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“Critical currents of the phase slip process in the presence of electromagnetic radiation : rectification for time asymmetric ac signal”. Vodolazov DY, Elmuradov A, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 134509 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.064509
Abstract: We studied theoretically the effect of time symmetric and asymmetric electromagnetic (e.m.) radiation on the phase-slip process in superconducting wires in the regime where there is no stimulation of superconductivity. We found that for large amplitudes j(ac) of the symmetric ac signal the value of the lower critical current j(c1)(j(ac)) at which the voltage vanishes in the sample oscillates as a function of j(ac). The amplitude of these oscillations decays with increasing power of the ac signal, and we explain it either by the existence of a maximal current j(c3) beyond which no phase slips can be created or by a weak heat removal from the sample. Applying an asymmetric in time signal (with zero dc current) we show that it may lead to a finite voltage in the system (i.e., ratchet effect). At high enough frequencies the rectified voltage is directly proportional to the frequency of the applied e.m. radiation. These properties resemble in many aspects the behavior of a Josephson junction under e.m. radiation. The differences are mainly connected to the effect of the transport current on the magnitude of the order parameter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.064509
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“Energy-loss near-edge structure changes with bond length in carbon systems”. Titantah JT, Lamoen D, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 193104 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.193104
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.193104
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“Few-electron eigenstates of concentric double quantum rings”. Szafran B, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 155316 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.155316
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 70
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.155316
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“First-principles calculations of 002 structure factors for electron scattering in strained InxGa1-xAs”. Rosenauer A, Schowalter M, Glas F, Lamoen D, Physical Review B 72, 1 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.085326
Abstract: This work provides values of electron scattering 002 structure factors for InxGa1-xAs as a function of the In concentration x=0 to 1. These results allow accurate compositional analysis of pseudomorphically grown InxGa1-xAs/GaAs layers by transmission electron microscopy methods relying on the chemical sensitivity of the (002) beam. The calculations go beyond the limits of the isolated atom approximation, because they take into account charge redistribution effects between atomic sites in the crystal, strain, and static atomic displacements. The computations were performed by the full potential linearized augmented plane-wave method using a generalized gradient approximation for the exchange and correlation part of the potential. The calculations of strained InxGa1-xAs correspond to the strain state in specimens with large, small, and intermediate thickness in the electron beam direction. Additionally, the effect of static atomic displacements is taken into account. All results are listed in a parameterized form. The calculated 002 structure factor vanishes at an In concentration of 16.4%. This value is in a good agreement with previously reported experimental measurements. Hence, our results are a significant improvement with respect to the isolated atom approximation which is conventionally applied in transmission electron microscopy simulations, and which predicts a value of 22.5%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.085326
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“Hall magnetometer in the ballistic regime”. Peeters FM, Li XQ, Applied physics letters 72, 572 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.120759
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 119
DOI: 10.1063/1.120759
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“High resolution electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of heteroepitaxial SixGe1-x alloys produced through laser induced processing”. Frangis N, van Landuyt J, Lartiprete R, Martelli S, Borsella E, Chiussi S, Castro J, Leon B, Applied physics letters 72, 2877 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.121487
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1063/1.121487
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“Influence of electron recapture by the cathode upon the discharge characteristics in dc planar magnetrons”. Kolev I, Bogaerts A, Gijbels R, Physical review : E : statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics 72, 056402 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.056402
