Infrared active phonon modes and ionicity of single crystal MgAl2O4

Near-normal incident infrared reflectivity spectra of （100） MgAl2O4 spinel single crystal have been measured at different temperatures in the frequency region between 50 and 6000 cm^-1. Eight infrared-active phonon modes are identified, which are fitted with the factorized form of the dielectric function. The dielectric property and optical conductivity of the MgAl2O4 crystal are analysed. From TO/LO splitting, the effective Szigeti charges and Born effective charges at different temperatures are calculated for studying the ionicity and the effect of polarization. Based on the relationship between the （LO-TO）1 splitting, which represents the transverse and longitudinal frequencies splitting of the highest energy phonon band in the reflectivity spectrum, and the ionic-covalent parameter, the four main phonon modes are assigned. MgA1204 can be considered as a pure ionic crystal and its optical characters do not change with decreasing temperature, so it may be used as a suitable substrate for high-Tc superconducting thin films.     

The structure of a propagating MgAl2O4/MgO interface: linked atomic- and μm-scale mechanisms of interface motion

To understand how a new phase forms between two reactant layers, MgAl₂O₄ (spinel) has been grown between MgO (periclase) and Al₂O₃ (corundum) single crystals under defined temperature and load. Electron backscatter diffraction data show a topotaxial relationship between the MgO reactant and the MgAl₂O₄ reaction product. These MgAl₂O₄ grains are misoriented from perfect alignment with the MgO substrate by ~2–4°, with misorientation axes concentrated in the interface plane. Further study using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy shows that in 2D the MgAl₂O₄/MgO interface has a periodic configuration consisting of curved segments (convex towards MgO) joined by regularly spaced misfit dislocations occurring every ~4.5 nm (~23 atomic planes). This configuration is observed along the two equivalent [1 0 0] directions parallel to the MgAl₂O₄/MgO interface, indicating that the 3D geometry of the interface is a grid of convex protrusions of MgAl₂O₄ into MgO. At each minimum between the protrusions is a misfit dislocation. This geometry results from the coupling between long-range diffusion, which supplies Al³⁺ to and removes Mg²⁺ from the reaction interface, and interface reaction, in which climb of the misfit dislocations is the rate-limiting process. The extra oxygen atoms required for dislocation climb were likely derived from the reactant MgO, leaving behind oxygen vacancies that eventually form pores at the interface. The pores are dragged along by the propagating reaction interface, providing additional resistance to interface motion. The pinning effect of the pores leads to doming of the interface on the scale of individual grains.     

Pressure and temperature-dependent raman study of ZnWO4

Abstract

The Raman spectra of monoclinic ZnWO₄ (c⁴ _2h-space group) are reported over wide ranges of pressure (0-24GPa) and temperature (13-970 K). All 18 Raman active pho-nons are observed throughout these ranges. Combining the pressure and temperature Raman data, an identification scheme is suggested which makes possible to distinguish the internal modes (vibrations in the octahedral WO₆ units) from the external ones (pure lattice modes). All phonons harden with pressure, thus showing normal positive dω/dP slopes, and soften with temperature in the region 250 - 970 K (normal negative dω/dT slopes). However, two phonons show a change of slope sign below 300 K, resulting in small positive slopes at low temperatures. Since the pressure dependence of these two phonons is normal and linear, it is concluded that their anomalous, non-linear dependence with temperature is due to anharmonic (temperature induced) phonon interactions rather that volume expansion. It is found that ZnWO₄ remains stable throughout the pressure and temperature ranges.     

LD抽运Er3+，Yb3+共掺磷酸盐玻璃被动调Q激光器的理论分析和数值计算

研究了以Co²⁺:MgAl₂O₄晶体为饱和吸收体的LD抽运Er³⁺,Yb³⁺共掺磷酸盐玻璃激光器.针对双掺离子之间的能量传递和Er³⁺的多种跃迁过程，结合Co²⁺:MgAl₂O₄晶体中Co²⁺离子的饱和吸收特性，给出了详尽的速率方程，在其基础上进行了数值分析，分析了输出镜透过率、激光介质长度、谐振腔长度、腔内往返损耗、饱和吸收体长度对激光阈值、峰值功率、单脉冲能量以及脉冲宽度的影响.     

