The large number of high-spin bands that have been observed in A = 56-62 nuclei are analyzed systematically within the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky approach. Optimized Nilsson single-particle parameters are derived from investigations of energy differences between experimental and calculated rotational bands. Specifically, the relative energies of bands in neighboring nuclei whose configurations differ by having a high-j orbital either filled or empty are analyzed. The level schemes calculated with the new Nilsson parameters are compared with those using standard Nilsson parameters. Some configuration assignments are revised.

Excitation-energy spectra of 11 C nuclei near the η -meson production threshold have been measured by missing-mass spectroscopy using the 12 C(p,d) reaction. A carbon target has been irradiated with a 2.5 GeV proton beam supplied by the synchrotron SIS-18 at GSI to produce η meson bound states in 11 C nuclei. Deuterons emitted at 0 • in the reaction have been momentum-analyzed by the fragment separator (FRS) used as a high-resolution spectrometer. No distinct structure due to the formation of η -mesic states is observed although a high statistical sensitivity is achieved in the experimental spectra. Upper limits on the formation cross sections of η -mesic states are determined, and thereby a constraint imposed on the η -nucleus interaction is discussed.

Solid-state sodium ion batteries are frequently referred to as the most promising technology for next-generation energy storage applications. However, developing a suitable solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, excellent electrolyte–electrode interfaces, and a wide electrochemical stability window, remains a major challenge. Although solid-polymer electrolytes have attracted great interest due to their low cost, low density and very good processability, they generally have significantly lower ionic conductivity and poor mechanical strength. Here, we report on the development of a low-cost composite solid polymer electrolyte comprised of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and sodium hexafluorophosphate, mixed with indium arsenide nanowires. We show that the addition of 1.0% by weight of indium arsenide nanowires increases the sodium ion conductivity in the polymer to 1.50 × 10−4 Scm−1 at 40 °C. In order to explain this remarkable characteristic, we propose a new transport model in which sodium ions hop between close-spaced defect sites present on the surface of the nanowires, forming an effective complex conductive percolation network. Our work represents a significant advance in the development of novel solid polymer electrolytes with embedded engineered ultrafast 1D percolation networks for near-future generations of low-cost, high-performance batteries with excellent energy storage capabilities.