magnetic field becomes unstable against non-axisymmetric perturbations. The TI has been discussed as a possible ingredient of the solar dynamo mechanism and a source of the helical structures in cosmic jets. It is also considered as a size limiting factor for liquid metal batteries. We report on a liquid metal TI experiment using a cylindrical column of the eutectic alloy GaInSn to which electrical currents of up to 8 kA are applied. We present results of external magnetic field measurements that indicate the transient occurrence of the TI in good agreement with numerical predictions. The interference of TI with the competing large scale convection, resulting from Joule heating, is also discussed.

The molecular reactions of actinides at the solid-water interface play an important role in the retardation of radionuclides in the environment. Hence, the investigation of the interactions of actinides with metal oxides such as Al(OH)3, Fe(OOH)x, TiO2, or SiO2, serving as model phases for more complex, naturally occurring minerals in aqueous solution, becomes essential for the safety assessment in the near and far field of nuclear repositories. In recent years, the sorption behavior of neptunium (Np) onto synthetic and naturally occurring minerals was insufficiently studied. The majority of these studies provide macroscopic results presenting sorption capacities of the substrates and the effect of selective parameters on the sorption behavior. However, for a better understanding of the sorption mechanisms, structural information on a molecular level of the type of surface complex is still needed.
Comprehensive studies using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy have been carried out to investigate the in situ formation of neptunyl(V) surface complexes on aluminum hydroxide, namely gibbsite. This substrate serves as a model phase for more complex mineral systems, e.g. clay minerals. The surface complexation of Np(V) on amorphous and crystalline gibbsite was studied in detail by a multiplicity of experiments in the presence and absence of atmospherically derived carbonate . In the absence of carbonate, one inner-sphere complex is formed on amorphous gibbsite, whereas no sorption occurs on the crystalline gibbsite. In the presence of carbonate and dependent on the crystal structure, different surface species (inner-, outer-sphere and ternary) were derived from the spectra

Modern graphics processing units (GPUs) currently provide the most peek processing performance regarding both cost and energy consumption. This is achieved by mounting large numbers of simple cores rather than a few complex ones. The characteristics that come with this design demand a large degree of data-parallelism from applications. Thus, new approaches are needed for parallelizing tasks that are not by nature data-parallel.
The 3D kinetic lattice Monte Carlo (KLMC) method is a means of performing atomistic simulations of self-organization processes in solids at by far larger scales than those accessible via molecular dynamics (MD). This method has been implemented for GPUs, achieving up to 70 times higher performance than the sequential reference implementation on a single core of a modern CPU. This enables atomistic simulations at even larger scales, even putting space and time scales comparable to the experiment within range.
The new program has been shown to be useful to study the phase separation in large binary systems. This was done with an application for third generation photovoltaics cells in mind which is a subject of a current BMBF project. It was also applied to out-of-equilibrium problems, backing up a theory of inverse Ostwald ripening (IOR) from an angle that was not previously looked at.

Previously, ferromagnetic layers of Ge were produced by co-doping with Mn and Fe. While these layers were prepared by molecular beam epitaxy in the present study ion implantation is used for preparation. Implantation conditions were chosen that a maximum doping concentration of 6 atomic % per dopant was achieved. One sample set was implanted at 260 °C, another one at room temperature. Samples were characterized by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Several samples were recovered by flash lamp annealing. Ferromagnetism in Ge may be induced, however, in all cases the origin of the magnetism was not intrinsic but from secondary phases. Such phases were already formed due to implantation at elevated temperature. Implantation at room temperature prevents the formation but let the samples remain non-ferromagnetic. Subsequent short time annealing above a special limit will produce secondary phases or metal rich regions and ferromagnetism, annealing below does not change the magnetic behaviour but let diffusion processes start. Although nearly identical concentration conditions like in the study first mentioned were adjusted the nature of the magnetism is another one. It is hint that the order/disorder state of the magnetic atoms containing layer plays the more important role.

The suitability of argillaceous rock as host rock and backfill material in a nuclear waste repository is discussed worldwide. In a nuclear waste repository several factors have to be considered for safety assessment. Beside high radiotoxic nuclides, such as neptunium and plutonium, the finally stored high-level radioactive waste will contain also a high amount of uranium, which originates mainly from spent nuclear fuel. 1) Due to radioactive decay of the embedded radionuclides higher temperatures are expected close to the waste containers (argillaceous rock ≤ 100 °C (Brasser et al. 2008)). 2) Argillaceous rock contains also a certain amount of organic matter such as humic acids (Claret et al. 2003), which can be leached by groundwater. Humic acids (HA) have a variety of functional groups, thus, they are able to complex metal ions such as actinides and to form stable colloids. Hence, they can influence the actinide sorption and diffusion. For performance of safety assessment, it is necessary to know, how the migration of the different actinides are influenced by elevated temperatures and the presence of organic matter.
In this study the U(VI) diffusion in the argillaceous rock Opalinus Clay (OPA) from Mont Terri, Switzerland was investigated at 25 and 60 °C both in the absence and presence of HA. As background electrolyte synthetic OPA pore water (Pearson 1998) was applied (pH 7.6, I = 0.36 M). The experimental set-up used for the diffusion experiments at 25 °C and 60 °C is described in Van Loon and Soler (2004) and Joseph et al. (2012), respectively. OPA bore core samples (diameter: 2.55 cm, thickness: 1.1 cm, dry bulk density: ~ 2400 kg/m^3) were placed in four diffusion cells. Each was connected with a tracered source reservoir and a non-tracered receiving reservoir, all reservoirs were filled with OPA pore water. Two cells were tempered at 25 °C (cell 1, cell 2) and 60 °C (cell 3, cell 4), respectively. All experiments were performed under anaerobic conditions (N2, 0 % CO2). The pressure adjusted on the OPA samples amounted to 5 MPa. At first, in all four cells through- and out-diffusion of non-sorbing HTO was studied for determining the transport porosity of the clay samples. The results were in agreement with literature data (Van Loon and Soler 2004). Subsequently, the U(VI) diffusion in OPA was investigated at 25 °C (cell 1) and 60 °C (cell 3). The simultaneous diffusion of U(VI) and HA in OPA was studied at 25 °C (cell 2) and 60 °C (cell 4). Thereby, 233U(VI) (c0 = 1E-6 mol/L) and 14C-labeled HA (c0 = 10 mg/L) were applied as tracers. After three months the experiments were terminated. In all receiving reservoirs no 233U(VI) could be detected. However, diffused HA molecules were found. The diffusion profiles of U(VI) and HA in the OPA samples were determined with the help of the abrasive peeling technique described by Van Loon and Eikenberg (2005). The obtained diffusion profiles were evaluated using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics 3.5a (COMSOL 2008).
In Figure 1a the U(VI) diffusion profiles in OPA at 25 and 60 °C in the absence of HA are shown. At 25 °C, the Kd value determined for the interaction of U(VI) with OPA by diffusion experiments clearly confirms the Kd value determined by means of sorption experiments (Joseph et al. 2011). A reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) was excluded. The value for the apparent diffusion coefficient Da of U(VI) was comparable to that of Np(V) determined by Wu et al. (2009). Thus, a similar migration behavior of both actinides through OPA was assumed. At 60 °C, the experimental data could be fitted only by assuming two diffusing U(VI) species resulting in two diffusion profiles. These two species were identified by means of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray detector. The aqueous Ca2UO2(CO3)3 complex and so far, a not closer assignable colloidal U(VI) carbonate species were detected. In OPA the colloids diffused only about 500 µm, the aqueous U(VI) species was found up to a depth of about 2.5 mm. At 60 °C, the Kd values for both species were higher than that of U(VI) at 25 °C. Furthermore, the value for the effective diffusion coefficient De for the aqueous U(VI) species was increased. Both values compensate each other to almost equal Da values for U(VI) at 25 and 60 °C (only aqueous U(VI)). This shows, that the migration of U(VI) through OPA was not significantly influenced by the investigated higher temperature.

