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At least 145 records · Page 8

Oxidation Of Manganese At Kimberley, Gale Crater: More Free Oxygen In Mars' Past?

High Mn concentrations provide unique indicators of water-rich environments and their redox state. Very high-potential oxidants are required to oxidize Mn to insoluble, high-valence oxides that can precipitate and concentrate Mn in rocks and sediments; these redox potentials are much higher than those needed to oxidize Fe or S. Consequently, Mn-rich rocks on Earth closely track the rise of atmospheric oxygen. Given the association between Mn-rich rocks and the redox state of surface environments, observations of anomalous Mn enrichments on Mars raise similar questions about redox history, solubility and aqueous transport, and availability as a metabolic substrate. Our observations suggest that at least some of the high Mn present in Gale crater occurs in the form of Mn-oxides filling veins that crosscut sand-stones, requiring post-depositional precipitation as highly oxidizing fluids moved through the fractured strata after their deposition and lithification.

Lanza, N. L.↗

Molecular photoionization processes of astrophysical and aeronomical interest

An account is given of aspects of photoionization processes in molecules, with particular reference to recent theoretical and experimental studies of partial cross sections for production of specific final electronic states and of parent and fragment ions. Such cross sections help provide a basis for specifying the state of excitation of the ionized medium, are useful for estimating the kinetic energy distributions of photoejected electrons and fragment ions, provide parent-and fragment-ion yields, and clarify the possible origins of neutral fragments in highly excited rovibronic states. A descriptive account is given of photoionization phenomena, including tabulation of valence- and inner-shell potentials for some molecules of astrophysical and aeronomical interest. Cross sectional expressions are given. Various approximations currently employed in computational studies are described briefly, threshold laws and high-energy limits are indicated, and distinction is drawn between resonant and direct photoionization phenomena. Recent experimental and theoretical studies of partial photoionization cross sections in selected compounds of astrophysical and aeronomical relevance are described and discussed.

Langhoff, P. W.↗

X-Ray Photoemission Measurements and Electronic Structure of HgBa2CaCu2O6+Delta

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data presented here are the first on an epitaxial thin film of a mercury cuprate superconductor, the first in which signals from the superconducting phase dominate all the core level spectra, and the first to exhibit a clear Fermi edge in the valence band region. Mercury is found to be in a single chemical state, contrary to reports based on sintered polycrystalline pellets.

x-ray photoemission photoelectron spectroscopy mer↗

Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the surface states of MOS tunnel junctions

Gamma-ray irradiation with doses up to 8 megarad produces no significant change on either the C(V) or the G(V) characteristics of MOS tunnel junctions with intermediate oxide thicknesses (40-60 A), whereas the expected flat-band shift toward negative electrode voltages occurs in control thick oxide capacitors. A simple tunneling model would explain the results if the radiation-generated hole traps are assumed to lie below the valence band of the silicon. The experiments also suggest that the observed radiation-generated interface states in conventional MOS devices are not due to the radiation damage of the silicon surface.

Ma, T. P.↗

Effective core potentials for the cadmium and mercury atoms

Ab initio effective core potentials have been obtained for the cadmium and mercury atoms by the methods of Kahn et al. (1976). Both two and twelve valence electron representations of Cd and Hg were tested for various atom state-configurations by comparison with all-electron calculations. The generated potentials were used to obtain the equilibrium bond distances and molecular binding energies for the dichloride and dimethyl compounds of both atoms from single and optimum-double configuration self-consistent field calculations.

Basch, H.↗

Bonding of nitrogen atoms on Cu/001/ surfaces - A cluster approach

A study of the chemisorption of nitrogen atoms on a copper surface has been performed, based on an analysis of the electronic structure of the Cu5N cluster obtained from self-consistent-field X-alpha scattered-wave calculations. Calculations show that the chemisorption of nitrogen on Cu(001) surfaces induces peaks below and above the Cu d-band region in the total density of states curve. The bonding orbitals formed between the N 2p and the Cu valence orbitals are generally found near the bottom of the Cu d-band region, while the antibonding orbitals formed between the N 2p and Cu orbitals are found to lie above the Cu d-band region. These hybridized orbitals involving the N 2p orbital gave a satisfactory interpretation of the adsorbate-induced structure reported in N/Cu(001) ultraviolet photoemission studies.

