Spectroscopy of spontaneous spin noise as a probe of spin dynamics and magnetic resonance

Not all noise in experimental measurements is unwelcome. Certain fundamental noise sources contain valuable information about the system itself-a notable example being the inherent voltage fluctuations (Johnson noise) that exist across any resistor, which allow the temperature to be determined. In magnetic systems, fundamental noise can exist in the form of random spin fluctuations. For example, statistical fluctuations of N paramagnetic spins should generate measurable noise of order N spins, even in zero magnetic field. Here we exploit this effect to perform perturbation-free magnetic resonance. We use off-resonant Faraday rotation to passively detect the magnetization noise in an equilibrium ensemble of paramagnetic alkali atoms; the random fluctuations generate spontaneous spin coherences that precess and decay with the same characteristic energy and timescales as the macroscopic magnetization of an intentionally polarized or driven ensemble. Correlation spectra of the measured spin noise reveal g-factors, nuclear spin, isotope abundance ratios, hyperfine splittings, nuclear moments and spin coherence lifetimes-without having to excite, optically pump or otherwise drive the system away from thermal equilibrium. These noise signatures scale inversely with interaction volume, suggesting a possible route towards non-perturbative, sourceless magnetic resonance of small systems.     

Chemical characterization of element 112

The heaviest elements to have been chemically characterized are seaborgium (element 106), bohrium (element 107) and hassium (element 108). All three behave according to their respective positions in groups 6, 7 and 8 of the periodic table, which arranges elements according to their outermost electrons and hence their chemical properties. However, the chemical characterization results are not trivial: relativistic effects on the electronic structure of the heaviest elements can strongly influence chemical properties. The next heavy element targeted for chemical characterization is element 112; its closed-shell electronic structure with a filled outer s orbital suggests that it may be particularly susceptible to strong deviations from the chemical property trends expected within group 12. Indeed, first experiments concluded that element 112 does not behave like its lighter homologue mercury. However, the production and identification methods used cast doubt on the validity of this result. Here we report a more reliable chemical characterization of element 112, involving the production of two atoms of (283)112 through the alpha decay of the short-lived (287)114 (which itself forms in the nuclear fusion reaction of 48Ca with 242Pu) and the adsorption of the two atoms on a gold surface. By directly comparing the adsorption characteristics of (283)112 to that of mercury and the noble gas radon, we find that element 112 is very volatile and, unlike radon, reveals a metallic interaction with the gold surface. These adsorption characteristics establish element 112 as a typical element of group 12, and its successful production unambiguously establishes the approach to the island of stability of superheavy elements through 48Ca-induced nuclear fusion reactions with actinides.     

Genesis of zircon and its constraints on interpretation of U-Pb age

Zircon U-Pb dating is the most commonly used method for isotopic geochronology. However, it has been a difficult issue when relating zircon U-Pb ages to metamorphic conditions in complex metamorphic rocks. Much progress has been made in the past decade with respect to the genesis of zircon and its constraints on interpretation of U-Pb age. Three methods have been proposed to link zircon U-Pb age to metamorphic conditions: ( i ) internal structure; ( ii ) trace element feature; (iii) mineral inclusion composition. Magmatic zircon shows typical oscillatory zoning and/or sector zoning, whereas metamorphic zircon has internal structures such as no zoned, weakly zoned, cloudy zoned, sector zoned, planar zoned, and patched zoned ones. Zircons formed in different geological environments generally have characteristic internal structures. Magmatic zircons from different rock types have variable trace element abundances, with a general trend of increasing trace element abundances in zircons from ultramafic through mafic to granitic rocks. Zircons formed under different metamorphic conditions have different trace element characteristics that can be used to relate their formation to metamorphic conditions. It is an effective way to relate zircon growth to certain P-T conditions by studying the trace element partitioning between coexisting metamorphic zircon and garnet in high-grade metamorphic rocks containing both zircon and garnet. Primary mineral inclusions in zircon can also provide unambiguous constraints on its formation conditions. Therefore, interpretation of zircon U-Pb ages can be constrained by its internal structure, trace element composition, mineral inclusion and so on.     

Quantification of the disorder in network-modified silicate glasses.