Investigation of defect centres responsible for TL/OSL in MgAl2O4:Tb

Magnesium aluminate doped with Tb³⁺ (MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺) was prepared by combustion synthesis. Three thermoluminsence (TL) peaks at 120, 220 and 340 °C were observed. PL and TL emission spectrum shows that Tb³⁺ acts as the luminescent centre. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) was observed when stimulated by 470 nm blue light.Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies were carried out to identify the defect centres responsible for the TL and OSL processes in MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺. Two defect centres were identified in irradiated MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ phosphor by ESR measurements which was carried out at room temperature and these were assigned to V and F⁺ centres. V centre (hole centre) is correlated to 120 and 220 °C TL peaks and F⁺ centre (electron centre), which acts as a recombination centre is correlated to 120, 220 and 340 °C.     

Effect of pressure on cubic (C-type) Eu2O3 studied via Eu3+ luminescence

Abstract

Luminescence spectra from Eu³⁺ ion in C-type Eu₂O₃ under high pressures have been obtained. The spectral shifts can be used to study the effect of pressure on the spin-orbit and the Coulomb interactions of the 4f electrons, which are correlated with expansion of the 4f-electron wave functions. This expansion with the application of pressure results in both the variation of the electronegativity and radius of the Eu³⁺ ion and, ultimately, the phase transformation from C-to B-type Eu₂O₃. Therefore, core 4f-electrons can thus be thought of as quasivalence electrons.     

X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra of merrillite at high pressures

ABSTRACT

The compressibility and effect of pressure on the vibrations of merrillite, Ca₉NaMg(PO₄)₇, were studied by using diamond anvil cell at room temperature combined with in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy up to about 18 and 15?GPa, respectively. The pressure-volume data was fitted by a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state to determine the isothermal bulk modulus as K₀ ?=?87.2(32) GPa with pressure derivative K₀′?=?3.2(4). If K₀′?=?4, the isothermal bulk modulus was obtained as 81.6(10) GPa. The axial compressibility was estimated and an axial elastic anisotropy exists since a-axis is less compressible than the c-axis. The Raman frequencies of all observed modes for merrillite continuously increase with pressure, and the pressure dependences of stretching modes (v ₃ and v ₁) are larger than those of the bending modes (v ₄ and v ₂) and external modes. The isothermal mode Grüneisen parameters and intrinsic anharmonicity of merrillite were also calculated.     

Luminescence channels of manganese-doped spinel

Two independent luminescence channels are observed from manganese-doped spinel Mn:MgAl₂O₄. The luminescence around 520 nm is assigned to transition from the lowest electronic excited state ⁴T₁ to the ground state ⁶A₁ of Mn²⁺ (3d)⁵ ion by analyzing the excitation spectrum and electron spin resonance measurement. The emission at 650 nm is triggered by the band edge excitation and is assigned similarly to the charge-transfer process associated with the manganese ion.     

High-pressure optical studies on R-line fluorescence lifetime in Al2O3:V2+

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (up to 10.3?GPa) at room temperature on fluorescence lifetime τ for R line (²E→⁴A₂ transition) in ruby Al₂O₃:V²⁺ was studied. The performed studies show the linear increase of τ with increasing pressure. At 10.3?GPa, τ is about 1.36 times higher than at ambient pressure. The obtained trend was explained by a model which considered the effect of pressure on τ through an induced change of line position, inter-ionic distance, compressibility, and molecular polarizability. A good agreement between the calculated and experimental values for τ was obtained.     

The Infrared and Raman Spectra of Tetracalcium Phosphate (Ca4P2O9)

The infrared and Raman spectra of tetracalcium phosphate (Ca₄P₂O₉) were measured and interpreted on the basis of factor group analysis. Factor group splitting can be noted for the various internal vibrational modes of the PO₄ ^3- ion. However, a fewer number of factor group-split bands can be seen than predicted because of either the weak intensities of these bands or the convolution of such bands for the various internal modes of vibration.     

Infrared and raman studies on neodymium pentaphosphate and metaphosphates

The infrared and Raman spectra of crystalline samples of NdP₅O₁₄, NaNdP₄O₁₂ and KNdP₄O₁₂ are recorded. The spectra are analysed on the basis of vibrations of P=O, P-O, PO₂ and P-O-P groups. The P₄O ₁₂ ⁴⁻ ion has cyclic structures both in NaNdP₄O₁₂ and KNdP₄O₁₂ crystals. It has been inferred that the P-O-P bridges are stronger in metaphosphates.     

