Non-planar spin texture driven dissipation in a ferromagnet-superconductor bilayer

We report the observation of a pronounced dip in the in-plane magnetic field (H_∥) dependence of the critical current density J_c(H) and a peak in resistance R(H) of a NbN-HoNi₅ bilayer at temperatures below the magnetic ordering temperature (T_Curie ≈ 3.5 K) of HoNi₅, which is lower than the onset temperature (≈9 K) of superconductivity in the NbN layer. The extrema in J_c(H) and R(H) appear at fields much below the upper critical field of NbN. We attribute these features to a coupling between localized out-of-plane moments present in the magnetic film and Pearl vortices of the superconducting layer. A spin re-orientation transition of the localized moments by H_∥ breaks this coupling, leading to the observed excess dissipation.     

Angular dependences of critical current density in YBCO thin films with crossed columnar defects

We investigated the dependences of the critical current density J_c on the magnetic field angle θ in YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ thin films with the crossed configurations of the columnar defects (CDs). To install the crossed CDs, the films were irradiated using the high energetic Xe ions at two angles relative to the c-axis. The additional peak around the c-axis appears in the J_c(θ) for all irradiated films. In lower magnetic fields, the height of the J_c(θ) peak caused by the crossed CDs with the crossing angles θ_i = ±10° was higher than that for the parallel CDs. It is considered that the correlation of the flux pinning by the crossed CDs along the c-axis occurs even in the case of θ_i = ±25°, which was also suggested by the kink behaviors of the scaling parameters of the current–voltage characteristics near 1/3 of the matching field. In higher magnetic fields, on the other hand, the height and width of the J_c(θ) peak for the crossed CD configurations rapidly reduce with increasing the magnetic field compared to the parallel ones. In the crossed CD configurations, the dispersion in the direction of CDs would prevent the correlation of flux pinning along the c-axis in high magnetic fields, which occurs in the parallel CD configurations due to the collective pinning of flux lines including the interstitial flux lines between the directly pinned flux lines by CDs.     

The effects of C substitution and disorder on the field dependent critical current density in MgB2 with nano-SiC additions

In this work, nano sized SiC powders were mixed with Mg and B and reacted by either a one-step insitu or two-step method resulted in different level of C substitution. X-ray diffraction shows the presence of Mg₂Si signifying that the reaction between SiC and Mg occurred leading to the release of C in samples reacted in one-step method. Moreover, the much reduced value of a-axis indicates C substitution took place. Resistivity measurements showed higher intragrain scattering owing to a higher density of defects and/or impurities. These samples also show higher H_irr and H_c2 at 20 K in comparison to samples with mainly unreacted SiC (hence lower C substitution). More importantly, their J_c’s are more insensitive to high magnetic field (>4 T) at 6 K. However, at 20 K the effect of C content on J_c(H) is less pronounced. Finally, the order of magnitude of J_c(H) at both 6 K and 20 K is rather dominated by pinning.     

Effect of pressure and magnetic field on bilayer La1.25Sr1.75Mn2O7 single crystal

We report the temperature dependence of susceptibility for various pressures, magnetic fields and constant magnetic field of 5 T with various pressures on La_2−2xSr_1+2xMn₂O₇ single crystal to understand the effectiveness of pressure and magnetic field in altering the magnetic properties. We find that the Curie temperature, T_c, increases under pressure (dT_c/dP=10.9 K/GPa) and it indicates the enhancement of ferromagnetic phase under pressure up to 2 GPa. The magnetic field dependence of T_c is about 26 K for 3 T. The combined effect of pressure and constant magnetic field (5 T) shows dT_c/dP=11.3 K/GPa and the peak structure is suppressed and broadened. The application of magnetic field of 5 T realizes 3D spin ordered state below T_c at atmospheric pressure. Both peak structure in χ_c and 3D spin ordered state are suppressed, and changes to 2D-like spin ordered state by increase of pressure. These results reveal that the pressure and the magnetic field are more competitive in altering the magnetic properties of bilayer manganite La_1.25Sr_1.75Mn₂O₇ single crystal.     