Local order in silicate glasses has been observed by many experimental techniques to be similar to that in crystalline materials. Details of the intermediate-range order are more elusive, but essential for understanding the lack of long-range symmetry in glasses and the effect of composition on glass structure. Two-dimensional 17O dynamic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance experiments reveal intermediate-range order in the distribution of inter-tetrahedral (Si-O-Si) bond angles and a high degree of order in the disposition of oxygen atoms around the network-modifying cations.     

4.1 Ga old detrital zircon in western Tibet of China

4.1 Ga old detrital zircon was found by SHRIMP U-Pb dating for quartz schist from Buring County in western Tibet, Southwest China. This is the oldest zircon U-Pb age found in China so far. The detrital zircon is a zircon of magmatic origin because its Th/ U ratios are 0.76 to 0.86. Two dates older than 4.0 Ga were measured only in one grain. U-Pb ages of 35 measured spots in 24 zircons can be subdivided into 6 groups, corresponding to at least 6 episodes of magmatic activity in the target area. The present results provide an important geochronological constraint on the geological evolution of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.     

Single zircon LAM－ICPMS U－Pb dating of Guidong complex （SE China） and its petrogenetic significance

Because of the strong effects of the Caledonian and Indosinian orogenies and Yanshanian magmatism since early Paleozoic time, different types of granites and ore deposits occur widely in the Nanling region of SE China[1]. The Guidong complex is situated at the border between the South Jiangxi—North Guangdong post-Caledonian orogenic belt and the Hercynian-Indosinian belt, which is constrained by an E-W regional deep fault (Guidong-Da- dongshan deep fault) and therefore is elongated nea…     

黑龙江金厂金矿花岗斑岩锆石地球化学、U-Pb年代学及地质意义

为确定与金厂金矿成矿有关的岩浆类型、活动时限和构造背景,采用LA-ICP-MS技术对研究区花岗斑岩开展了锆石U-Pb年龄及原位微区微量元素测定。结果表明:锆石环带发育,wTh/wU值>0.4,具有岩浆锆石特征;锆石年龄分布于220Ma和103～123Ma 2个区间,代表了2期岩浆事件;对2种锆石分别命名为捕获岩浆锆石和新生岩浆锆石;锆石的地球化学和年龄信息显示捕获岩浆锆石的原岩为早三叠世花岗岩;锆石微量元素信息暗示花岗斑岩是早三叠世花岗岩高度熔融结晶分异、侵位于浅部氧化环境而形成,这一过程导致新生岩浆锆石负Eu异常程度降低。新生锆石加权平均年龄为(113.5±3.8)Ma,与成矿年龄一致,据此认为早白垩世的岩浆事件是金厂金矿成矿事件的直接原因,成矿背景为太平洋板块俯冲后的岩石圈伸展。     

核磁共振技术的历史及应用

核磁共振是能够深入到物质内部而不破坏被测量对象的一种分析物质构造的现代技术,它通过利用原子核在磁场中的能量变化来获得关于原子核的信息,具有迅速、准确、分辨率高等优点,因而在科研和生产中获得了广泛的应用。作为新世纪的大学生显然很有必要掌握核磁共振的原理、并且初步了解核磁共振技术在现代生活中的一些应用。本文简要介绍了核磁共振的发展历史、实验原理、科研及生活中的应用来与学生共同学习和掌握这门新兴的技术。     

福建明溪锆石巨晶中的斜锆石、锆石矿物包裹体及其成因启示

福建明溪是我国和火山岩有关的锆石巨晶的典型产地.通过对该地的锆石巨晶晶体形态及其包裹体的研究发现,福建明溪锆石巨晶四方柱明显较双锥发育,表面有熔蚀结构,内部结构均匀;锆石巨晶中发现的斜锆石包裹体和其它产地斜锆石相比具有贫大离子半径元素U,Th,Y,Zr/Hf高的特点.巨晶中的锆石包裹体的拉曼光谱有两种不同类型,其中一类锆石包裹体的拉曼谱和变质及热处理锆石相似,说明锆石巨晶形成时曾经历过变质作用过程.锆石巨晶及其包裹体特征暗示锆石巨晶不是玄武岩结晶产物,和伴生的刚玉巨晶相比其来源可能更深,是壳一幔物质相互作用产物.     