In Figure 1b the U(VI) diffusion profiles in OPA in the absence and presence of HA at 25 °C are presented. The profiles show, that in the presence of HA U(VI) penetrates the clay less than in the absence of HA. However, considering all the uncertainties a comparison of the respective Kd and De values verifies, that HA has no significant influence on U(VI) diffusion. This confirms the observations made by former batch sorption experiments for the system U(VI) / HA / OPA (Joseph et al. 2011). At 60 °C, also no influence of HA on the U(VI) diffusion was observed.
The study shows, that both investigated factors, an elevated temperature of 60 °C and the presence of HA, have no major influence on U(VI) migration through OPA.

References:

Brasser, T., Droste, J., Müller-Lyda, I., Neles, J.M., Sailer, M., Schmidt, G., Steinhoff, M. 2008. GRS - 247. Öko-Institut and Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS), Braunschweig.
Claret, F., Schäfer, T., Bauer, A., Buckau, G. 2003. Sci. Total Environ. 317, 189-200.
COMSOL 2008. Multiphysics 3.5a. Finite-element software package. http://www.comsol.com.
Joseph, C., Schmeide, K., Sachs, S., Brendler, V., Geipel, G., Bernhard, G. 2011. Chem. Geol. 284, 240-250.
Joseph, C., Van Loon, L.R., Jakob, A., Schmeide, K., Sachs, S., Bernhard, G. 2012. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, submitted.
Pearson, F.J. 1998. PSI Internal report TM-44-98-07. Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
Van Loon, L.R., Eikenberg, J. 2005. Appl. Radiat. Isot. 63, 11-21.
Van Loon, L.R., Soler, J.M. 2004. PSI-Bericht Nr. 04-03. Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland.
Wu, T., Amayri, S., Drebert, J., Van Loon, L.R., Reich, T. 2009. Environ. Sci. Technol. 43, 6567-6571.

Ridge waveguides have been fabricated in Nd:YAG single crystal by using femtosecond laser micromachining in an oxygen ion irradiated planar waveguide. The microphotoluminescence features have been found well preserved in the waveguide structures. Continuous wave lasers have been realized at 1.06 µm at room temperature in the ridge waveguide system with a lasing threshold of ~39 mW and a slope efficiency of 35%, which show superior performance to the planar waveguide.

We report on magnetic, optical, and thermodynamic properties of multiferroic CoCr₂O₄ in magnetic fields up to 14 T. We have found indications of a new phase transition at T* = 5 − 6 K. The phase between T* and the lock-in transition at 15 K is characterized by magnetic irreversibility. At higher fields the irreversibility increases. Heatcapacity measurements confirm the transition at T*, and also show the irreversible behaviour. We construct a field-temperature phase diagram of CoCr₂O₄. Below the ferrimagnetic transition (94 K), the low-frequency (terahertz) optical response is dominated by a magnetic exchange mode, which shows an anomalous temperature dependence and a softening at the structural transition (26 K).

Superconducting Pr₂CuO₄ films with T′ structure and T_c beetween 25 and 27 K have been investigated by different optical methods in a wide frequency range (5 – 55000 cm⁻¹) and for temperatures from 2 to 300 K. From the infrared reflectivity spectra, a superconducting gap of 2Δ₀ = 17 meV = 7.4 κ_BT_c is estimated. Absolute values of the London penetration depth (Δ_L) have been calculated from phase-sensitive teraherz measurements. The zero-temperature limit of (Δ_L) is 1.6 µm. The overall temperature dependence of (Δ_L)shows a behavior typical for the cuprates. However, a closer look on the penetration depth at low temperatures reveals a flattening of the temperature dependence. We find (Δ_L)(T) ∝ Tⁿ with n = 2.8 ± 0.2.

We report systematic tunable-frequency electron spin resonance (ESR) studies of the natural mineral azurite Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂. This material has a diamond spin-chain structure and exhibits unusual magnetic properties (including a magnetization plateau). ESR experiments have been done at frequencies from 50 to 1000 GHz in magnetic fields up to 51 T. The observed frequency-field dependence of the magnetic excitations clearly indicates the important role of magnetic frustrations in this material, which can be suppressed by high magnetic fields. Our findings are discussed in connection with results of inelastic neutron-scattering experiments.