Phase transition in Ising, XY and Heisenberg magnetic films

The phase transition and magnetic properties of a ferromagnet spin-S, a disordered diluted thin and semi-infinite film with a face-centered cubic lattice are investigated using the high-temperature series expansions technique extrapolated with Padé approximants method for Heisenberg, XY and Ising models. The reduced critical temperature of the system τ_c is studied as function of the thickness of the thin film and the exchange interactions in the bulk, and within the surfaces J_b, J_s and J_⊥, respectively. It is found that τ_c increases with the exchange interactions of surface. The magnetic phase diagrams (τ_c versus the dilution x) and the percolation threshold are obtained. The shifts of the critical temperatures T_c(l) from the bulk value (T_c(∞)/T_c(l) − 1) can be described by a power law l^−λ, where λ = 1/υ is the inverse of the correlation length exponent.     

Relationship between crystallization process and superconducting properties of YBCO films by TFA–MOD method using starting solution with various compositions

We have investigated the influence of partial pressure of water vapor [P(H₂O)] in the crystallization process on the superconducting properties of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−y (YBCO) films fabricated by a trifluoroacetate–metal organic deposition (TFA–MOD) method. The starting solution with different compositions of Y: Ba:Cu = 1.0:2.0:3.0 and 1.0:1.5:2.0 were studied. The critical current density (J_c) values of YBCO films fabricated from Y:Ba:Cu = 1.0:2.0:3.0 starting solution significantly increase (1.71 → 2.55 MA/cm²) with increasing P(H₂O) from 12.3 to 47.4 kPa. In the YBCO films fabricated from Y:Ba:Cu = 1.0:1.5:2.0 starting solution, high J_c values of over 2.5 MA/cm² were recognized in a wide range of P(H₂O) (12.3–47.4 kPa). One of the reason for J_c improvement is the suppression of coarsening of the secondary phases grains such as Y₂Cu₂O₅ and CuO due to increase in growth rate of YBCO layer in the crystallization process. The J_c values of all YBCO films decreased as P(H₂O) increased up to 70.1 kPa. This degradation of J_c values may be caused by difference of crystal growth mechanism in high growth rate.     

Investigation of the magnetic field angle dependence of resistance, irreversibility field, upper critical field and critical current density in DC sputtered Bi-2223 thin film

We measured resistivity and transport critical current density, J_c, as a function of DC magnetic field and the angle (?) between the surface of the film and the magnetic field on ex-situ annealed, c-axis oriented Bi-2223 thin films fabricated by DC sputtering method. Irreversibility field (μ₀H_irr) and upper critical field (μ₀H_c2) were determined from the resistivity versus the applied magnetic field graph. It is observed that critical temperature (T_c), μ₀H_irr,μ₀H_c2 and J_c of the films strongly depend on the direction and strength of the field. While T_c of the film without magnetic field is observed to be about 102 K, it is found to decrease to 90 K (85 K) for the applied field perpendicular (parallel) to c-axis of the film. Not only were μ₀H_irr(0) and μ₀H_c2(0) values determined from the μ₀H_irr and μ₀H_c2 versus temperature graphs, respectively, but also penetration depths and coherence lengths were interpreted. Anisotropy of the film was also discussed by means of the change of irreversibility as a function of angle. Moreover at 4.2 K, J_c was observed to be 3000 A/cm² at zero field; however, it was found to abruptly decrease to 1982 (1 1 2 0) A/cm² under low magnetic field at ?=0° (?=90°), which indicates that anisotropic J_c behavior of the film is intrinsic. Furthermore, we provided a theoretical analysis of the obtained results in the framework of intrinsic pinning theory of superconductors. Microstructural properties of the produced films were also reinvestigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. XRD patterns indicate that the films are c-axis oriented based on the prominent (0 0 l) peaks. SEM images show needle-like grain structures dominate the surface morphology of the films.     