Yu, H. L.↗

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of chemically-etched Nd-Ce-Cu-O surfaces

Acetic acid, Br2, and HCl solutions are investigated for removing insulating species from Nd(1.85)Ce(0.15)CuO(4-delta) (NCCO) thin film surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the HCl etch is most effective, yielding O 1s spectra comparable to those obtained from samples cleaned in vacuum and a clear Fermi edge in the valence band region. Reduction and oxidation reversibly induces and eliminates, respectively, Fermi level states for undoped samples, but has no clearly observable effect on the XPS spectra for doped samples. Reactivity to air is much less for NCCO compared to hole superconductors, which is attributed to the lack of reactive alkaline earth elements in NCCO.

Vasquez, R. P.↗

The role of valence-band excitation in laser ablation of KCl

We present recent measurements of excited-atom and ion emission from KCl surfaces illuminated by vacuum-ultraviolet synchrotron radiation (h-nu = 8-28 eV) and ultraviolet laser light (h-nu = 4 eV). At low intensities characteristic of the synchrotron experiments, excited atoms are desorbed by simple valence-band excitation process involving the metallization of the KCl surface. At the higher intensities typical of laser desorption and ablation, we observe a strong decrease in K emission as a function of the number of laser shots, but an essentially constant yield of Cl. K(+) and Cl(-) emission at high intensities show similar behavior. The energetics of these desorption phenomena can be treated in a bond-orbital model which shows that creation of a single valence hole is sufficient to excite an ion to an anti-bonding state.

Haglund, Richard F., Jr.↗

Ab initio calculation of the X 1 Sigma + state of CsH

Stevens et al. (1981) considered CsH as a two electron problem, but simulated the Cs core electrons by an empirical pseudopotential following the work by Bardsley (1970). These potentials, since they are derived empirically, include the relativistic effects and the atomic core-valence interactions. However, molecular core-core interactions are not accounted for. Stevens et al. obtained an R(e) value which is too small. This result was attributed to uncorrected core (proton)-core interactions in the molecule. The present investigation is concerned with a resolution of the discrepancies between the results of earlier studies. The X 1 Sigma + ground state of CsH is recalculated. The calculation employs a nine valence electron relativistic effective core potential (RECP) for Cs. The bonding in CsH is found to involve a Cs(6s)-H(1s) bond but with a significant ionic (Cs+H-) component.

Laskowski, B. C.↗

Solidification processing superalloys in an electric field

The phase morphology of a given superalloy's microstructure is established during solidification. Solidification-processing in an applied electric field is a technique currently undergoing experimental characterization at NASA-Marshall. The method is predicated on the simplest model of a metallic solid, in which ions are arranged in basic space lattices that are permeated by an 'electron gas' whose valence electrons are free to move in the solid. When in a superheated liquid state, the metal is seen as a dense 'cold plasma' of electrons and ions. The application of an electric field during solidification establishes a steady, continuous current flow; the direction of propagation of the plasma waves coincides with the direction of the electric field. Such an alignment introduces an ordered arrangement of the electric vectors and introduces an additional degree of order in an already highly ordered alloy.

Ahmed, Shaffiq↗

A correlated ab initio study of the A2 pi <-- X2 sigma+ transition in MgCCH

The A2 pi <-- X2 sigma+ transition in MgCCH was studied with correlation consistent basis sets and single- and multireference correlation methods. The A2 pi excited state was characterized in detail; the x2 sigma+ ground state has been described elsewhere recently. The estimated complete basis set (CBS) limits for valence correlation, including zero-point energy corrections, are 22668, 23191, and 22795 for the RCCSD(T), MRCI, and MRCI + Q methods, respectively. A core-valence correction of +162 cm-1 shifts the RCCSD(T) value to 22830 cm-1, in good agreement with the experimental result of 22807 cm-1.

Non-NASA Center↗

Capacity Management and Walkdown During LEO Cycling of Nickel-Hydrogen Cells and Batteries

This viewgraph presentation discusses the following topics: 1) Capacity walkdown defined and illustrated; 2) Importance of capacity walkdown: 3) Four approaches to understanding the phenomenon - Pressure Trend, Charging Curve, Electrochemical Voltage Spectroscopy, and Destructive Physical Analysis Studies; 4) Results of the interrelated studies; 5) Suggested mechanism for capacity walkdown; and 6) Charging protocols to avoid the problem. In summary: 1) capacity walkdown is a consequence of the inability to maintain a high state of charge; 2) Capacity loss is typically 35% which would be expected by the valence difference between gamma and beta nickel oxyhydroxide; 3) Cycling at -5 degrees facilitates the formation of the gamma phase; 4) Excessive overcharge can also facilitate gamma phase formation at the expense of cycle life; and 5) Conditions can now be suggested to help minimize capacity walkdown.