Abstract: In dc magnetrons the electrons emitted from the cathode may return there due to the applied magnetic field. When that happens, they can be recaptured or reflected back into the discharge, depending on the value of the reflection coefficient (RC). A 2d3v (two-dimensional in coordinate and three-dimensional in velocity space) particle-in-cellMonte Carlo model, including an external circuit, is developed to determine the role of the electron recapture in the discharge processes. The detailed discharge structure as a function of RC for two pressures (4 and 25mtorr) is studied. The importance of electron recapture is clearly manifested, especially at low pressures. The results indicate that the discharge characteristics are dramatically changed with varying RC between 0 and 1. Thus, the electron recapture at the cathode appears to be a significant mechanism in magnetron discharges and RC a very important parameter in their correct quantitative description that should be dealt with cautiously.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.056402
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“Magnetoconductance through a chain of rings with or without periodically modulated spin-orbit interaction strength and magnetic field”. Molnár B, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 075330 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.075330
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 52
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.075330
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“Melting and evaporation in classical two-dimensional clusters confined by a Coulomb potential”. Ferreira WP, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 72, 041502 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.041502
Abstract: The thermal properties of a two-dimensional classical cluster of negatively charged particles bound by a punctual positive charge are presented. The melting phenomenon is analyzed and the features which characterize such a solid-liquid transition are highlighted. We found that the presence of metastable states strongly modifies the melting scenario, and that the melting temperature of the system is determined by the height of the saddle point energy separating the ground state and the metastable state. Due to the particular type of confinement potential considered in this paper, we also found that, at sufficiently large temperature, the cluster can become thermally ionized.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.041502
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“Microwave emission from a crystal of molecular magnets: the role of a resonant cavity”. Benedict MG, Földi P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 214430 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.214430
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.214430
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“Nonlocal response and surface-barrier-induced rectification in Hall-shaped mesoscopic superconductors”. Vodolazov DY, Peeters FM, Grigorieva IV, Geim AK, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 024537 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.024537
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.024537
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“Phonon-induced pure dephasing in exciton-biexciton quantum dot systems driven by ultrafast laser pulse sequences”. Axt VM, Kuhn T, Vagov A, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 125309 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.125309
Abstract: A semiconductor quantum dot model accounting for single exciton as well as biexciton states coupled to phonons and laser light is investigated in the limit of strong electronic confinement. For an arbitrary sequence of excitations with ultrafast pulses analytical solutions are obtained for all density-matrix elements. The results are nonperturbative with respect to both the carrier-phonon and the carrier-light coupling. Numerical results for a single pulse excitation are presented illustrating spectral features of our solution as well as pulse area and temperature dependences.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 48
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.125309
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“Pinning and depinning of a classic quasi-one-dimensional Wigner crystal in the presence of a constriction”. Piacente G, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 205208 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.205208
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.205208
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“R-phase transition and related mechanical properties controlled by low-temperature aging treatment in a Ti50.8 at.% Ni thin wire”. Wang X, Li K, Schryvers D, Verlinden B, Van Humbeeck J, Scripta materialia 72-73, 21 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2013.10.006
Abstract: A cold-drawn Ti50.8 at.% Ni wire was annealed at 600 °C for 30 min, followed by aging at 250 °C for different times. A microstructure with small grains and nanoscaled precipitates was obtained. The thermally induced martensite transformation is suppressed in the samples aged for 4 h or longer, leaving a one-stage R-phase transition between −150 and +150 °C. The transformation behavior, work output and recovery stress associated with the R-phase transition are presented.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.747
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2013.10.006
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“Spin-dependent tunneling in diluted magnetic semiconductor trilayer structures”. Krstajic P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 125350 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.125350