Study of c(2 × 2)-MnAu(0 0 1) layers on Mn(0 0 1) by means of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy

Intermixing, growth, geometric and electronic structures of gold films grown on antiferromagnetic stacking body-centered-tetragonal manganese (0 0 1) films were studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy at room temperature in ultra-high vacuum. We found stable ordered c(2 × 2)-MnAu(0 0 1) alloy layers after depositing Au on pure Mn layers. Since at the fourth layer (5 × 23)-like Au reconstruction appears instead of the c(2 × 2) structure and local density of states peaks obtained on the c(2 × 2)-MnAu surface disappear, pure Au layers likely grow from the fourth layer.     

Effects of tin-compounds addition on Jc and microstructure for YBCO films

Tin-compounds were doped into YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (YBCO) films as pinning centers to enhance J_c in magnetic fields. YBCO films were grown by a metal organic deposition process using tri-fluoroacetates starting solutions. Tin-acetylacetonate salts were then dissolved into the starting solution as pinning centers. J_c of the YBCO films with tin-acetylacetonates were enhanced in all magnetic field angles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TEM-EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) observations revealed the existence of tin-compound particles with the size of about 30 nm in the YBCO film. These nano particles were distributed randomly in the film and were considered to act as 3-dimentional pinning centers.     

Effect of C and SiC additions into in situ or mechanically alloyed MgB2 deformed in Ti sheath

Effect of 3.4 wt.% C and 5 wt.% SiC doping into the standard in situ (IN) process and mechanically alloyed (MA) MgB₂ was studied. Powders of IN and MA process were carried out in air and in argon filled glove box, respectively. Wire samples were prepared by two-axial rolling deformation of IN and MA powders inside the Ti tube. Titanium as sheath material allows to use higher sintering temperatures, we used 700 °C and 800 °C for 30 min in Argon. Critical current densities (J_c) were measured at variable temperatures 4.2 K, 10 K, 15 K and 20 K in the external magnetic fields ranging to 15 T. Critical temperatures, upper critical fields and irreversibility fields of IN and MA with SiC and C additions are compared and discussed. The highest transport properties were observed for wires with MA SiC doped MgB₂ in the whole scale of temperatures 4.2–20 K. Upper critical field was rapidly enhanced in the case of carbon doped MA samples at 4.2 K. MA samples have shown decreased J_c values for higher temperatures (15 K, 20 K), in some case even worse than for the not doped reference IN sample. Carbon substitution and grain connectivity of analyzed samples are compared and discussed. Presented results show that for 20 K applications some new ways (additions) have to be found for increasing the J_c substantially.     

Specific heat and magnetic susceptibility of single-crystalline ZnCr2−xAlxSe4 (x=0.15, 0.23)

A correlation between the second critical field H_c2 of the helix to paramagnetic transition and the magnetic specific heat C-peak was found in ZnCr_2−xAl_xSe₄ spinel single crystals with x=0.15, 0.23. The specific heat peak is anomalously sharp for all finite magnetic fields used here and this points to a first order magneto-structural transition (from cubic to tetragonal symmetry). The C(T)-peak is increasingly suppressed as the external field increases. Approaching the Neel temperature T_N, a broad ac-magnetic susceptibility peak is observed for zero dc-magnetic field. That peak does not show an energy loss and thus points towards a return to a second order type of transition. The magnetic contribution to the specific heat displays a sharp peak at T_N and is maximal at the spin fluctuation temperature T_sf=34 K. T_sf is related to the maximum of the magnetic susceptibility at T_m=40 K (at 50 kOe) in the spin fluctuation region, as evidenced by the entropy exceeding 90% of the entropy calculated classically for the complete alignment of the Cr spins, (2−x)R ln(2S+1). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicate that Al-substitution does not affect Cr³⁺ 3d³ electronic configuration.     