铁磁金属合金中的内磁场和磁矩

本文研究了若干晶态和非晶态铁磁金属合金中Fe原子的内磁场和磁矩,认为这些合金中存在两种不同的机制。类金属原子的键合效应和过渡金属原子的电子转移效应,它们导致Fe原子内磁场和磁矩明显降低。所得结果表明,虽然铁磁金属合金中Fe原子的内磁场和磁矩具有同样的变化趋势,但在一般情况下,两者之间不一定存在某种简单的正比关系或线性关系。     

Hadean diamonds in zircon from Jack Hills, Western Australia

Detrital zircons more than 4 billion years old from the Jack Hills metasedimentary belt, Yilgarn craton, Western Australia, are the oldest identified fragments of the Earth's crust and are unique in preserving information on the earliest evolution of the Earth. Inclusions of quartz, K-feldspar and monazite in the zircons, in combination with an enrichment of light rare-earth elements and an estimated low zircon crystallization temperature, have previously been used as evidence for early recycling of continental crust, leading to the production of granitic melts in the Hadean era. Here we present the discovery of microdiamond inclusions in Jack Hills zircons with an age range from 3,058 +/- 7 to 4,252 +/- 7 million years. These include the oldest known diamonds found in terrestrial rocks, and introduce a new dimension to the debate on the origin of these zircons and the evolution of the early Earth. The spread of ages indicates that either conditions required for diamond formation were repeated several times during early Earth history or that there was significant recycling of ancient diamond. Mineralogical features of the Jack Hills diamonds-such as their occurrence in zircon, their association with graphite and their Raman spectroscopic characteristics-resemble those of diamonds formed during ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and, unless conditions on the early Earth were unique, imply a relatively thick continental lithosphere and crust-mantle interaction at least 4,250 million years ago.     

Experimental detection of alpha-particles from the radioactive decay of natural bismuth

The only naturally occurring isotope of bismuth, 209Bi, is commonly regarded as the heaviest stable isotope. But like most other heavy nuclei abundant in nature and characterized by an exceptionally long lifetime, it is metastable with respect to alpha-decay. However, the decay usually evades observation because the nuclear structure of 209Bi gives rise to an extremely low decay probability and, moreover, generates low-energy alpha-particles difficult to detect. Indeed, dedicated experiments attempting to record the alpha-decay of 209Bi in nuclear emulsions failed. However, scintillating bolometers operated at temperatures below 100 mK offer improved detection efficiency and sensitivity, whereas a broad palette of targets could be available. Here we report the successful use of this method for the unambiguous detection of 209Bi alpha-decay in bismuth germanate detectors cooled to 20 mK. We measure an energy release of 3,137 +/- 1 (statistical) +/- 2 (systematic) keV and a half-life of (1.9 +/- 0.2) x 10(19) yr, which are in agreement with expected values.     

In-situ trace element analyses of zircons from Dabieshan Huangzhen eclogite: Trace element characteristics of eclogite-facies metamorphic zircon

The internal structures of zircons in eclogite from Huangzhen have been studied by cathodoluminescence(CL) microscopy. Two growth stages were distinguished:protolith magmatic cores and metamorphic overgrowthrims. These different domains were analyzed for trace ele-ments using LAM-ICP-MS. The protolith and theovergrowth zircons have different trace elements charac-teristics. The trace element contents of protolith zircons arehigh and very variable. The overgrowth zircons show a typi-cal trace element feature of equilibrium with garnet, e.g. lowcontents of HREE (132.2-197.6 ?g/g) and small differentialdegree of HREE ((Yb/Gd)CN=8.6-11.9). The contents of Nb,Ta and the ratio of Nb/Ta are lower in the metamorphic do-mains (0.5-1.4 ?g/g, 0.7-1.5 ?g/g, 0.3-1.3, respectively)than in the protolith domains (3.8-19.7 ?g/g, 2.7-12.1 ?g/g,1.0-4.6, respectively). This is the first time to give the evi-dence that the metamorphic zircon equilibrates with therutile, which formed during the peak metamorphic stage.The REEs and other trace elements data demonstrate that the metamorphic zircons overgrow in the eclogite-facies con-ditions. The trace element composition of zircon can there-fore give new ways to constrain their formation conditions.     

SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages and tectonic implications for Indosinian granitoids of southern Zhuguangshan granitic composite,South China

The large southern Zhuguangshan granitic batholith composite consists of granites with ages varying from the Caledonian through Indosinian to Yanshanian. Based on K-Ar dating data, the ages of the major parts of this composite were previously regarded as Yanshanian. In this study, the SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating method has been adopted for six plutons, Ledong, Longhuashan, Dawozi, Zhaidi, Baiyun and Jiangnan, in the southern Zhuguangshan composite, in which the four plutons other than Baiyun and Jiangnan were previously regarded as Yanshanian granites. Magmatic zircons from these six plutons, dated by this study, have yielded ages of 239±5 Ma (MSWD = 2.5), 239±5 Ma (MSWD = 2.5), 239±2 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), 239±4 Ma (MSWD = 3.2), 231±2 Ma (MSWD = 0.81) and 231±3 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), respectively. The results indicate that these plutons were formed by early Indosinian magmatism. Geochemical characteristics suggest that these granites were formed in an extensional tectonic environment. Therefore, the Indosinian period granites in the southern Zhuguangshan composite were formed by partial melting of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic crustal components during the collapse of thickened lithosphere after the collision between the South China and Indosinian plates.     

Discovery of ∼4.0 Ga detrital zircons in the Aermantai ophiolitic mélange, East Junggar, northwest China

The East Junggar is an important part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).Using in situ zircon dating and Hf isotopic analysis by LA-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS,respectively,a detrital zircon of 4040 Ma age was found in sedimentary sequences from the Aermantai ophiolitic mélange,East Junggar.This is the oldest age record in the East Junggar terrane,and also marks the first zircon locality in the CAOB with an age older than 4.0 Ga,which is attributed to the Hadean crust.The 4040 Ma detrital zircon has anεHf(t)value of–5.2 and a two-stage Hf modal age of 4474 Ma,suggesting the presence of very old(Hadean)crustal material in the source area.Beside peak ages of 446 Ma,we found four age groups of 3.6–3.1 Ga,2.53–2.37 Ga,1.14–0.89 Ga and 0.47–0.42 Ga from 141 effective measuring points.The age of 426±4 Ma for the five youngest detrital zircons defines the lower limit of the deposition time of sedimentary sequencess in the Aermantai ophiolitic mélange.The 0.47–0.42 Ga zircons exhibit176Hf/177Hf ratios of 0.282156 to 0.282850,corresponding to variableεHf(t)values from–9.3 to 12.0 and Hf model ages from2011 to 646 Ma.These characteristics are similar to those of the early Paleozoic igneous and gneissic zircons from the Altai,but significantly different from those of the East Junggar.Based on the material structures of felspathic greywacke,the morphology,internal texture and age distributions of dated detrital zircons,in combination with a study of the regional geological data,it is suggested that the sedimentary sequences in the Aermantai ophiolitic mélange was deposited in the Late Silurian,with the main provenance from the Altai Orogen in the north.This indicates that the early Paleozoic ocean represented by the Aermantai ophiolitic mélange was readily closed during the Late Silurian,and the northern edge of the East Junggar terrane was accreted to the Altai Orogen.The joint of them then served as a marginal orogen in the southern edge of the Siberia Paleocontinent.     

Observation of rare-earth segregation in silicon nitride ceramics at subnanometre dimensions

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics are used in numerous applications because of their superior mechanical properties. Their intrinsically brittle nature is a critical issue, but can be overcome by introducing whisker-like microstructural features. However, the formation of such anisotropic grains is very sensitive to the type of cations used as the sintering additives. Understanding the origin of dopant effects, central to the design of high-performance Si3N4 ceramics, has been sought for many years. Here we show direct images of dopant atoms (La) within the nanometre-scale intergranular amorphous films typically found at grain boundaries, using aberration corrected Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. It is clearly shown that the La atoms preferentially segregate to the amorphous/crystal interfaces. First-principles calculations confirm the strong preference of La for the crystalline surfaces, which is essential for forming elongated grains and a toughened microstructure. Whereas principles of micrometre-scale structural design are currently used to improve the mechanical properties of ceramics, this work represents a step towards the atomic-level structural engineering required for the next generation of ceramics.     