Since 1964 predicted, there is no clear-cut experimental proof of the existence of a field-induced superconducting state with finite center of mass momentum (q \neq 0) [1]. In 2007, Lortz et al. reported thermodynamic evidence for a FFLO state in κ-(ET)₂Cu(NCS)₂ [2], where ET stands for bisethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene. They found an emerging sharp double-peak structure in the specific heat, indicating first-order phase transitions at high magnetic fields applied parallel to the superconducting ET layers. Expecting similar novel results for β′′-(ET)₂SF₅CH₂CF₂SO₃, we performed high-resolution specific-heat measurements for different orientations with very fine steps around perfect parallel alignment. In conclusion, we found an upturn in the field-temperature phase diagram of the superconducting phase beyond the Pauli-Clogston limit and we could observe a double-peak structure above 9.4 Tesla but only by tilting the field 0.2 degree out of the ET sheets.

We report systematic high-field electron spin resonance (ESR) studies of the quasi-two-dimensional spin- ½ Heisenberg antiferromagnet Cu(pz)₂(ClO₄)₂ (pz denotes pyrazine or C₄H₄N₂). The linewidth and resonance-field temperature dependences of the ESR absorptions in this compound were investigated in the frequency range from 85 to 416 GHz in magnetic fields up to 16 T. A pronounced ESR linewidth anomaly was revealed in the vicinity of T_N. This anomaly reflects enhanced critical fluctuations in this compound at the 3D ordering. The experiment revealed a significant change in the linewidth behavior for magnetic fields above 7 T, whose origin will be discussed.

The growing number of applications of transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices drives the need for novel cost-efficient transparent conductive materials. The epitaxial films of TiO2 doped with Nb or Ta show electrical resistivity values comparable to those of the best In2O3:Sn and ZnO:Al films. However, it is still challenging to achieve low electrical resistivity in polycrystalline TiO2-based films. In order to address this problem, we studied the films formed on glass substrates without heating by DC magnetron sputtering of reduced TiO2:Ta ceramic targets followed by vacuum annealing. It was crucial to use a plasma feedback system in order to enable a fine tuning of the oxygen supply into Ar and O2 gas mixture during the growth. This approach yielded the films with optical transittance above 85%, electrical resistivity in the range of 10-3  cm and free electron mobility of 8 cm²/Vs. The electrical activation of Ta dopant was above 60% that is substantially higher than that of Al in ZnO.

The reactor safety issues are of primary importance for preserving the health of the population and ensuring no release of radioactivity and fission products into the environment. A part of the nuclear research focuses on improvement of the safety of existing nuclear power plants. Studies, research and efforts are a continuing process at improving the safety and reliability of existing and newly developed nuclear power plants at prevention of a core melt accident.

Station blackout (loss of AC power supply) is one of the dominant accidents taken into consideration at performing accident analysis. In case of multiple failures of safety systems it leads to a severe accident. To prevent an accident to turn into a severe one or to mitigate the consequences, accident management measures must be performed. The present paper outlines possibilities for application and optimization of accident management measures following a station blackout accident. Assessed is the behaviour of the nuclear power plant during a station blackout accident without accident management measures and with application of primary/secondary side oriented accident management measures. Discussed are the possibilities for operators’ intervention and the influence of the performed accident management measures on the course of the accident. Special attention has been paid to the effectiveness of the passive feeding and physical phenomena having an influence on the system behaviour.

The performed simulations show that the effectiveness of the secondary side feeding procedure can be limited due to an early evaporation or flashing effects in the feed water system. The analyzed cases show that the effectiveness of the accident management measures strongly depends on the initiation criteria applied for depressurization of the reactor coolant system.

We study the flow during the radial solidification of an Al-7wt pct Si melt inside a cylindrical cavity with cooled side walls which is placed in a rotating magnetic field (RMF). The solidification process is simulated by means of a continuum model which is implemented in a code which solves the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations. qwe first analyz the start-up of the buoyancy-driven convection driven by the radial heat flux in absence of the RMF. We show that the initial large vortex breaks up into three smaller ones. The resulting radial temperature profiles are compared with experimental data. Second, we study how the vortex structure is modified by the application of small RMF's.

Schmelzen von Metallen und Halbleitern besitzen eine hohe industrielle Bedeutung. Als wichtigste Beispiele sind die Stahlherstellung und die Kristallzüchtung zu nennen. Bei allen Prozessen haben die in den Schmelzen auftretenden Strömungsverhältnisse eine großen Einfluss auf die Qualität des Endproduktes. Aufgrund ihrer hohen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit bietet sich die interessante Möglichkeit, diese Strömungen aktiv durch magnetische Felder zu beeinflussen. Da numerische Simulationen komplexe Strömungszustände oftmals nicht zuverlässig nachbilden können, besteht ein großer Bedarf an hochauflösenden Messverfahren. Aufgrund der opaken Fluide sind Ultraschallmesstechniken sehr gut geeignet. Allerdings weisen die aus der Medizintechnik verfügbaren tomographischen Verfahren keine ausreichenden Messeigenschaften, insbesondere für instationäre Strömungen, auf. Vorgestellt wird ein neuartiges Ultraschall-Messsystem, das mit dem Einsatz segmentierter Wandler und deren weitgehendem Parallelbetrieb erstsmals sowohl eine hohe Zeit- als auch eine hohe Ortsauflösung ermöglicht.

The safe and reliable operation of liquid metal systems requires corresponding measuring systems and control units, both for the liquid metal single-phase flow as well as for bubble-laden liquid metal two-phase flows. However, velocity measurements in opaque liquid metal flows still represent a challenging task as commercial measuring systems are not available for such fluids.
The paper reports on established methods and new developments in the field of measuring techniques for liquid metal flows. The presentation is focussed on measurements of the flow rate and the local velocity field as well as on the characterization of liquid metal two-phase flows. During the last two decades considerable effort was spent by miscellaneous researcher groups to provide new solutions for measurements of flow fields in liquid metals. This paper intends to summarize different approaches and tempts to account on perspectives, particularly in view of some recent developments (ultrasonic techniques, magnetic tomography).