Fabrication of FeSe1−x superconducting films with bulk properties

We have fabricated high-quality FeSe_1−x superconducting films with a bulk T_c of 11–12 K on different substrates, Al₂O₃(0 0 0 1), SrTiO₃(1 0 0), MgO(1 0 0), and LaAlO₃(1 0 0), by using a pulsed laser deposition technique. All the films were grown at a high substrate temperature of 610 °C, and were preferentially oriented along the (1 0 1) direction, the latter being to be a key to fabricating of FeSe_1−x superconducting thin films with high T_c. According to the energy dispersive spectroscopy data, the Fe:Se composition ratio was 1:0.90 ± 0.02. The FeSe_1−x film grown on a SrTiO₃ substrate showed the best quality with a high upper critical magnetic field [H_c2(0)] of 56 T.     

Magnetic properties of RPd5Al2 (R=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd)

Polycrystalline samples of a new rare-earth series RPd₅Al₂ crystallizing in the tetragonal ZrNi₂Al₅-type structure have been prepared. Their physical properties by electrical resistivity ρ, magnetic susceptibility χ, magnetization M and specific heat C_p measurements are reported. The ingots are composed of elongated grains preferentially aligned in the c direction; therefore, measurements were conducted parallel and perpendicular to the grains. Antiferromagnetic ordering appears in R=Ce, Nd, Gd, and Sm at low temperatures. CePd₅Al₂ has two AFM transitions at 4.1 and 2.9 K and ρ(T) indicates a Kondo metal behavior with large anisotropy. In PrPd₅Al₂ no magnetic transition was observed down to 0.4 K. The C_p(T) shows a broad peak around 13 K due to the CEF effect, suggesting a non-magnetic singlet ground state. In NdPd₅Al₂, χ(T) shows anisotropy and the C_p(T) shows a sharp peak at 1.2 K. The magnetic entropy at 3 K is very close to Rln2, indicating a Kramers doublet ground state. In SmPd₅Al₂, C_p(T) shows a magnetic transition at 1.7 K. C_p(T) for GdPd₅Al₂ shows a peak at 6 K, followed by a broad anomaly around 3 K. Within this series, T_N's for CePd₅Al₂ and NdPd₅Al₂ clearly deviate from the relation predicted by de Gennes scaling, which is ascribed to the CEF effect.     

Electrical and magnetic properties of hot extruded Bi-2223/Ag concentric tapes

Summary In this work we report on the anisotropic physical properties of silver-sheathed Bi-2223 tapes fabricated by means of hot extrusion and repeated pressing and sintering processes. The obtained Bi-2223/Ag short tapes, having critical current densitiesJ _c of 20–30 kA/cm² at 77 K, 0 T, were measured in external magnetic fields up to 0.5T applied in two different orientations (i.e. μ₀H‖(a,b)-planes and μ₀H ⊥(a,b)-planes). The magnetic characterizations were performed in a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields to study the first magnetization curve of tapes evaluating the lower critical fields μ₀H_c1⊥ab and ⊥₀H_c1#x2016;ab and their dependences on temperature. TheJ _c values at different fields in the temperature range 4.6–90 K, calculated from the magnetization data by the critical state model, are also presented. Paper presented at the ?VII Congresso SATT?, Torino, 4–7 October 1994.     

Magnetic relaxation near a fishtail peak of isothermal magnetization in B1 NbCy encapsulated in multiwall carbon nanocages

Isothermal magnetization near a fishtail peak in nanocrystalline B1 NbC_y encapsulated in multiwall carbon nanocages is studied within the time window of 100 < t < 4000 s. The current density J exhibits a linear logarithmic time decay. The effective activation energy U_eff increases linearly with temperature T and is independent of applied magnetic field H. The results of J(t) and U_eff (T, H) are consistent with the Anderson–Kim flux–creep model for thermally activated motion of uncorrelated vortices or vortex bundles over a net potential barrier U_eff. U_eff at a fishtail peak field H_fp evolves quickly above a fishtail peak temperature T_fp, but slowly below that temperature. The result suggests that a decrease of flux viscosity coefficient above T_fp at H_fp is the origin of the fishtail peak in nanocrystalline B1 NbC_y encapsulated in multiwall carbon nanocages.     