Geological and chronological evidence of Indo-Chinese strike-slip movement in the Altyn Tagh fault zone

A set of granitic and amphibole mylonite are exposed in the Altyn Tagh fault zone. The preliminary study shows that these rocks are the product of the syntectonic anatexis in the process of the left-lat- eral strike-slip shear, and are the result of the ductile transpression. There are two types of zircon sorted from the mylonite formed with synshear anatexis. Among them, one is the anatectic long columnar zircon and another is the residual metamorphic sub-rounded columnar zircon. Two groups of age for single zircon measured by ion microprobe (SHRIMP) are obtained: one is 461-547 Ma for the sub-rounded columnar residual metamorphic zircon, and the other is 239-244 Ma for the long-columnar anatectic zircon. This type of zircon is directionally spread in rock, and the long axis direction of its crystal is identical to that of stretching lineation, representing the direction of tectonic stress in the process of the strike-slip. 40Ar-39Ar age of the directional growth hornblende in the same mylonite sample measured is 223-226 Ma. The above geological and chronological data prove that the syntectonic anatexis occurred during Indo-Chinese Epoch, showing that the strong strike-slip movement occurred in the Altyn Tagh fault zone at least as early as Indo-Chinese Epoch.     

吕梁地区近周营组蚀变火山岩 U-Pb-Hf同位素特征及其地质意义

选择吕梁群中原岔上群北部地层的蚀变火山岩进行锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素研究。锆石U-Pb测试获得两组年龄结果, 较年轻的谐和年龄为1813±6 Ma (n=7), 较老的²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb加权平均年龄为2516±31 Ma(n=2), 前者为火山岩喷发时代, 后者代表捕获锆石年龄。年轻锆石的ε_Hf(t)值为-10.8~-2.3, T_DM1值为2308~2655 Ma; 捕获锆石的ε_Hf(t)值为+10.0~+13.1。年龄约为2.5 Ga锆石的ε_Hf(t)值高于亏损地幔演化线, 考虑到UPb同位素和Hf同位素测点位置不完全相同, 说明所获得的Hf同位素组成为无地质意义的混合数值; 年龄约为1.8 Ga锆石的Hf同位素特征反映其可能源于富集地幔或受地壳物质混染的亏损地幔。结合前人的研究成果, 推断岩浆作用事件发生在约1.81 Ga 的碰撞后阶段。     

Zircon SHRIMP dating of sodium alkaline rocks from Maomaogou area of Huili County in Panxi, SW China and its geological implications

Alkalinerocksareoftenassociatedwithextensionaltectonicsandregardedasthecharacteristicproductsoc-curringincontinentalmarginsorriftzones[1].Theywereusuallygeneratedindeep-large-faultzoneandcloselyconnectedwithbasic/ultrabasicrocksinspace.Therefore,alkalinerocksareofsignificanceintectonicpetrology.Atthebeginningofthe1980s,geologicalandgeophysicalstudieswereperformedinPanzhihua-Xichangpaleo-riftzone(Panxiriftzone).However,thesestudiesonlyin-volvedgeologyandpetrochemistryoftheMaomaogouringalkalic…     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In-situ</Emphasis> trace element analyses of zircons from Dabieshan Huangzhen eclogite: Trace element characteristics of eclogite-facies metamorphic zircon

The internal structures of zircons in eclogite from Huangzhen have been studied by cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy. Two growth stages were distinguished: protolith magmatic cores and metamorphic overgrowth rims. These different domains were analyzed for trace elements using LAM-ICP-MS. The protolith and the overgrowth zircons have different trace elements characteristics. The trace element contents of protolith zircons are high and very variable. The overgrowth zircons show a typical trace element feature of equilibrium with garnet, e.g. low contents of HREE (132.2–197.6 μg/g) and small differential degree of HREE ((Yb/Gd)_CN=8.6–11.9). The contents of Nb, Ta and the ratio of Nb/Ta are lower in the metamorphic domains (0.5–1.4 μg/g, 0.7–1.5 μg/g, 0.3–1.3, respectively) than in the protolith domains (3.8–19.7 μg/g, 2.7–12.1 μg/g, 1.0–4.6, respectively). This is the first time to give the evidence that the metamorphic zircon equilibrates with the rutile, which formed during the peak metamorphic stage. The REEs and other trace elements data demonstrate that the metamorphic zircons overgrow in the eclogite-facies conditions. The trace element composition of zircon can therefore give new ways to constrain their formation conditions.