We report on two unconventional routes of embedding superconducting nanolayers in a semiconducting environment. Ion implantation and subsequent annealing have been used for preparation of superconducting thin-films of Ga-doped germanium (Ge:Ga) [1] as well as 10 nm thin amorphous Ga-rich layers in silicon (Si:Ga) [2]. Structural investigations by means of XTEM, EDX, RBS/C, and SIMS have been performed in addition to low-temperature electrical transport and magnetization measurements. Regarding Ge:Ga, we unravel the evolution of T_c with charge-charrier concentration while for Si:Ga recently implemented microstructuring renders critical-current densities or more than 50 kA/cm². Combined with a superconducting onset at around 10 K, this calls for onchip application in novel heterostructured devices.

The elastic properties of spin-ice material Dy₂Ti₂O₇ has been studied for different longitudinal and transverse acoustic-modes in a temperature range from 20 mK to 300 K and magnetic fields applied along various crystallographic directions. The sound velocity and the sound attenuation exhibit a number of anomalies versus magnetic field at temperatures below the ”freezing” temperature of approximately 500 mK. Most notable are peaks in the sound velocity, which exhibit two distinct regimes: an intrinsic (extrinsic) one in which the data collapse for different field-sweep rates when plotted as function of field strength (time). The intrinsic regime involves the release of Zeeman energy from spins, the extrinsic one, transfer of energy out of the sample. Additionally a sharp drop in the sound velocity can be seen at B = 1.25 T. This can indicate a 1st-order phase transition from the low-density to the high-density monopole state. We discuss our observations in context of the emergent quasiparticles which govern the low-temperature dynamics of the spin-ice.

Studies of magnetic and magneto-acoustic characteristics of the intermetallic compound UCu_0.95Ge with antiferromagnetic ground state have been performed on single crystals in pulsed magnetic fields up to 64 T applied along the main axes. Along the a axis, a first-order phase transition has been observed at 61 T. For the field applied along the c axis, the first-order phase transition occurs at a much lower magnetic field (38 T). In both directions, the magnetization trends to saturate at 1.35 µ_B per formula unit. These field-induced transitions as well as the spontaneous transition at the magnetic ordering at T_N = 48 K are accompanied by pronounced anomalies in the sound velocity and sound attenuation. The field-temperature phase diagrams are constructed for both directions of the magnetic field. The results of our theoretical analysis within the framework of the mean-field approximation qualitatively agree with the observed behavior of magnetic and magneto-acoustic characteristics of UCu_0.95Ge.

Three-dimensional numerical simulations are presented considering the impact of a steady magnetic field on a bubble-driven liquid metal flow inside a cylinder. The injection of moderate gas flow rates through a single orifice at the bottom of the fluid vessel results in the formation of a bubble plume. The magnetic field is applied in either vertical or horizontal direction. The calculations were performed by means of the commercial software package CFX using the Euler-Euler multiphase model and the RANS-SST turbulence model. The non-isotropic nature of MHD turbulence was taken into account by specific modifications of the turbulence model. The numerical models are validated with recent experimental results (Zhang et al., 2007b). The comparison between the numerical simulations and the experimental findings shows a good agreement. The calculations are able to reproduce a striking feature of a horizontal magnetic field found in the range of moderate Hartmann numbers revealing that such a steady transverse magnetic field may destabilize the flow and cause distinct oscillations of the liquid velocity.

Objectives:

The alpha4beta2 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. (–)-[F-18]flubatine is a new and promising PET tracer for neuroimaging of alpha4beta2-nAChRs and is currently investigated in a first study in humans. The original radiosynthesis of (–)-[F-18]flubatine was based on the bromo precursor and afforded the product in low yields (~2-3%). Here we present a new high yield radiosynthesis strategy based on an optimised leaving group/ protecting group assembly.

Methods:

A small library of precursors was synthesized containing –Cl, –NO2 and trimethylammonium (TMA) triflate and iodide as leaving groups and ethylcarbamate, Fmoc, Trityl, as well as Boc as protecting groups. [F-18]flubatine, was prepared via a two-step radiosynthesis. In the first step the nucleophilic radiofluorination was investigated. The radiolabelled product was then deprotected to yield the final radiotracer.

Results:

The best radiochemical results were obtained with a TMA iodide precursor containing a Bocprotecting group. Radiolabelling afforded the protected product in yields of 90±5%, with a RCY 70±5% (n=25) and a specific activity >350 GBq/Hmol. The complete deprotection of the Boc-PG succeeded with 1M HCl at 90°C within 5 min. TMA iodide precursors with other PGs led to lower labelling yields and several by-products after deprotection. Analytical and semipreparative HPLC separation protocols were developed using RP18-AQ phases and (–)-[F-18]flubatine was isolated in very high purity. The final product is stable in diluted HCl, NaOH and K2CO3 solutions as well as under physiological conditions.

Conclusions:

An optimized radiosynthesis of (–)-[F-18]flubatine was developed which will allow for an easy and automated radiotracer production applicable for human studies.

Research Support:

The project was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (01EZ0820).

eingeladener Vortrag ohne Abstract

The assessment of supply risk of high technology elements requires quality assurance of their natural carriers such as ores. One path to achieve this goal is through the use of reference materials (RMs). Providing reliable data on elemental concentrations at the µg/g level and on their spatial distribution is achieved by employing spatially-resolved micro-analytical methods.
In order to produce synthetic RMs with optimized chemical composition, three natural mineral analogues (sanidine, pyrite, columbite) have been tested for chemical homogeneity with three methods based on X-ray detection: EPMA (Electron Probe Micro Analyzer), Sy-µXRF (Synchrotron radiation-induced X-ray Fluorescence) and PIXE. EPMA analyses were carried out at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg using an accelerating voltage of 20 keV and a beam size of 2 µm. Sy-µXRF measurements were performed at the hard X-ray beamline “BAMline” at the synchrotron facility BESSY in Berlin. Samples were exposed in atmosphere to monochromatic X-rays of 20 keV focused with a compound refractive lens to 3x3 µm² or 5x7.4 µm². PIXE data were obtained using a 3 MeV proton beam of about 5x5 µm² from a 3 MV tandem accelerator at the HZDR, Dresden.
Quantitative (EPMA, PIXE) and qualitative (Sy-µXRF) elemental distribution maps have been obtained for major, minor and trace elements for each scan. At least five trace elements were detected in each of the matrices, showing irregular distribution patterns. Compared to PIXE, Sy-µXRF spectra were characterized by lower peak to background ratios, thus, better detection limits could be achieved and more trace elements identified, such as Ge and Pb in sanidine, Mn and Ti in columbite, and Zn and Se in pyrite.
Compared to EPMA and PIXE, only Sy-µXRF seems to be thorough and robust enough for swift homogeneity testing for trace elements distribution in light, medium-heavy matrices, thus, proving to be an invaluable method in quality assurance of synthetic candidate RMs.

