Abstract: Lanthanum calcium ferrite La1 − xCaxFeO3 (where x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The structural refinement confirmed that all samples formed with the orthorhombic (Pbmn) structure with small impurities (LaFeO3 and Fe2O3). Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results indicated that the electronic imbalance caused by the partial substitution for La3 + by Ca2 + is compensated by an oxidation state of iron ions. Mossbauer spectra at room temperature (RT) show five 6-line sub-spectra corresponding to Fe3 + (superposition of 3 spectra), Fe4 + and Fe5 + in all samples. Magnetic hysteresis loops of these samples showed a significant weak ferromagnetic component at RT.

Abstract: The methodology of Mossbauer data analysis has been advanced via the development of a novel scientific database system concept and its realization in the field of Mossbauer spectroscopy, as well as by the application of parallel computing techniques for the enhancement of the efficiency of various processes encountered in the practice of Mossbauer data handling and analysis. The present article describes the new database system concept along with details of its realization in the form of the MossWinn Internet Database (MIDB), and illustrates the performance advantage that may be realized on multi-core processor systems by the application of parallel algorithms for the implementation of database system functions.

Abstract: Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Sources (RILIS) have become a versatile tool for production and study of exotic nuclides at Isotope SeparatorOn-Line (ISOL) facilities such as ISAC at TRIUMF. The recent development and addition of a grating tuned spectroscopy laser to the TRIUMF RILIS solid state laser system allows for wide range spectral scans to investigate atomic structures on short lived isotopes, e.g., those from the element actinium, produced in uranium targets at ISAC. In addition, development of new and improved laser ionization schemes for rare isotope production at ISAC is ongoing. Here spectroscopic studies on bound states, Rydberg states and autoionizing (AI) resonances on scandium using the existing offline capabilities are reported. These results allowed to identify a suitable ionization scheme for scandium via excitation into an autoionizing state at 58,104 cm−1 which has subsequently been used for ionization of on-line produced exotic scandium isotopes.

Abstract: A measurement of the hyperfine structure of antihydrogen promises one of the best tests of CPT symmetry. We describe an experiment planned at the Antiproton Decelerator of CERN to measure this quantity in a beam of slow antihydrogen atoms.

Abstract: The structural and magnetic properties of Ho substituted BiFeO3 (BHFO) have been investigated using 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) as a function of temperature. The Mossbauer spectrum obtained at room temperature for the as-synthesized BHFO sample exhibits broadened features due to the hyperfine field distributions related to the local variation of the neighbourhood of Fe and the magnetic hyperfine splitting patterns are indicative of magnetic ordering, mostly probably screwed or slightly antiferromagnetic. The spectrum was fitted with two superimposed asymmetric sextets, with similar hyperfine magnetic fields of Bhf1 = 48.0(1) T and Bhf2 = 49.0(1) T, corresponding to rhombohedral BFO. The hyperfine fields of the magnetic components decreased systematically with increasing temperature to a ‘field distribution’ just below the Neel temperature, TN ~ 600 K. At temperatures above 600 K, the spectral line associated with the Bi25FeO40 impurity phase dominates the spectra. This phase is confirmed by XRD measurements. From the temperature dependence of the site populations of the spectral components an average Debye temperature of θD = 240(80) K has been estimated.

Abstract: The 8π spectrometer installed at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive beam facility provides a powerful and versatile detection system for radioactive decay, allowing measurements of γ rays and conversion electrons with high resolution, tagging on β particles, and fast-timing measurements. The facility supports a wide program of research in the fields of nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics and fundamental symmetries with low-energy radioactive beams.

Abstract: The nanocrystalline NiFe2O4 particles prepared by solution combustion synthesis technique using different fuels such as ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (NA sample) and urea (NB sample) were studied using magnetic measurement and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution. The temperature dependence of magnetization is different for the two samples. Mossbauer spectra demonstrate the necessity to use more than two magnetic sextets, usually used to fit the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles spectra. Evaluation of the different local microenvironments for Fe in both tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites, caused by different Ni2 + occupation of octahedral sites, demonstrates at least five different local microenvironments for both A and B sites. Therefore, the Mossbauer spectra were fitted by using ten magnetic sextets which are related to the spread 57Fe location in octahedral and tetrahedral sites.