Abstract: Tunneling of holes through a trilayer structure made of two diluted magnetic semiconductors, (Ga,Mn)As, separated by a thin layer of nonmagnetic AlAs is investigated. The problem is treated within the 6x6 Luttinger-Kohn model for valence bands with the split-off band included. The influence of the spin-orbit coupling is pronounced as the spin-splitting Delta(ex) is comparable with the split-off Delta(SO) splitting. It is assumed that direct tunneling is the dominant mechanism due to the high quality of the tunnel junctions. Our theoretical results predict the correct order of magnitude for the tunneling magnetoresistance ratio, but various other effects, such as scattering on impurities and defects, should be included in order to realize a quantitative agreement with experiment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.125350
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“Spin polarization in a two-dimensional electron gas modulated periodically by ferromagnetic and Schottky metal stripes”. Papp G, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 115315 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.115315
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.115315
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“Structure and spectrum of anisotropically confined two-dimensional clusters with logarithmic interaction”. Apolinario SWS, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics 72, 046122 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.046122
Abstract: We studied the structural and spectral properties of a classical system consisting of a finite number of particles, moving in two dimensions, and interacting through a repulsive logarithmic potential and held together by an anisotropic harmonic potential. Increasing the anisotropy of the confinement potential can drive the system from a two-dimensional (2D) to a one-dimensional (1D) configuration. This change occurs through a sequence of structural transitions of first and second order which are reflected in the normal mode frequencies. Our results of the ground state configurations are compared with recent experiments and we obtained a satisfactory agreement. The transition from the 1D line structure to the 2D structure occurs through a zigzag transition which is of second order. We found analytical expressions for the eigenfrequencies before the zigzag transition, which allowed us to obtain an analytical expression for the anisotropy parameter at which the zigzag transition occurs as a function of the number of particles in the system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.046122
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“Structure, normal mode spectra, and mixing of a binary system of charged particles confined in a parabolic trap”. Ferreira WP, Munarin FF, Nelissen K, Costa RN, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 72, 021406 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.021406
Abstract: We study the mixing of two different kinds of particles, having different charge and/or mass, interacting through a pure Coulomb potential, and confined in a parabolic trap. The structure of the cluster and its normal mode spectrum are analyzed as a function of the ratio of the charges (mass ratio) of the two types of particles. We show that particles are not always arranged in a shell structure. Mixing of the particles goes hand in hand with a large number of metastable states. The normal modes of the system are obtained, and we find that some of the special modes can be tuned by varying the ratio between the charges (masses) of the two species. The degree of mixing of the two type of particles is summarized in a phase diagram, and an order parameter that describes quantitatively the mixing between particles is defined.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.021406
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“Superconducting rectifier based on the asymmetric surface barrier effect”. Vodolazov DY, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 172508 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.172508
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.172508
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“Time-dependent simulations of electron transport through a quantum ring: effect of the Lorentz force”. Szafran B, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 165301 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.165301
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.165301
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“Twinning in pure Ti subjected to monotonic simple shear deformation”. Tirry W, Bouvier S, Benmhenni N, Hammami W, Habraken AM, Coghe F, Schryvers D, Rabet L, Materials characterization 72, 24 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2012.07.001
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough study on the occurrence and importance of deformation twinning in simple shear deformed pure α-Ti. A statistically relevant inspection of the morphology of the deformation twins in relation to the applied strain/deformation is performed. The investigated microstructural aspects are the twin volume fraction, the twin thickness distribution and the resolved shear stress distribution on the twin plane. All these aspects are examined as a function of the twin types and two initial textures. Monotonic simple shear experiments are carried out for three different loading directions with respect to a direction linked to the initial crystallographic texture. EBSD and TEM observations reveal the presence of View the MathML source and View the MathML source twins. The statistical analysis reveals that View the MathML source and View the MathML source twins have a similar average thickness around 1.9 nm, but the View the MathML source twins show a far larger spread on their thickness and can grow to almost the size of the original parent grain. Correlation of the twin fractions with the RSS analysis shows that RSS is an acceptable method explaining the difference in twin fractions for different textures and orientations. A detailed analysis shows that View the MathML source twins occur in average with a smaller volume fraction but with a higher RSS, indicating they are more difficult to nucleate or grow compared to View the MathML source twinning. In general a higher RSS value on the twin plane is not connected to a higher twin thickness; only in the case of View the MathML source twins the highest RSS values show clearly thicker twins.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.714