A spin-polarized current flowing through a ferromagnet can exert a torque on the local magnetization [1,2]. This phenomenon is currently intensively investigated due to its potential application in magnetic random access memory (MRAM) or in telecommunication devices. Presently, the structure of choice for spin-torque devices includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with an MgO barrier, due to their large magnetoresistance signals. However, a key step towards the practical implementation as MRAM elements is the reduction of the critical voltages, in order to keep the size of the selection transistor down and compete with existing technologies [3]. In addition, magnetic tunnel junctions also exhibit a somewhat obscure behaviour referred to as ‘back-hopping’, whereby reliable switching to the desired state is achieved for applied voltages of the order of the critical voltage, but a larger applied bias induces a telegraph-noise behaviour [4, 5]. Back-hopping is characteristic for MTJs, as it has not been observed in metallic multilayers, and poses concerns for designing industrially-competitive MRAM devices.

We evaluate the switching voltages and their temperature dependence by analytically and numerically solving the modified Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation which includes both Slonczewski-like (in-plane) and field-like (out-of-plane) torque terms for different geometries. Its quadratic dependence on the applied voltage [6] translates into a more complex correlation between the critical bias and the external field, altering the shape of the phase diagram. It also explains back-hopping at a large bias for specific geometries, in agreement with experimental results.

References:

[1] J. C. Slonczewski, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 159, L1 (1996)
[2] L. Berger, Phys. Rev. B 54, 9359 (1996)
[3] Z. Diao et al., J. Phys. D: Cond. Mat. 19, 165209 (2007)
[4] J. Z. Sun, J. Appl. Phys. 105, 07D109 (2009)
[5] T. Min et al., J. Appl. Phys. 105, 07D126 (2009)
[6] C. Heiliger and M. Stiles, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 186805 (2008)

Injection and detection of spin accumulation in a semiconductor having localized states at the interface is evaluated. Spin transport from a ferromagnetic contact by sequential, two-step tunneling via interface states is treated not in itself, but in parallelwith direct tunneling. The spin accumulation dμch induced in the semiconductor channel is not suppressed, as previously argued, but genuinely enhanced by the additional spin current via interface states. Spin detection with a ferromagnetic contact yields a weighted average of dμch and the spin accumulation dμls in the localized states. In the regime where dμls/dμch is largest, the detected spin signal is insensitive to dμls and the ferromagnet probes the spin accumulation in the semiconductor channel.

Low-energy electrons (LEEs) play an important role in nanolithography, atmospheric chemistry, and DNA radiation damage. Previously, the cleavage of specific chemical bonds triggered by LEEs has been demonstrated in a variety of small organic molecules such as halogenated benzenes and DNA nucleobases. Here we present a strategy that allows for the first time to visualize the electron-induced dissociation of single chemical bonds within complex, but well-defined self-assembled DNA nanostructures. We employ atomic force microscopy to image and quantify LEE-induced bond dissociations within specifically designed oligonucleotide targets that are attached to DNA origami templates. In this way, we use a highly selective approach to compare the efficiency of the electron-induced dissociation of a single disulfide bond with the more complex cleavage of the DNA backbone within a TT dinucleotide sequence. This novel technique enables the fast and parallel determination of DNA strand break yields with unprecedented control over the DNA’s primary and secondary structure. Thus the detailed investigation of DNA radiation damage in its most natural environment, e.g., DNA nucleosomes constituting the chromatin, now becomes feasible.

The new closure models for bubble coalescence and breakup proposed in our previous work (Liao and Lucas, 2011) are tested in the case of condensing steam-water pipe flows. Steady-state CFD calculations are performed with the commercial CFD solver CFX12.1. The predicted evolution of cross-section averaged bubble size distribution and gas volume fraction along the pipe is compared with the measured one provided by the TOPFLOW facility (Lucas et al., 2010). It is shown that for cases with small initial bubble size and low gas volume fraction, bubble coalescence and breakup is nearly negligible and the change of bubble size is mainly due to condensation. Nevertheless, with the increase of initial bubble size or gas volume fraction bubble coalescence and breakup become important phenomena. The performance of the new closure models and the standard ones available in CFX is investigated for two examples of such a case. It is shown that both sets of the models give an overestimation of breakup rate, especially the standard ones. Furthermore, the results are found to be dependent sensitively on the inlet liquid temperatures, which might exceed the accuracy of the measurements. In addition, inter-phase heat transfer models have a significant impact on the results.

The electromagnetic dipole strength of the nucleus 136Ba has been investigated at two facilities. At the bremsstrahlung facility at the ELBE accelerator of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, two measurements were performed with electron energies of 7.0 and 11.4 MeV. Photon scattering on the same nucleus has been investigated at the HI$gS facility of the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory.
The GEANT4 code has been used to determine detector response and non-nuclear scattered events. Thus it is possible to account for the dipole strength in the quasi-continuum of unresolvable transitions. A statistical code was used to simulate inelastic transitions and to determine the branching ratios of transitions to the ground-state. The resulting photo-absorption cross section is compared to QRPA and RQTBA calculations.

Superconductivity in doped semiconductors is of increasing interest in both, fundamental research and applied physics. We report on superconducting Ge layers fabricated by Ga ion implantation and subse-quent flash lamp annealing. A brief introduction to alternative preparation methods and the physics of superconducting semiconductors is given, too. The microstructure of and the electrical transport in the Ga doped Ge layers are investigated in detail. Finally, it is demonstrated that increasing the Ga concentration and the thermal budget of annealing leads to Ga segregation. In this case superconducting properties similar to that of amorphous Ga films are obtained.