Abstract: Applications of synchrotron-radiation-based Mossbauer spectroscopy in the “energy domain” to the studies on magnetism of thin films are introduced on the basis of the experiments recently performed at SPring-8, Japan The measured samples are spintronics-related thin films, such as Co2MnSn films, layered Fe/Cr films, layered Fe/Fe3O4 films, and Fe4N films The validity of the energy domain measurements is demonstrated in the light of industrial applications of magnetic thin films

Abstract: Three L5-type ordinary chondrite meteorites recovered from the Nullarbor Region of Western Australia were studied by 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy: Kinclaven–001, Camel Donga–007 and Gunnadorah–002. The relative amounts of the various Fe-bearing phases including the primary minerals (Olivine, Pyroxene, Troilite and Fe-Ni metal) and the ferric alteration products (Goethite, Maghemite/Magnetite) were obtained to determine the percentage of iron converted to Fe3 + by weathering processes. These data allow us to estimate the terrestrial age of Kinclaven–001 at 1,700 ± 1,300 yrs.

Abstract: To determine experimental conditions suitable for isotope analysis, we studied the plume dynamics of uranium. A uranium oxide sample was ablated by 2nd harmonic radiation from a Nd:YAG laser at a fluence of 0.5 J/cm2. The temporal evolution of the ablation plume was investigated in 800 Pa helium environment. It was found that the observation at 3–5 μs after the ablation at the height of about 2.5 mm are most suited for obtaining higher sensitivity. Using the established conditions, we obtained the limit of detection of the isotope ratio (235U/238U) to be 0.01 %. In addition, the limit of detection of elemental abundance of uranium in uranium glass was also evaluated.

Abstract: Application of in situ Mossbauer spectroscopy for studying catalysts and catalytic processes is discussed. Examples are presented to illustrate the potentials of the method by describing studies on supported heterogeneous catalysts performed with 119Sn and 57Fe spectroscopies in cases with certain metals and alloys, oxides and porous substances. The results are interpreted in comparison to the catalytic performance.

Abstract: It is reported a novel method to prepare magnetic core (iron oxide spinels)–shell (silica) composites containing well-dispersed magnetic nanoparticles in aqueous solution. The synthetic process consists of two steps. In a first step, iron oxide nanoparticles obtained through co-precipitation are dispersed in an aqueous solution containing tetramethylammonium hydroxide; in a second step, particles of this sample are coated with silica, through hydrolyzation of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The intrinsic atomic structure and essential properties of the core–shell system were assessed with powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The heat released by this ferrofluid under an AC-generated magnetic field was evaluated by following the temperature evolution under increasing magnetic field strengths. Results strongly indicate that this ferrofluid based on silica-coated iron oxide spinels is technologically a very promising material to be used in medical practices, in oncology.

Abstract: 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy was used as an analytical tool in the investigation of iron containing compounds of two meteorites (Rumanova and Kosice) out of total of six which had fallen on Slovak territory. In the magnetic fraction of the iron bearing compounds in the Rumanova meteorite, maghemite, troilite and Fe-Ni alloy were identified. In the non-magnetic fraction silicate phases were found, such as olivine and pyroxene. The paramagnetic component containing Fe3 + ions corresponds probably to small superparamagnetic particles. The Kosice meteorite was found near the town of Kosice in February 2010. Its magnetic fraction consists of a Fe-Ni alloy with the Mossbauer parameters of the magnetic field corresponding to kamacite α-Fe(Ni, Co) and troilite. The non-magnetic part consists of Fe2 + phases such as olivine and pyroxene and traces of a Fe3 + phase. The main difference between these meteorites is their iron oxide content. These kinds of analyses can bring important knowledge about phases and compounds formed in extraterrestrial conditions, which have other features than their terrestrial analogues.