Ru-O/Ru hybrid type of underlayer for CoPtCr-SiO2 perpendicular recording media on flexible tape

Ru/CoPtCr-SiO₂ bilayer prepared at 4 and 26 mTorr of Ar gas pressure for the deposition of Ru and CoPtCr-SiO₂ layers, respectively, exhibits better magnetic properties suitable for perpendicular magnetic recording media when they are deposited at room temperature on a Pt seed layer prepared at 450 °C. The Ru-O seed layer fabricated by a reactive sputtering method improves the Ru (0 0 1) texture deposited on a Ru-O layer. The Ru-O/Ru hybrid type of underlayer causes the improvement of the c-axis orientation of CoPtCr crystallites in the CoPtCr-SiO₂ layer deposited on it. Fine granulation of magnetic grains in the CoPtCr-SiO₂ layer is also attained when they are deposited on the Aramid type of flexible tape substrates.     

Observation of large magnetic resistance in weak magnetic fields using CuPt/SiO2/Si/SiO2/CuPt structure

The magnetoresistive effect of CuPt(8 nm)/SiO₂(5 nm)/Si(50,000 nm)/SiO₂(5 nm)/CuPt(8 nm) structure made by e-beam evaporation technique is studied in this work. Variation in magnetoresistance obtained by I-V measurements at 77 K and in the presence of less than 5 mT magnetic field applied in parallel to the surface is investigated. We have found that this structure exhibit large magnetoresistance in low magnetic fields (i.e. <5 mT). Our results also indicate that the variation in magnetoresistance in the presence of external magnetic field has oscillatory behavior and has the maximum value of 3295%. This structure due to its high sensitivity to low magnetic fields can also be used as an active element in magnetic field sensor devices.     

Current transport property in GdBCO coated conductor with artificial pinning centers in a wide range of temperature,magnetic field up to 27 T,and field angle

We have investigated current transport property in Gd₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−δ coated conductor with artificial pinning centers in a wide range of temperature, magnetic field, B up to 27 T, and field angle. Due to the additional c-axis correlated pins, critical current density, J_c in B//c was enhanced and the improvement was observed in wide range of B. On the other hand, around B⊥c below 65 K, the angular dependence of n-value showed a valley-like behavior, although the J_c was increasing. In addition, the temperature dependence of the pinning force density defined as J_c × B was not scaled on an expected master curve. These results indicate the pinning in B⊥c is governed by different mechanism below 65 K and high magnetic field.     

I–V characteristics and critical currents in superconducting/ferromagnetic bilayers

Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and critical current density, J_c, for the onset of vortex motion were measured at different magnetic fields, H, and temperatures, T, in a superconducting (S)/ferromagnetic (F) bilayer and in a single Nb film. We choose Nb as a superconductor and a weak ferromagnetic alloy, Pd_1−xNi_x with x = 16, as F. We found that J_c was smaller for the S/F bilayer with respect to the single Nb film. The result was related to the reduced value of the superconducting order parameter in the bilayer.     

Laser desorption of NO from a thick C60 film

The desorption of NO molecules from a thick C₆₀ film is reported. A thermal desorption spectrum indicates two adsorption sites with binding energies of E_b = 0.30 eV and 0.55 eV. For laser desorption the fullerene surface is exposed to NO and excited by 7 ns UV laser pulses. Desorbing NO molecules are recorded state selectively as well as time resolved. The time-of-flight measurement indicates three different desorption pathways. A fast channel shows rovibronic temperatures of T_rot(v″ = 0) = 370 K, T_rot(v″ = 1) = 390 K and T_vib = 610 K as well as strong rotational-translational coupling. The desorption yield for the fast channel increases linearly with pulse energy with a desorption cross section of σ = (5.1 ± 0.9) × 10⁻¹⁷ cm². Dominating the signal for small J″ values is a slow channel with low rotational and translational temperatures of about 110 K. We assign this peak to a laser-induced thermal desorption. For large pump-probe delays the data deviate from the Maxwellian flux distribution and a third channel appears with extremely late arrival times.