Bulk-like dielectric and magnetic properties of sub 100 nm thick single crystal Cr2O3 films on an epitaxial oxide electrode.

The manipulation of antiferromagnetic order in magnetoelectric Cr2O3 using electric field has been of great interest due to its potential in low-power electronics. The substantial leakage and low dielectric breakdown observed in twinned Cr2O3 thin films, however, hinders its development in energy efficient spintronics. To compensate, large film thicknesses (250 nm or greater) have been employed at the expense of device scalability. Recently, epitaxial V2O3 thin film electrodes have been used to eliminate twin boundaries and significantly reduce the leakage of 300 nm thick single crystal films. Here we report the electrical endurance and magnetic properties of thin (less than 100 nm) single crystal Cr2O3 films on epitaxial V2O3 buffered Al2O3 (0001) single crystal substrates. The growth of Cr2O3 on isostructural V2O3 thin film electrodes helps eliminate the existence of twin domains in Cr2O3 films, therefore significantly reducing leakage current and increasing dielectric breakdown. 60 nm thick Cr2O3 films show bulk-like resistivity (~ 1012 Ω cm) with a breakdown voltage in the range of 150-300 MV/m. Exchange bias measurements of 30 nm thick Cr2O3 display a blocking temperature of ~ 285 K while room temperature optical second harmonic generation measurements possess the symmetry consistent with bulk magnetic order.

The ultrathin limit of improper ferroelectricity.

The secondary nature of polarization in improper ferroelectrics promotes functional properties beyond those of conventional ferroelectrics. In technologically relevant ultrathin films, however, the improper ferroelectric behavior remains largely unexplored. Here, we probe the emergence of the coupled improper polarization and primary distortive order parameter in thin films of hexagonal YMnO3. Combining state-of-the-art in situ characterization techniques separately addressing the improper ferroelectric state and its distortive driving force, we reveal a pronounced thickness dependence of the improper polarization, which we show to originate from the strong modification of the primary order at epitaxial interfaces. Nanoscale confinement effects on the primary order parameter reduce the temperature of the phase transition, which we exploit to visualize its order-disorder character with atomic resolution. Our results advance the understanding of the evolution of improper ferroelectricity within the confinement of ultrathin films, which is essential for their successful implementation in nanoscale applications.

The taper of clinical preparations for fixed prosthodontics.

Convergence angles of full-coverage preparations were measured in a clinical environment and compared with each other and the ideal taper of 4 to 10 degrees. Despite educational emphasis, the practical application of preparation design routinely exceeds the ideal taper and casts a different light on retention and resistance characteristics described in both laboratory and theoretical work. Comparison of preparations done by residents and by prosthodontists in this study showed that ideal preparation taper is seldom achieved. Given the complex interrelationships of clinical, theoretical, and mechanical factors that determine the retention and resistance characteristics of a preparation in vivo, it is advisable to design preparations that blend retentive characteristics with functional demands. Because it is difficult to assess preparation taper intraorally, efforts should be directed to using other retentive devices, especially on posterior preparations where ideal taper is difficult to achieve.

Derivatization of carboxylic acids by reaction with 4'-bromophenacyl trifluoromethanesulfonate prior to determination by high-performance liquid chromatography.

The use of 4'-bromo-2-hydroxyacetophenone trifluoromethanesulfonate ester (4'-bromophenacyl triflate) in the preparation of carboxylic acid 4'-bromophenacyl ester derivatives for spectrophotometric detection in high-performance liquid chromatography is described. The reagent is prepared in 66% yield by the reaction of 4'-bromo-2-diazoacetophenone with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in anhydrous sulfur dioxide and is stable for 3-6 months. Reactions of 10(-6) M carboxylate N,N-diisopropylethylammonium salts with this reagent in acetonitrile at room temperature proceed to completion in 1-5 min. Optimal rates of reaction are obtained with a 10-fold equivalent excess of alkylating agent and 5 equivalents of N,N-diisopropylethylamine present. The process has been applied successfully to mono-, di- and tricarboxylic and sterically hindered carboxylic acids.