Thermoelectric power and irreversibility field of (Hg,Tl)2Ba2Can−1CunOy (n=2–5) superconductors

We have measured the thermoelectric power, S, and the irreversibility field, H_irr, of the superconducting samples of (Hg,Tl)₂Ba₂Ca_n−1Cu_nO_y (n=2–5). S values for the (Hg,Tl)-22(n−1)n above their T_c's drastically increase with increasing n. Judging from the S values at room temperature, the n=2 and 3 samples are located in the overdoped region, the n=4 is in the almost optimally doped and the n=5 is in the underdoped region. H_irr values for the n=4 and 5 samples are higher than those for the as-synthesized and annealed n=3 samples. It is considered that the enhancement in H_irr is due not only to the increase of hole concentration but to the increase in the number of CuO₂ sheets.     

Fabrication, microstructure and critical current density of screen-printed Ag-(Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox superconducting tapes

The influence of the sintering conditions on the microstructure and critical current density J_c has been studied on screen-printed Ag-(Bi, Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x tapes with a ceramics mono-layer core. Three kinds of fabrication processes, which consist of a combination of cold working (rolling and/or pressing) and sintering, are applied. Four times repetition of pressing and sintering after the pre-sintering produces the highest c-axis alignment and achieves J_c= 1.5 × 10⁴ A/cm² (77 K, 0 T). The J_c versus θ data with an angle θ between B and the c-axis elucidate the relation between the anisotropy ratio γ=J_c(Bc)/J_c(B|c and the half-height angular width Δθ of a peak for Bc. This is related to both grain alignment and the J_c value. An increase in J_c, which comes from an improvement for grain alignment, enhances γ and narrows Δθ. The J_c versus θ data are fitted to the expression J_c(B, θ)=J _c(B, 90°)/[(γ−1)|cos θ|ⁿ+1] by regarding both γ and n as adjustable parameters. Fabrication of screen-printed tapes with multilayers (1≤N≤5) is presented, where the critical current increases from 8.0 A to 30.2 A at 77 K and 0 T as N increases.     

Magnetic hysteresis of the magnetoresistance and the critical current density in polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7−δ–Ag superconductors

A systematic study of the magnetic hysteresis in transport properties of polycrystalline YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ–Ag compounds has been made based on two kinds of measurements at 77 K and under applied magnetic fields up to 30 mT: critical current density J_c(B_a) and magnetoresistance R(B_a). The R(B_a) curves show a minimum in their decreasing branch occurring at B=B_min which was found to be both the excitation current I_ex and the maximum applied magnetic field B_am dependent. In addition, for a certain value of B_am>5 mT, we have observed that B_min increases with increasing I_ex and reaches a saturation value. The J_c(B_a) curves show a maximum in decreasing applied magnetic fields occurring at B=B_max. We have also found that B_max increases with increasing B_am and reaches a saturation value. The minimum in the R(B_a) and the maximum in J_c(B_a) curves were found to be related to the trapped flux within the grains. All the experimental results are discussed within the context of the flux dynamics and transport mechanisms in these high-T_c materials.     

Effects of 230 MeV Au irradiation on Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox

Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x tapes were irradiated using 230 MeV Au¹⁴⁺ ions. Columnar defects were presumably produced due to irradiation. Zero-field-cooling (ZFC) magnetization increased up to a fluence of 1.6 × 10¹¹ Au⁺/cm², but field-cooling (FC) magnetization decreased, indicating the strong pinning effects resulting from the columnar defects. The critical current density as well as the irreversibility field, obtained from the hysteresis loops, were enhanced. Irreversibility fields are fitted by H_irr = A exp(−T/T_A). An effective activation energy for flux motion was obtained from the measurements of magnetization relaxation. The features of flux pinning as a result of the columnar defects were compared with those of point defects brought about by 120 MeV O⁷⁺ irradiation.     