We report on the fabrication of ridge waveguide in Nd:GGG crystal by using swift C5+ ion irradiation and femtosecond laser ablation. At room temperature continuous wave laser oscillation at wavelength of ~1063 nm has been realized through the optical pump at 808 nm with a slope efficiency of 41.8% and the pump threshold is 71.6 mW.

CoDustMas is a Collaborative Research Project (CRP) of Eurogenesis, one of the EUROCORES programmes of the European Science Foundation. This international network aims at understanding the crucial role that supernovae (SNe) play in the formation of cosmic dust. Specifically, this CRP will study the synthesis of dust grains in core-collapse supernovae; isotopic signatures in dust grains; and mixing, evolution and transport of dust in supernova remnants.
Applying accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) two aspects are tackled. First, the measurement of trace element isotope ratios in presolar nanodiamonds isolated from primitive meteorites, e.g. the ratios of Pt isotopes to extract r-process nucleosynthesis signatures. Recent results demonstrate the applicability of AMS for determining stable Pt isotope signatures in diamonds extracted from Allende. These AMS data may indicate a small ¹⁹⁸Pt anomaly; its significance and new approaches will be discussed.
The second aspect relates to the search for live SN-produced radionuclides in terrestrial deep-sea archives. In particular, the focus is on isotopes with half-lives of the order of million years. We continue this search by investigating, with high time resolution, two deep-sea sediment cores from the Indian Ocean for a possible signal of the SN-candidates ²⁶Al, ⁵³Mn, ⁶⁰Fe, and potentially ²⁴⁴Pu.

For the rst time a high-pressure gas target has been investigated at the bremsstrahlung facility at the ELBE accelerator of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf. The experiment was carried out at electron beam energies of 7 and 12MeV in order to study dipole excitations up to an energy region up to the neutron separation. The talk will present data analysis and simulations methods of the experiments in Rossendorf. GEANT4 simulations were performed to subtract the atomic background from the measured spectrum and deduce the intensity of the resonantly scattered gamma-rays. Also the response functions for the high-purity germanium detectors were simulated by GEANT4, which allows us to deduce the intensity of unresolvable peaks due to decreasing level-spacing. Considering also the transitions from states in the quasicontinuum, simulations of gamma-ray cascades were carried out with a new code to estimate branching ratios. As a result the photoabsorption cross section obtained from transitions to the ground state is calculated. The data will be presented in the context of further photon-scattering experiments performed in Rossendorf on the stable isotopes at the closed neutron shell N = 50.

For the first time, cross-section measurements were carried out for the 86 Kr(gamma,n) reaction in order to probe the s-process branching point nucleus 85Kr. The branching point nuclei in the s-process path are of importance in testing and constraining the nucleosynthesis models. Cross-section measurement for the photoneutron reaction on the neighbouring stable isotope is carried out to deduce the aforesaid neutron capture cross-section, as has been adopted in the present case of 85Kr branching point. The cross-section results from the 86 Kr(gamma,n) reaction were compared with the statistical model calculations using TALYS code.

Results of a study of dielectron and pion production in p + Nb collisions at incident proton beam energy 3.5 GeV are presented. The data are taken by the High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer (HADES) at GSI Darmstadt.
The dielectron invariant mass distributions are compared to data from elementary p+p reactions at the same beam energy. At this energy above the light vector meson production threshold, the omega peak is clearly identified. The collected statistics and high acceptance for pair momenta within the interval 50-2000 MeV/c allow for a study of momentum dependence of the omega yield and spectral shape. The strongest medium modification in the line shape is expected for low momenta mesons decaying inside the nuclear matter. Comparing the measured p+Nb data with the p+p reference experiment results, the signifficant change in yield of low momenta dielectron pairs in the vector meson mass region is observed.
Data on charged pi meson emission, which are related to neutral pions representing a dominant contribution to the dielectron yield, are shown as well. They contribute to the results from systematic studies of the pion production in the proton-nucleus collisions, which point to a transition of the pion source from simple NN collisions to emission of thermalized pions from a fireball, when increasing the atomic number of the target nucleus. The data also serve as a reliable tool for normalization of the dielectron data.

In the last years, the detection schemes for laser-accelerated ion beams had to be developed much further. In the beginning, experiments where mainly performed on laser facilities with a few shots a day and online diagnostics such as film stacks where sufficient in order to characterize the ion beam. Nowadays many experiments are carried out at high power lasers with repetition rates on the order of 10 Hz and thus the need of on line detectors has grown significantly.
In this talk, the ion accelerator at the 100 TW laser DRACO in Dresden are described. Already implemented detectors such as MCPs and scintillators as well as desirable devices for future measurements are described.

Summary:

With the expansion of the radiation source ELBE, a centre for high power radiation sources is being built between 2009 and 2014 at the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf. One part of this program is to increase the beam current of the ELBE LINAC. In January 2012 each of the 10kW CW klystrons used to operate the superconducting cavities of ELBE since 2001 had been replaced by a pair of 10kW solid state amplifiers.The talk gives an overview on the new RF-system of ELBE and its performance.

Open volume defects generated by ion implantation into oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy and the related hardness were investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy and nanoindentation measurements, respectively. Synchronized dual beam implantation of Fe and He ions was performed at room temperature and at moderately enhanced temperature of 300°C. For room temperature implantation a significant hardness increase after irradiation is observed which is more distinctive in heat treated than in as-received ODS alloy. There is also a difference between the simultaneous and sequential implantation mode as the hardening effect for the simultaneously implanted ODS alloy is stronger than for sequential implantation.
The comparison of hardness profiles and of the corresponding open volume profiles shows a qualitative agreement between the open volume defects generated on the nanoscopic scale and the macroscopic hardness characteristics.
Open volume defects are drastically reduced for performing the simultaneous dual beam irradiation at 300°C which is a more realistic temperature under application aspects. Few remaining defects are clusters of 3-4 vacancies in connection with Y oxide nanoparticles. These defects completely disappear in a shallow layer at the surface. The results are in agreement with hardness measurements showing little hardness increase after irradiation at 300°C.
Suitable characteristics of ODS alloy for nuclear applications and the close correlation between He-related open volume defects and the hardness characteristics are verified.

