– A quantum many-body model is presented with features similar to those of certain particle detectors. The energy spectrum contains a single, thermodynamically metastable “ready” state and macroscopically-distinct, ground “pointer” states. Transitions into classicallike states can be triggered by a single particle with the help of the thermal bath. Schrödinger cat states are associated with sup...

-The specific surface area, S, of a clay is commonly measured by the adsorption of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME); however, this method can be tedious and time consuming, especially if the clay is saturated with a monovalent, highly hydrated cation. An alternative method for measuring S was developed involving infrared internal reflectance spectroscopy. This method is based on the disco...

-Organoclays were prepared by exchanging Ca 2+ in a Ca2*-saturated smectite partially or fully with trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) cations. The mechanistic function of these organoclays as adsorbents for neutral organic compounds in aqueous solution was examined. TMPA cations were found to take a random distribution on the surfaces of mixed Ca/TMPA-smectites. The presence of TMPA, and its rando...