Thaller, Lawrence H.↗

Moessbauer Mineralogy on the Moon: The Lunar Regolith

A first-order requirement for spacecraft missions that land on solid planetary objects is instrumentation for mineralogical analyses. For purposes of providing diagnostic information about naturally-occurring materials, the element iron is particularly important because it is abundant and multivalent. Knowledge of the oxidation state of iron and its distribution among iron-bearing mineralogies tightly constrains the types of materials present and provides information about formation and modification (weathering) processes. Because Moessbauer spectroscopy is sensitive to both the valence of iron and its local chemical environment, the technique is unique in providing information about both the relative abundance of iron-bearing phases and oxidation state of the iron. The Moessbauer mineralogy of lunar regolith samples (primarily soils from the Apollo 16 and 17 missions to the Moon) were measured in the laboratory to demonstrate the strength of the technique for in situ mineralogical exploration of the Moon. The regolith samples were modeled as mixtures of five iron-bearing phases: olivine, pyroxene, glass, ilmenite, and metal. Based on differences in relative proportions of iron associated with these phases, volcanic ash regolith can be distinguished from impact-derived regolith, impact-derived soils of different geologic affinity (e.g., highlands, maria) can be distinguished on the basis of their constituent minerals, and soil maturity can be estimated. The total resonant absorption area of the Moessbauer spectrum can be used to estimate total FeO concentrations.

Morris, Richard V.↗

Full configuration-interaction benchmark calculations for AlH

Full CI and CASSCF/SOCI theoretical computations are presented for the X 1Sigma(+), A 1Pi, and C 1Sigma(+) states of AlH. The aim is to establish benchmark data to calibrate methods which describe valence-Rydberg transitions in other molecules. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs and compared with published theoretical and experimental values, and the conditions under which CASSCF/SOCI calculations accurately reproduce the FCI results are defined.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

Theoretical transition probabilities between the lowest 2S, 2P and 2D states of Na, K, Rb and Cs

Theoretical transition probabilities between the lowest 2S, 2P and 2D states of the alkali atoms Na through Cs have been computed using near Hartree-Fock quality Slater basis sets. The important core-valence correlation effects are incorporated explicitly by a configuration-interaction procedure. For Cs, the calculations were repeated using a Gaussian basis set so that relativistic effects could be incorporated through an effective core potential procedure. The best calculated electric quadrupole Einstein coefficients are Na(196.3/s), K(103.6/s), Rb(72.4/s) and Cs(19.7/s). Core-valence effects become increasingly important down the column, and reduce the quadrupole transition strengths to about the same degree as for the 2P-2S and 2D-2P dipole-allowed transitions. Relativistic effects increase the quadrupole moment of Cs, but less so than in Ba, presumably because the alkali 2D states are more diffuse.

Langhoff, S. R.↗

Ab initio studies of the electronic structure of UF6, UF6/+/, and UF6/-/ using relativistic effective core potentials

The paper presents ab initio calculations performed on the electronic states of UF6, UF6(+), and UF6(-) using a relativistic effective core potential (ECP) for uranium and a nonrelativistic ECP for fluorine. In most of the calculations 56 valence electrons are treated explicitly using a contracted (3s 3p 2d 2f/2s2p) Gaussian basis. It is noted that various ECP's were explored, but all yield an overall charge density of U(+2.4)/F(-0.4)/6. In addition, the bonding in the ground state of UF6 is discussed. SCF and CI calculations on UF6(+) are compared with the experimental photoelectron spectrum and with previous scattered wave calculations. Further, the role of spin-orbit coupling in the states of UF6(+) and UF6(-) is covered. Finally, it is concluded that the calculated electron affinity of UF6 (7.1 eV) is considerably larger than in current experimental estimates, but the relative energies of the states of UF6(-) are in agreement (0.1-0.2 eV) with those of the experiment.

Hay, P. J.↗

Multiconfiguration self-consistent-field calculation of the dipole moment function of CO/X 1 sigma +/

Using the optimized valence configurations (OVC) multiconfiguration self-consistent-field (MCSCF) method, the dipole moment function for the ground state of CO in the vicinity of the equilibrium internuclear distance has been calculated. The OVC MCSCF calculation results are compared with existing Hartree-Fock and configuration interaction treatments of this molecule at single points and also the dipole moment function deduced from experimental infrared intensities. A general prescription for constructing OVC wavefunctions for diatomic molecules is also presented.

Billingsley, F. P., II↗