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Cold clusters of molecular hydrogen were created using a pulsed nozzle. The thermodynamical states of the clusters were characterized by measuring the cluster beam velocity and the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of embedded molecules. Two distinct velocity components were identified in the beam that originates from different clustering mechanisms. The fast velocity component corresponds to the expansion of H2 from the gas phase, while the slow velocity component corresponds to the expansion from the liquid phase. The velocity distribution of these two components showed no significant difference between the expansions of para and normal hydrogen. In this study, LIF spectroscopy of single Mg-phthalocyanine molecules embedded in the H2 clusters consisting of 105 H2 molecules was used to investigate the properties of the fast component. The observed peak frequencies of the LIF signals, compared to those observed in helium droplets, were used to infer the possible presence of the liquid phase in the fast component of the H2 clusters below 5 K. The shift, linewidth, and splitting in the spectra, which strongly depend on the ortho/para ratio, are attributed to the local configurations of hydrogen in the vicinity of the probe molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes simple modifications to a demonstration Stirling engine that allows one to make quantitative measurements of the Stirling cycle. First, we describe measurements of the P-V diagram using an in-expensive pressure sensor and a common photogate. Then, as a supplement, the engine was run as a refrigerator by using a rotary tool to turn the flywheel of the engine. A small, but measurable, temperature difference developed across the body of the engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and characterization of a novel toroidal split-ring resonator (SRR) are described in detail. In conventional cylindrical SRRs, there is a large magnetic flux within the bore of the resonator. However, there also exists a non-negligible magnetic flux in the free space surrounding the resonator. The energy losses associated with this radiated power diminish the resonator's quality factor. In the toroidal SRR, on the other hand, the magnetic field lines are strongly confined within the bore of the resonator resulting in high intrinsic quality factors and stable resonance frequencies without requiring additional electromagnetic shielding. This paper describes the design and construction of a toroidal SRR as well as an experimental investigation of its cw response in the frequency-domain and its time-domain response to a rf pulse. Additionally, the dependence of the toroidal SRR's resonant frequency and quality factor on the strength of inductive coupling to external circuits is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of student invention as an effective teaching method in educating standard deviation. It presents several features for effective teaching method such as contrasting cases and student collaboration. It also provides an overview of an example invention activity which is the lab, an introductory calculus-based physics course intended for students planning to take higher level courses in physics and astronomy. Moreover, the results of the activity are also discussed.