Eine vereinfachte Auswertemethode für die Elektrodenkalibration bei hohen Ionenstärken unter Beachtung der K _w-Korrektur wird vorgestellt.

Understanding conservative flow and reactive tracer transport processes in soils and rock formations requires quantitative visualization methods in 3D+t. After a decade of research and development we established the GeoPET as a non-destructive method with unrivalled sensitivity and selectivity, without physical and chemical impact, and with due spatial and temporal resolution by applying Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a nuclear medicine imaging method, to dense rock material. Requirements for reaching the physical limit of image resolution of nearly 1 mm are a high-resolution PET- camera, like our ClearPET scanner (Raytest), and appropriate correction methods for scatter and attenuation of 511 keV - photons in the dense geological material, which are by far more significant than in human and small animal body tissue (water).
Here we present data from Monte Carlo simulations, considering all involved nuclear physical processes of the measurement with the ClearPET-system, that allows us to quantify the sensitivity of the method and the scatter fractions in geological media as function of material (quartz, Opalinus clay and anhydrite compared to water), PET isotope (18F, 58Co and 124I), and system parameters. Comparison of simulated data with measured images indicates the limits of the method and provides procedures for image quality improvement, including a scatter correction method by subtracting projections of simulated scattered coincidences from experimental data sets prior to image reconstruction with an iterative reconstruction process.

We present a combined neutron diffraction and bulk thermodynamic study of the natural mineral linarite PbCuSO₄(OH)₂, this way establishing the nature of the ground-state magnetic order. An incommensurate magnetic ordering with a propagation vector k = (0, 0.186, 1/2) was found below T_N = 2.8 K in a zero magnetic field. The analysis of the neutron diffraction data yields an elliptical helical structure, where one component (0.638 µ_B) is in the monoclinic ac plane forming an angle with the a axis of 27(2)°, while the other component (0.833 µ_B) points along the b axis. From a detailed thermodynamic study of bulk linarite in magnetic fields up to 12 T, applied along the chain direction, a very rich magnetic phase diagram is established, with multiple field-induced phases, and possibly short-range-order effects occurring in high fields. Our data establish linarite as a model compound of the frustrated one-dimensional spin chain, with ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor and antiferromagnetic next-nearest-neighbor interactions. Long-range magnetic order is brought about by interchain coupling 1 order of magnitude smaller than the intrachain coupling.

Vorstellung der wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten und erzielten Ergebnisse im Projekt NanoPharm - Teilprojekt: Herstellung und Charakterisierung von photokatalytischen S-Layer Nanokompositen, welche zur Erreichung des Meilensteins beitragen.

Das radioaktive Nuklid Titan-44 wird Modellrechnungen zufolge in Kernkollaps-Supernovae erzeugt. Die Gammastrahlung aus seinem Zerfall kann als Werkzeug zum Test von Supernova-Modellen genutzt werden, weil sie zumindest für einen Supernova-Überrest durch satellitengestützte Gamma-Teleskope nachweisbar ist. Zur Interpretation dieser Messungen ist eine genaue Kenntnis der Kernreaktionsraten für die Erzeugung und Zerstörung von Titan-44 erforderlich. Die 40Ca(alpha,gamma)44Ti-Reaktion dominiert die Erzeugung von Titan-44. Ihre Rate wird je nach Temperatur von mehreren Resonanzen dominiert. Die Stärken der Resonanzen bei 3.5 - 3.7 MeV alpha-Energie werden am Dresdner 3MV Tandetron sowohl mittels in-beam Gamma-Spektrometrie als auch durch eine Aktivierungsmessung im Felsenkeller-Niederniveaumesslabor bestimmt. Gefördert von der EU (FP7-SPIRIT 227012) und der DFG (BE 4100/2-1).

The 22Ne(p,g)23Na reaction takes part in the so called neon-sodium-cycle of hydrogen burning. This cycle is important at higher temperature than those experienced in the sun and plays a role in explosive hydrogen burning in an astrophysical nova. In addition, this reaction possibly depletes the supply of 22Ne in the accreting white dwarf preceeding a supernova of type Ia. The rate of this reaction depends on the strengths of several resonances in the energy range of the LUNA 0.4 MV accelerator which have never been observed in direct experiments. A related study is under preparation at LUNA. The poster will show the experimental set-up and planned measurement strategy.

Mountain glaciers are sensitive indicators for climate change, mainly summer temperature and precipitation. Glacial chronologies from Central Asia have therefore been suggested to provide valuable information about past changes in temperature, as well as precipitation and related changes in atmospheric circulation. However, available age control is still sparse. Here we present a glacial chronology for the Gissar Range, Tajikistan, based on thirteen ¹⁰Be surface exposure ages. Prominent moraine lobes document glacial advances in phase with the global last glacial maximum (LGM) during marine isotope stage (MIS) 2. Rapid and significant deglaciation occurred already at ~20 ka as inferred from recessional stages. An older and slightly more extensive glaciation could be dated to MIS 4, whereas the timing of the most extensive glaciation remains speculative. In contrast to the glacial chronologies from the nearby, more arid Pamir and Tien Shan, where MIS 3 and MIS 5 moraines likely document past periods with increased precipitation, glaciers in the more humid Gissar Range predominantly recorded past changes in temperature and summer insolation.

DC resistivity and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements have been performed on the two-dimensionalorganicconductor k-(BEDT-TTF)₂Hg(SCN)₂Cl. Due to electronic correlations, the compound undergoes a transition from a metallic to an insulating state at T_MI= 34 K.The ESR parameters exhibit a drastic change below T_afm=27K that evidences a magnetic phase transition. Int his low-temperature state, we observe the characteristics of antiferromagnetic resonances in the angular dependence of the g-value.

Using time resolved photoluminescence (PL) quenching measurements, we investigated inplane carrier transfer in InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs). THz pulses from a free-electron laser tuned to the intersublevel transition energy were used to excite carriers to higher levels causing quenching in the PL. These carriers could either fall back to the lower energy states and recombine or get transferred to adjacent QDs. The relaxation of the carriers was directly reflected in the recovery of the PL signal. Comparing measurements from two samples, we found that the redistribution of carriers into the neighbouring QDs is the dominant mechanism of carrier relaxation. The data were fitted using a rate equation model to estimate the PL recovery time which we attribute to the interdot carrier transfer time.