Abstract: Mossbauer investigations of zirconium alloys were examined. Data about the chemical state of iron atoms in the zirconium alloys of different composition has been provided. Mossbauer spectroscopy revealed that small quantities of iron in binary zirconium alloy are in the solid solution α-Zr (up to 0.02 wt.%). Different iron atoms concentration and thermo-mechanical treatments may lead to formation the intermetallic compounds Zr3Fe, Zr2Fe, ZrFe2. Adding tin atoms does not affect the formation and shape of Mossbauer spectra of these compounds. Adding Cr and Nb atoms makes significant changes in the shape of Mossbauer spectra and leads to the formation of complex intermetallic compounds. Adding Cu and W atoms, the shape of the binary alloys spectra (Zr-Fe) remains unchanged, but a change in the temperature dependence behavior of the spectral parameters occurs and also, changes to the properties of the alloys.

Abstract: FeO x -hydroxyapatite (FeO x -HAP) composites with different FeO x contents were prepared, and compared with pure FeOx, the FeO x -HAP composites exhibit strongly magnetic behavior in an external magnetic field even after 600 °C calcination. The combination of 57Fe Mossbauer and Fe K-edge XAFS indicates that HAP can stabilize the size and crystal phase of γ-Fe2O3 during heat treatment. Even after 600 °C calcination, the interaction imposed by HAP could produce large amounts of distorted octahedral coordination Fe sites in the interior lattice and then result in strong magnetism. The thermally stable γ-Fe2O3-HAP composites may provide a new opportunity for developing efficient supported crystal-dependent catalysts.

Abstract: We have conceived, built and operated a ’half-open’ cylindrical Penning trap for the confinement and laser spectroscopy of highly charged ions This trap allows fluorescence detection employing a solid angle which is about one order of magnitude larger than in conventional cylindrical Penning traps At the same time, the desired electrostatic and magnetostatic properties of a closed-endcap cylindrical Penning trap are preserved in this configuration We give a detailed account on the design and confinement properties, a characterization of the trap and show first results of light collection with in-trap produced highly charged ions

Abstract: Searches for intrinsic electric dipole moments of nucleons, atoms and molecules are precision flavour-diagonal probes of new -odd physics. We review and summarise the effective field theory analysis of the observable EDMs in terms of a general set of CP-odd operators at 1 GeV, and the ensuing model-independent constraints on new physics. We also discuss the implications for supersymmetric models, in light of the mass limits emerging from the LHC.

Abstract: 2D coordination polymer iron(II) spin crossover complexes containing 3,5-lutidine with host framework Fe(3,5-lutidine)2Ni(CN)4were synthesized. Their spin crossover properties were studied by temperature dependent 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Materials show gradual incomplete spin crossover with distinct thermochromism, while only 25 % of iron(II) ions are switched to the low spin state at 80 K, as determined by a detailed 57Fe Mossbauer study.

Abstract: The new collinear resonant ionization spectroscopy (Cris) experiment at Isolde, Cern uses laser radiation to stepwise excite and ionize an atomic beam for the purpose of ultra-sensitive detection of rare isotopes and hyperfine structure measurements. The technique also offers the ability to purify an ion beam that is contaminated with radioactive isobars, including the ground state of an isotope from its isomer. A new program using the Cris technique to select only nuclear isomeric states for decay spectroscopy commenced last year. The isomeric ion beam is selected using a resonance within its hyperfine structure and subsequently deflected to a decay spectroscopy station. This consists of a rotating wheel implantation system for alpha and beta decay spectroscopy, and up to three high purity germanium detectors for gamma-ray detection. This paper gives an introduction to the Cris technique, the current status of the laser assisted decay spectroscopy set-up and recent results from the experiment in November 2011.

Abstract: The room temperature 57Fe Mossbauer spectra for binary iron-based solid solutions Fe1 − x Ti x , with x in the range 0.010 ≤ x ≤ 0.045, were analysed in terms of binding energy E b between two Ti atoms in the Fe-Ti system. The extrapolated values of E b for x = 0 were used for computation of enthalpy of solution of titanium in iron. The results were compared with that resulting from the Miedema’s model of alloys as well as those derived from the heat of formation of the system, obtained with both calorimetric measurements and theoretical calculations. The comparison shows that our Mossbauer spectroscopy findings are in a quite good agreement with all the other results mentioned above.