A luminescence study of B-type Eu2O3 under pressure

Abstract

Luminescence spectra from Eu³ + ion in B-type (monoclinic) ₂O₃ powder have been recorded at room temperature as a function of pressure using a diamond anvil cell. Changes in the spectral pattern of the Eu³ + ion emission at about 4 GPa indicated that a phase transition to the A-type (hexagonal) structure had taken place. Upon release of the applied pressure, the B-type structure was regained with hysteresis. The spectral shifts with pressure have been used to study the effect of pressure on the spin-orbit interaction of the 4f electrons in the Ed + ion. The relationship between the relative changes in the spin-orbit coupling constant, ζ_4f, and the volume accompanying the phase transition is also discussed.     

Preparation and properties of composite ceramic coating containing Al2O3–ZrO2–Y2O3 on AZ91D magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation

A composite ceramic coating containing Al₂O₃–ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ was successfully prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique in an alkaline aluminate electrolyte. The morphology, elemental and phase composition, corrosion behavior and thermal stability of the uncoated and coated samples were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), electrochemical corrosion test, high temperature oxidation test and thermal shock test. The results showed that the composite ceramic coating was composed of Al₂O₃, c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, Y₂O₃ and some magnesium compounds, such as MgO, MgF₂ and MgAl₂O₄. After PEO treatment, the corrosion potential of AZ91D alloy was increased and the corrosion current density was significantly reduced. Besides, the coated magnesium alloys also showed excellent high temperature oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance at 500 °C environment.     

Comparative analysis of crystal field effects and energy level scheme of six-fold coordinated Cr ion in the pyrochlores, Y2B2O7 (B=Ti, Sn)

The electronic energy levels of the six-fold coordinated Cr⁴⁺ ion in the pyrochlores Y₂B₂O₇ (B=Sn⁴⁺, Ti⁴⁺), have been computed using the exchange charge model of crystal field theory. The calculated Cr⁴⁺ energy levels and their trigonal splitting are in good agreement with experimental spectra. Calculations of the crystal field parameters show that the higher crystal field strength in Y₂Sn₂O₇ (in comparison with Y₂Ti₂O₇) arises from increased orbital overlap effects between the Cr⁴⁺ ion and the nearest oxygen ions, which are located at the 48f crystallographic position of the pyrochlore lattice. The increased overlap in Y₂Sn₂O₇ occurs despite the fact that the Cr⁴⁺-O^2- bond distance in Y₂Sn₂O₇ is longer than in Y₂Ti₂O₇. This is attributed to a lack of hybridization (covalent bonding) between the filled 2p orbital of oxygen ion occupying the 48f site of the pyrochlore lattice and the filled Sn⁴⁺ 4d¹⁰ orbital. As a result, a stronger crystal field is experienced by Cr⁴⁺ ions in Y₂Sn₂O₇, even if the Cr⁴⁺-O²⁻ distances are greater in this case, when compared to those in Y₂Ti₂O₇.     

Adsorption of SO2 on Li atoms deposited on MgO (1 0 0) surface: DFT calculations

The adsorption of sulfur dioxide molecule (SO₂) on Li atom deposited on the surfaces of metal oxide MgO (1 0 0) on both anionic and defect (F_s-center) sites located on various geometrical defects (terrace, edge and corner) has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) in combination with embedded cluster model. The adsorption energy (E_ads) of SO₂ molecule (S-atom down as well as O-atom down) in different positions on both of O⁻² and F_s sites is considered. The spin density (SD) distribution due to the presence of Li atom is discussed. The geometrical optimizations have been done for the additive materials and MgO substrate surfaces (terrace, edge and corner). The oxygen vacancy formation energies have been evaluated for MgO substrate surfaces. The ionization potential (IP) for defect free and defect containing of the MgO surfaces has been calculated. The adsorption properties of SO₂ are analyzed in terms of the E_ads, the electron donation (basicity), the elongation of S-O bond length and the atomic charges on adsorbed materials. The presence of the Li atom increases the catalytic effect of the anionic O⁻² site of MgO substrate surfaces (converted from physisorption to chemisorption). On the other hand, the presence of the Li atom decreases the catalytic effect of the F_s-site of MgO substrate surfaces. Generally, the SO₂ molecule is strongly adsorbed (chemisorption) on the MgO substrate surfaces containing F_s-center.     