The presentation gives an overview on the safety evaluation methodology applied in Germany after the Fukushima event. The general idea of the used evaluation methodology is described. The different evaluation topics based on natural and civilization caused threats will be discussed. Additionally, the new postulated incidents for the safety evaluation are presented. Conclusions are drawn on the applicability of the methodology, originally derived for light water reactors, to fast reactors.

Different current and planned experiments (MUSE, YALINA, Guinevere) are designed to study the zero power neutron physical behavior of accelerator driven systems (ADS). The detailed analysis of the kinetic space-time behavior of the neutron flux is important for the evaluation of these ADS experiments. Current analysis for all these experiments is based on the standard methods - Sjöstrand method and Slope method – both based on the point kinetics equations. The point kinetics equations are developed from different approximations to the transport equation. Nevertheless, all these partial differential equations of the transport equation are solved by the separation of space and time to derive the point kinetics equations. The separation of space and time does not provide useful results for cases with strongly space-time dependent external source like it appears during the shutdown of the external neutron source. In recent years, two big projects have been launched to solve the problem of sub-criticality determination in ADS experiments and for the future during ADS operation. In the 6th European Framework program in the integrated project EUROTRANS, the domain 2, ECATS has been dedicated to ADS experiments and the analysis methods for the experiments. In the same time frame, the IAEA has launched the coordinated research project: ”Analytical and Experimental Benchmark Analyses of Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS)”. Different correction methods based on Monte Carlo Results for the YALINA-Booster system have been derived for the Sjöstrand method as well as for the Slope method in EUROTRANS/ ECATS. Good results have been achieved with this correction method for the analysis of the detectors in the thermal zone. Nevertheless, there is still a problem existing in the fast zone which is the really important zone, since the follow up experiment GUINEVERE and the foreseen facility MHYRRA will be a pure fast system. The results for the analysis of the fast zone of YALINA-Booser are still not convincing, even with the use of correction factors. Good results, but once more only for the thermal and the reflector positions, have been shown in the IAEA CRP by the US American group, especially. These results rely on the use of correction factors form deterministic calculations. The conclusion of the IAEA meeting suggests for further activities, maybe a further CRP among others, the following two topics: “Online Reactivity Monitoring and Control of Sub-critical System”; and “Determination of Sub-criticality Level and Uncertainties Analyses”.

Especially in Europe, the status of the core and system simulation is an essential point for the licensing of future nuclear reactor plants. In the light water reactor (LWR) technology, the development of modern coupled thermal hydraulics/neutronics simulation tools has undergone a rapid development in the late 90ies and during the first years of the new century. The simulation standard in LWR is described with a detailed view into the available codes and methods including the calculation chain for the coupled thermal hydraulics/neutronics steady state core analysis. Further on, the simulation capabilities for the load following and for the transient analysis in LWR cores are discussed. The overview will be closed with a description of the coupled simulations for the core integrated into the whole reactor system using the core simulators together with the system simulation codes for the description of transients which are induced or influenced by the primary or even the secondary system.
The current capabilities for the simulation of the core and system behavior of fast reactors in steady state as well as during transients are discussed in comparison with the described state-of-the-art in LWR to demonstrate the currently available possibilities and to define the development demand.
Advantage in the development of simulation codes for fast reactors can be taken from the state-of-the-art available in LWR technology. Conclusions are drawn about the required extensions needed to make the LWR code systems usable for fast reactor simulation. Two code systems under development and validation are presented to give an insight into the newest advances in the topic. The major point in the future for these works is the validation of the extended codes. For his topic, an outlook is given to the IAEA CRP on the EBR-II benchmark proposed by the Argonne National Lab., which is a good opportunity for the code validation.

Standard Big Bang nucleosynthesis predicts a very low abundance of the minor lithium isotope 6Li, which is instead believed to be produced by cosmic rays over time. However, recently 6Li has been detected in very old metal-poor stars, leading to the question whether its Big Bang production might be stronger than believed. The key reaction for 6Li production in the Big Bang is d(alpha,gamma)6Li. Using the deep underground LUNA 400 kV accelerator at the Gran Sasso Laboratory in Italy, a direct measurement of the cross section is underway. The contribution will report on this experiment, collected data, methods to analyze them, and preliminary results.

Initial tests of KETEK 3*3mm^2 SiPM's are presented, for the readout of BC408 scintillator material.

The plans for working package 4 (photosensors) within the NUPNET NEDENSAA project are reviewed, with a focus on planned efforts at TU Dresden, Uppsala, and INFN.

The goals and design of the future NeuLAND detector at FAIR are presented.

The 2H(alpha,gamma)6Li reaction dominates the production of lithium-6 in standard big bang nucleosynthesis. Due to its exceedingly low cross section, this reaction has never been studied experimentally at the relevant energies, and consequently the adopted reaction rate depends on uncertain extrapolations. A direct study of the 2H(alpha,gamma)6Li cross section is currently underway at the LUNA 400 kV accelerator, located deep underground in the Gran Sasso laboratory, Italy. The expected data lie directly at big-bang energies. It is hoped that they help constrain non-standard lithium-6 production scenarios, by putting the standard Big Bang production on a solid experimental footing.

In addition to the well-known 7Li problem of Big Bang nucleosynthesis, observations of 6Li in very metal poor stars hint at a possible Big Bang Li problem. Network calculations show that the 2H(𝛼,𝛾)6Li reaction dominates 6Li production in the Big Bang, but there are no direct experimental data on this reaction at relevant energies. An experiment on this reaction is underway at the 400kV underground accelerator LUNA in Gran Sasso/Italy, and preliminary data will be shown. In addition, recent LUNA work on the 15 N(p,𝛾)16O, 17O(p,𝛾)18 F, and 25Mg(p,𝛾)26Al reactions and a planned 22Ne(p,𝛾)23Na study will be briefly discussed, and an outlook will be given.

The status and perspectives for a possible accelerator in the shallow underground facility Felsenkeller in Dresden is reviewed.