For a general evolution of a quantal system, the geometric phase measured with reference to a given initial state is derived as an integral of a function of the pure state density operator by invoking the Pancharatnam connection continuously.

In this paper we present a phenomenological model to analyze the heat release at the glass transition as observed in the continuous cooling calorimetry when a supercooled liquid freezes into the glassy state. We developed this model for the quantitative analysis of the experimental data to obtain the specific heat and the parameters which govern the structural relaxation. A description of the model and the detailed analysis are presented and the relaxation parameters are compared with the corresponding values obtained from the specific heat spectroscopy. Our analysis reveals several interesting aspects which include the effects of delayed enthalpy relaxation and the nonequilibrium structural relaxation time on the observed specific heat, the temperature dependence of the equilibrium configurational specific heat and the validity of the Vogel-Fulcher equation for the relaxation time.

Measurements of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion α have been carried out for the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases of RE₁Ba₂Cu₃O_y(RE=Y, Gd, Dy) compounds using a high resolution capacitance dilatometer in the temperature range 77–300 K. All the superconducting samples exhibit a jump Δα at their respective transition temperatures,T_c. Evidences of, sample-to-sample variation in α values and dependence of Δα on the sample preparation conditions, have been obtained. The non-superconducting samples, in general, exhibit lower values of α possibly because of lowering of oxygen content.

A systematic study of the magnetic properties of ultra-fine particles of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5Fe₂O₄ spinel system has been undertaken. The effect of temperature on the magnetic properties of particles and the ferrofluid has been studied. Analysis of the data yields information on the anisotropy constant, particle size distribution and superparamagnetic behaviour. The results are explained on the basis of existing theories.

Electric field gradient inhcp transition metal scandium has been calculated as the sum of contributions from lattice ions and conduction electrons. For the lattice contributionq_latt, a point-charge model has been assumed. The contribution from conduction electronsq_el, on the other hand, has been evaluated by carrying out an energy-band calculation using non-local transition-metal model potential. The results obtained are:q_el=−106.11×10¹³ esu/cm³ andq_latt=122.17×10¹³ esu/cm³. The net field gradient (q_el+q_latt) of 16.06×10¹³ esu/cm³ agrees quite well with the experimental result, |q_expt|=13×10¹³ esu/cm³. Directions of further improvement in the theory are discussed.

Laser workpiece interaction mechanism is an important phenomenon which will assist in the development of laser machining systems. The interaction mechanism is generally complicated and depends on the laser and workpiece properties. In the present study a mathematical analysis for the laser material removal by evaporation and radial ejection of liquid is carried out. In the analysis the time unsteady problem is solved and nucleation explosions are predicted.

Raman scattering studies on 1–4 dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ) at Ag electrode have been carried out to investigate the enhancement in the spectral line intensity after adsorption. Charge transfer between the adsorbate and the substrate is more pronounced for certain normal modes of vibration. It is found that the DHAQ molecules are lying with their molecular plane on the top of the metal surface. Laser induced fluorescence spectra of DHAQ have also been analysed with a view to assign the relative orientation of absorption and emission dipoles.

An inexpensive and simple demountable X-ray source, having facilities to excite X-rays either by bombardment of a target by electrons or by fluorescence, has been developed using a stainless steel chamber having six ports. A cathode assembly from a burnt out sealed off Machlett X-ray tube was carefully removed and reused in the present set-up after replacing the filament. A conventional vacuum system consisting of a rotary and diffusion pumps has been utilized for evacuating the chamber. The set-up can be conveniently utilized to carry out X-ray emission spectroscopic work.