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2012.07.001
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“Wavevector-dependent tunneling through magnetic barriers”. Matulis A, Peeters FM, Vasilopoulos P, Physical review letters 72, 1518 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.1518
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.512
Times cited: 403
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.1518
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“Resonant backward scattering of light by a subwavelength metallic slit with two open sides”. Kukhlevsky SV, Mechler M, Csapó, L, Janssens K, Samek O, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 72, 165421 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.72.165421
Abstract: The backward scattering of TM-polarized light by a two-side-open subwavelength slit in a metal film is analyzed. We show that the reflection coefficient versus wavelength possesses a Fabry-Perot-like dependence that is similar to the anomalous behavior of transmission reported in the study [Y. Takakura, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 5601 (2001)]. The open slit totally reflects the light at the near-to-resonance wavelengths. In addition, we show that the interference of incident and resonantly backward-scattered light produces in the near-field diffraction zone a spatially localized wave whose intensity is 10103 times greater than the incident wave, but one order of magnitude smaller than the intracavity intensity. The amplitude and phase of the resonant wave at the slit entrance and exit are different from that of a Fabry-Perot cavity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.72.165421
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“Purple bacteria screening for photoautohydrogenotrophic food production : are new H₂-fed isolates faster and nutritionally better than photoheterotrophically obtained reference species?”.Spanoghe J, Ost KJ, Van Beeck W, Vermeir P, Lebeer S, Vlaeminck SE, New biotechnology 72, 38 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.NBT.2022.08.005
Abstract: Photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichments of wastewater treatment microbiomes were performed to obtain hypothetically high-potential specialist species for biotechnological applications. From these enrichment cultures, ten photoautohydrogenotrophic species were isolated: six Rhodopseudomonas species, three Rubrivivax members and Rhodobacter blasticus. The performance of these isolates was compared to three commonly studied, and originally photoheterotrophically enriched species (Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodobacter sphaeroides), designated as reference species. Repeated subcultivations were applied to improve the initial poor performance of the isolates (acclimation effect), which resulted in increases in both maximum growth rate and protein productivity. However, the maximum growth rate of the reference species remained 3–7 times higher compared to the isolates (0.42–0.84 d−1 at 28 °C), while protein productivities remained 1.5–1.7 times higher. This indicated that H2-based enrichment did not result in photoautohydrogenotrophic specialists, suggesting that the reference species are more suitable for intensified biomass and protein production. On the other hand, the isolates were able to provide equally high protein quality profiles as the references species, providing full dietary essential amino acid matches for human food. Lastly, the effect of metabolic carbon/electron switching (back and forth between auto- to heterotrophic conditions) initially boosted µmax when returning to photoautohydrogenotrophic conditions. However, the switch negatively impacted lag phase, protein productivities and pigment contents. In the case of protein productivity, the acquired acclimation was partially lost with decreases of up to 44 % and 40 % respectively for isolates and reference species. Finally, the three reference species, and specifically Rh. capsulatus, remained the most suitable candidate(s) for further biotechnological development.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2022.08.005
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“Assessing the molecular weight of a conducting polymer by grazing emission XRF”. Blockhuys F, Claes M, Van Grieken R, Geise HJ, Analytical chemistry 72, 3366 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1021/AC990877K
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/AC990877K
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“Effective carbon and nutrient treatment solutions for mixed domestic-industrial wastewater in India”. Saha S, Badhe N, Seuntjens D, Vlaeminck SE, Biswas R, Nandy T, Water science and technology 72, 651 (2015). http://doi.org/10.2166/WST.2015.254