氧压对SrTiO3和SrNb0.2Ti0.8O3薄膜晶格参数的影响及激光感生热电电压效应

采用脉冲激光沉积技术制备了SrTiO₃和SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜.X射线衍射分析表明在LaAlO₃(100)单晶平衬底上生长的SrTiO₃及SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜是沿［001］取向的近外延生长.随着氧压在一定范围内逐渐增大,SrTiO₃薄膜的晶格参数减小,而SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜的晶格参数先减小后增大.同时摸索出制备具有二维电子气超晶格(SrTiO₃/SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃)_L的最佳氧压为1.0×10^-2Pa.另外在LaAlO₃(100)倾斜衬底上制备的SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜中观察到激光感生热电电压效应. 关键词： 0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜')" href="#">SrNb_0.2Ti_0.8O₃薄膜 晶格参数 激光感生热电电压 脉冲激光沉积     

High-pressure optical studies of Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles

Abstract

The fluorescence spectra of Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles have been measured under the pressure of up to 78 kbar at room temperature. In this pressure range, a red-shift of 0.02(1) nm/kbar^?1 is noticed for the 0–2 line (⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition). This shift is explained by the change of negative charge of the surrounding ligands. Compatibility between measured and calculated values for the 0–2 line position was obtained. The luminescence decay curves of the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition were studied up to 78 kbar and were found to behave exponentially for all pressures studied. The fluorescence lifetime τ for the 0–2 line (⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition) slowly decreased with pressure. The pressure effect on τ for the 0–2 line (⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition) was explained by a model which considers the pressure effect on the line position, inter-ionic distance, ion volume and polarizability, molecular volume and polarizability, molecular refractive index and the refractive index medium n _med of the surrounding hydrostatic medium. The fluorescence lifetime calculated by the present model is in close correspondence with the experimental values.     

Positive and negative magnetoresistance in Fe3O4-based heterostructures

Fe₃O₄-based heterostructures, including Fe₃O₄/MgO/Fe₃O₄, Fe₃O₄/MgO/Si and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/Si, were fabricated by magnetron sputtering to investigate the perpendicular-to-plane magneto-transport properties. In the Fe₃O₄/MgO/Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/MgO/Si heterostructures, the typical magneto-transport properties of single Fe₃O₄ films, such as negative magnetoresistance (MR) and extreme values of MR−T curves at 120 K, were observed, suggesting that the spin polarization of conducting electrons conserves through MgO barrier. MR in the Fe₃O₄/MgO/Fe₃O₄ heterostructure is larger than that in the Fe₃O₄/MgO/Si heterostructure, because the spin of electrons is disturbed in the depletion layer of Si and the SiO₂ layer introduced by Fe₃O₄/MgO growth. The Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/Si heterostructure has a positive MR of 2% at 120 K, which may originate from the scattering of conducting electrons in amorphous SiO₂ and the spin polarization reversal at the Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ interface.     

The first-principle studies of the crystal phase transitions: Fd3m-MgAl2O4→F4-3m-MgAl2O4

Magnesium aluminum spinel (MgAl₂O₄) is a major constituent of the shallow upper mantle. It is of great geophysical importance to explore its physical properties under high pressure and temperature. The first-principle density functional theory (DFT) with the plane wave along with pseudopotential was employed to obtain the total energy for both Fd3m-MgAl₂O₄ and F4-3m-MgAl₂O₄, which was used to generate the Gibbs free energy as a function of temperature and pressure with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. It is found that the phase transition temperature from Fd3m-MgAl₂O₄ to F4-3m-MgAl₂O₄ is beyond 452.6 K in the pressure regime studied, which is consistent with the experiment. The phase transition temperature is related to pressure by a linear function, i.e. T=8.05P+452.6, which is the first equation of this kind to describe the phase transition Fd3m→F4-3m. The elastic constants, equation of states and thermodynamic properties of Fd3m-MgAl₂O₄ are also reported in this paper to make a complete study.     

The 181Hf/181Ta Probe in the Li and Nb Sites of Congruent Linbo3 Co-doped with Mg and Cr Ions Studied by γ–γ PAC

The results reported in this work show the relevance of the lithium deficiency for the Li lattice site occupation of dopants in congruent lithium niobate crystals co-doped with 0.1 mol% Cr₂O₃ and different concentrations of HfO₂, up to 3 mol%. The same behavior is observed in a crystal doped with 1 mol% of HfO₂ and co-doped with 4 mol% MgO where after annealing most of the Hf/Ta probes occupy the Nb lattice site.