Abstract: The existence of a non-zero electric dipole moment (EDM) implies the violation of time reversal symmetry. As the time-reversal symmetry violation predicted by the Standard Model (SM) for the electron EDM is too small to be observed with current experimental techniques and any a non-zero EDM would indicate new physics beyond the SM. The tiny signal from the electron EDM is enhanced in the heavy atoms such as francium (Fr). We are constructing the laser-cooled Fr factory to search for the electron EDM.

Abstract: Narrow optical transitions in highly charged ions (HCIs) are of particular interest for metrology and fundamental physics, exploiting the high sensitivity of HCIs to new physics. The highest sensitivity for a changing fine structure constant ever predicted for a stable atomic system is found in Ir17 + . However, laser spectroscopy of HCIs is hindered by the large (∼ 106 K) temperatures at which they are produced and trapped. An unprecedented improvement in such laser spectroscopy can be obtained when HCIs are cooled down to the mK range in a linear Paul trap. We have developed a cryogenic linear Paul trap in which HCIs will be sympathetically cooled by 9Be + ions. Optimized optical access for laser light is provided while maintaining excellent UHV conditions. The Paul trap will be connected to an electron beam ion trap (EBIT) which is able to produce a wide range of HCIs. This EBIT will also provide the first experimental input needed for the determination of the transition energies in Ir17 + , enabling further laser-spectroscopic investigations of this promising HCI.

Abstract: Nuclear quadrupole interactions were measured at 111In/Cd probe atoms in rare-earth palladium phases RPd3 having the L12 structure using the technique of perturbed angular correlation of gamma rays (PAC). Measurements were made for pairs of samples having compositions of the Pd-poorer and Pd-rich boundaries of the RPd3 phase fields, typically 75 and 78 at.% Pd. Two signals were detected in most phases, corresponding to probe atoms on cubic R- and non-cubic Pd-sublattices. Site preferences of parent In-probe atoms were characterized by site-fractions of probes on the R- and Pd-sublattices. For all Pd-rich samples, probes exclusively occupied the R-sublattice, consistent with a heuristic rule that solute atoms tend to occupy the sublattice of an element in which there is a deficiency. For Pd-poorer alloys with R = Tb, Er, Yb, Lu, Y and Sc, probes exclusively occupied the Pd-sublattice. For Pd-poorer alloys with R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Eu, probes occupied both sublattices, with site fractions varying as a function of temperature. In contrast, probes only occupied the R-sublattice in Pd-poorer LaPd3. Jump frequencies on the Pd-sublattice of daughter Cd-probes were determined from nuclear relaxation caused by fluctuating electric field gradients. Activation enthalpies for diffusional jumps were determined from temperature dependences and found to increase linearly as the lattice parameter decreases along the series Pr, Nd, Eu and Sm. Jump frequencies are believed to have been even higher in CePd3 than in PrPd3, but were too low to be detectable in Tb, Er, Yb, Lu, Y and Sc palladides. A correlation between site preferences and jump frequencies is noted and discussed. This paper provides a complete account of measurements of jump frequencies of Cd-probe atoms and comparisons with similar measurements made on other series of L12 phases.

Abstract: The performances of Li-ion batteries depend on many factors amongst which the important ones are the electrode materials and their structural and electronic evolution upon cycling. For a better understanding of lithium reactivity mechanism of many materials the combination of X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Transmission Mossbauer Spectroscopy (TMS) providing both structural and electronic information during the electrochemical cycling has been carried out. Thanks to the design of a specific electrochemical cell, derived from a conventional Swagelock cell, such measurements have been realised in operando mode. Two examples illustrate the greatness of combining XRPD and TMS for the study of LiFe0.75Mn0.25PO4 as positive electrode and TiSnSb as negative electrode. Different kinds of insertion or conversion reactions have been identified leading to a better optimization and design of performing electrodes.

Abstract: Mossbauer spectroscopy of frozen aqueous solutions was demonstrated as an efficient stepwise control technique in the new one-pot synthesis of biocompatible feroxyhyte (δ ′-FeOOH) nanoparticles in situ stabilized by humic substances. Formation of ultradispersed Fe(OH)2 as an intermediate product and its interaction with humic substances were ascertained. The interaction of the surface of Fe(OH)2 with humic substances was considered as a starting point in the mechanism of in situ stabilization and further growth control of humic-stabilized feroxyhyte nanoparticles.