Abstract: The present study evaluates effectiveness of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by two post-anaerobic treatment options, namely free-surface, up-flow constructed wetland (FUP-CW) and oxygen-limited anaerobic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) processes in treating sewage from the peri-urban areas in India receiving illegal industrial infiltrations. The UASB studies yielded robust results towards fluctuating strength of sewage and consistently removed 87-98% chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a hydraulic retention time of 1.5-2 d. The FUP-CW removed 68.5 +/- 13% COD, 68 +/- 3% NH4+-N, 38 +/- 5% PO43--P, 97.6 +/- 5% suspended particles and 97 +/- 13% fecal coliforms. Nutrient removal was found to be limiting in FUP-CW, especially in winter. Nitrogen removal in the OLAND process were 100 times higher than the FUP-CW process. Results show that UASB followed by FUP-CW can be an excellent, decentralized sewage treatment option, except during winter when nutrient removal is limited in FUP-CW. Hence, the study proposes bio-augmentation of FUP-CW with OLAND biomass for overall improvement in the performance of UASB followed by FUP-CW process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2015.254
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“Simultaneous determination of chromium and silicon in steel by 14-mev neutron activation analysis”. Vandecasteele C, Van Grieken R, Hoste J, Analytica chimica acta 72, 31 (1974). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(01)82945-7
Abstract: Chromium and silicon are determined simultaneously in steel by 14-MeV neutron activation analysis. The activities of 52V(Eγ=1.43 MeV,TView the MathML source=3.76 min) from 52Cr(n,p)52V and 28Al (Eγ=1.78 MeV; TView the MathML source=2.24 min) from 28Si(n,p)28Al are evaluated by mixed γ-ray spectrometry. The influence of manganese and phosphorus, the main interfering elements, is negligible for most stainless steels. The count rate should be limited, to avoid 52V pulse pile-up effects interfering in the 28Al energy region. Precisions in the 2-10% range are reached, depending on the concentrations, for a 10-min analysis time. Results for a series of steel samples are compared with industrial analyses.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S0003-2670(01)82945-7
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“Synthesis of a chelating cellulose filter with 2,2-diaminodiethylamine functional groups”. Smits J, Van Grieken R, Zeitschrift für angewandte Makromolekare Chemie 72, 105 (1978)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“X-ray spectrometry”. Szalóki I, Török SB, Ro C-U, Injuk J, Van Grieken RE, Analytical chemistry 72, 211 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1021/A1000018H
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1021/A1000018H
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“X-ray spectrometry for preventive conservation of cultural heritage”. Van Grieken R, Worobiec A, Pramåna: a journal of physics 72, 191 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1007/S12043-011-0041-3
Abstract: Analytical chemistry does play a key role in the chemical characterization of the environment and it appears that X-ray spectrometry, in its many forms, is one of the most relevant analytical techniques in preventive conservation, as it is in cultural heritage research in general. X-ray spectrometry has indeed been the method of choice for the characterization of the inorganic composition of atmospheric aerosols, for a long time. We have, over the last decade, intensively used various forms of X-ray spectrometry, viz., mostly energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, e.g. with polarized high-energy beam excitation, and automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis, together with other techniques, to identify particle types and their sources in indoor environments, including museums, while gaseous indoor pollutants were assessed using passive diffusion samplers. In each case, both bulk aerosols and individual aerosol particles were studied. For microanalysis of single particles, we have investigated a dozen techniques, but for wide, real-life applications, automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis is the most rewarding. We have first studied atmospheric aerosols in and around the Correr Museum in Venice, many other museums in Austria, Japan and England, and in the caves with prehistoric rock paintings in Altamira, Spain. Very recently, measurements were done in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and theWawel Castle in Cracow, in Italian and Polish mountain churches, in a number of museums in Belgium and the Netherlands, and in cathedrals with medieval stained glass windows. In the Correr museum, it appeared that the particles most threatening for the Bellini paintings were released by the deteriorating plaster renderings, and this could be avoided by simply improving the rendering on the museum walls. In the Wawel Castle, outdoor pollution particles, like fine soot from diesel traffic, entering via leaks in the windows and doors, and also street-deicing salts and coal burning pollution particles, brought in by visitors, mostly in winter, were found to be most worrisome. Urgent questions that are not solved at this moment pertain to the deposition processes from the atmosphere to the cultural heritage items, the critical surface interactions that take place on these items, and the establishment of suitable particle concentration standards.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1007/S12043-011-0041-3
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