Abstract: Trimetallic Pt/Al2O3SnIn–Cl naphtha-reforming catalysts were prepared via co-precipitation route. Platinum and chlorine were introduced by the incipient wetness technique on the alumina support already doped with about 0.3 %wt of Sn to obtain about 0.3 %wt of Pt and 1.5 %wt of Cl. For the same Pt, Sn and Cl composition, indium loading ranged from 0.06 to 0.6 wt.%. The obtained catalysts were investigated by 119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy between 95 and 300 K. Two Sn(IV), Sn(II) and Sn(0) environments have been identified and well characterized by their hyperfine parameters. The Lamb-Mossbauer factors have been determined for each environment and found to be 0.53, 0.27 and 0.31 for Sn(IV), Sn(II) and Sn(0) respectively. The addition of indium has been found to favour the formation of PtxSn alloys. 119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy results show that addition of even small amount of In (0.06 wt.%) leads to the formation of a Pt3Sn alloy. At higher indium loadings, higher amounts of PtxSn alloys of almost equal Pt and Sn atomic concentrations were detected. The increasing formation of PtxSn alloys with higher indium loading is in good correlation with a decrease of catalyst’s overall conversion and selectivity to C1 and C3–C4 paraffins and increase of isomerization selectivity.

Abstract: The application of 14N NQR to the study of cocrystals and crystal polymorphs is reviewed. In ferroelectric and antiferroelectric organic cocrystals 14N NQR is used to determine proton position in an N-H...O hydrogen bond and proton displacement below TC. In cocrystal isonicitinamide – oxalic acid (2:1) 14N NQR is used to distinguish between two polymorphs and to determine the type of the hydrogen bond (N−...H-O). The difference in the 14N NQR spectra of cocrystal formers and cocrystal is investigated in case of carbamazepine, saccharin and carbamazepine - saccharin (1:1). The experimental resolution allows an unambiguous distinction between the 14N NQR spectrum of the cocrystal and the 14N NQR spectra of the cocrystal formers. The possibility of application of NQR and double resonance for the determination of the inhomogeneity of the sample and for the study of the life time of an unstable polymorph is discussed.

Abstract: 197Au Mossbauer spectra of a series of glutathionate-protected gold clusters, Aun(SG)m, with n = 10 − ~55, were re-analyzed to understand the structure evolution behavior. The numbers of gold atoms coordinated by different numbers (0, 1, and 2) of the GS ligands were successfully determined by assuming individual isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings for the three sites in Au25(SG)18 (Tsukuda et al., Chem Lett 40:1292, 2011). The analysis revealed the drastic structural evolution of Aun(SG)m in the range of n = 10 − ~55. In Au10(SG)10, all the gold atoms are bonded to GS ligands, indicating –Au–S(G)– cyclic structures. A catenane structure was proposed for Au10(SG)10. At n = 25, a single Au atom without the GS ligation appeared, consistent with the formation of an icosahedral Au13 core protected by six staples, –S(G)–[Au–S(G)–]2. At n = 39, it is considered that Au39(SG)24 has a similar structure to that of Au38(SC2H4Ph)24 with face-fused bi-icosahedral Au23 core.

Abstract: During the recovery of base metals from the Bushveld Igneous Complex ores, South Africa, a two-stage process is used to ensure complete recovery of nickel from the ore. A nickel flash smelting furnace is initially used to obtain the valuable metal but the loss of nickel in the slag amounts to about 4 % and thus an electric slag-cleaning furnace has to be subsequently used to reduce the loss of the valuable metal to less than 0.5 % nickel oxide in the slag. The Fe2 + /Fe3 + ratio and mineralogy in the two different furnaces differ and can be used as a tool to determine the efficiency of the nickel recovered in the two-stage process. By means of XRD, SEM/EDS and Mossbauer spectroscopy the Fe2 + /Fe3 + ratio and the amount of magnetite was determined in each furnace, which was then used as an indicator of the effectiveness of the whole process.