Dynamic contribution to the fishtail effect in a twin-free DyBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystal

Superconducting current densities j_s and dynamic relaxation rates Q d ln j_s/d In(dB_e/dt), where dB_e/dt is the sweep rate of the external magnetic field B_e, were measured as a function of temperature (5 K < T < 65 K) in magnetic fields up to 7 T on a twin-free DyBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ single crystal by means of a high-sensitivity capacitance torque magnetometer. Above 15 K, we observe a “fishtail” effect, i.e. a pronounced minimum in the j_s(B_e) curve at fields around B_e = 1 T. The relaxation rate Q shows an anomalous increase at low fields which is correlated to the minimum in the j_s(B_e) curve. Both the j_s versus B_e and Q versus B_e data are used as input parameters into the generalized inversion scheme developed by Schnack et al. [Phys. Rev. B 48 (1993) 13178] to calculate the true critical current density j_c which is by definition independent of relaxation effects. Interestingly, the j_c(B_e, T) curves derived in this way do not show a minimum. This points clearly to a dynamic contribution to the fishtail effect. The true critical current density j_c(B_e, T) decreases weakly with increasing B_e over the entire measured temperature and field range, as expected for single-vortex pinning. This indicates that the observed fishtail effect is not caused by a crossover from single-vortex pinning to pinning of flux bundles. The temperature dependence of j_c is in good agreement with the predictions of a model based on single-vortex pinning caused by spatial fluctuations in the charge-carrier mean free path.     

The contribution of Bc mesons to the search for B → τ ντ decays at LEP

We study the contribution of B_c mesons to the search for B → τν_τ decays. We find that at LEP the contributions from B_u and B_c mesons can be comparable. This observation can have a relevant impact on the extraction of constraints on new physics (such as charged-Higgs contributions) from current LEP limits on B → τν final states. Inclusion of the B_c contribution can reduce the current L3 limit on tan β/M_H from 0.38 GeV⁻¹ (90% CL) down to 0.27 GeV⁻¹ (90% CL).     

Frequency, field, and temperature dependence of the AC penetration depth of a GdBa2Cu3O7−δ film in the mixed state

We report on a systematic mutual induction measurement of the complex AC penetration depth λ of a sputtered high-quality GdBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ film in the mixed state by a very small coil system arranged near the sample surface. The complex penetration depth λ(B, T, ω) for DC inductions B 0.65 T (perpendicular to the film), for temperatures 36 K T 81 K, and for frequencies 1 kHz ω/2π 500 kHz was determined from the measured signal by a novel inversion scheme. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions based upon single vortex pinning. The Labusch parameter , the flux creep relaxation time τ, as well as the effective activation energy U are simulateneously determined.     

W doping-dependent structural and ferroelectric properties of SrBi2Nb2O9 ferroelectric ceramics

The structural and ferroelectric characteristics of SrBi₂(Nb_1−xW_x)₂O₉ (x=0–0.12) ferroelectric ceramics were investigated. SrBi₂(Nb_1−xW_x)₂O₉ ceramics consisted of a single-phase layered perovskite structure when x was less than 0.06. Uniform microstructure and grain size reduction were observed after the introduction of W. The maximum remanent polarization of 16 μC/cm² appeared at x=0.03, and the coercive field decreased with increasing concentration of W. The ferroelectric behavior of SrBi₂(Nb_1−xW_x)₂O₉ ceramics is interpreted based on the Raman measurement.     

Two separate Li ionic motions observed by Li and B NMR in xLi2S + (1 − x)B2S3 glassy fast ionic conductors

Studies of ion dynamics in the highly conductive glassy fast ionic conductor (FIC) xLi₂S + (1 − x)B₂S₃ (x = 0.65 and 0.70) were made with NMR nuclear spin lattice relaxation (NSLR) R₁(ω, T) of both mobile ⁷Li and immobile ¹¹B ions, and ⁷Li NMR line narrowing δν(T). The possible dependence of ion dynamics on the short range order structures (SRO) and the distribution of activation energies (DAE) in this highly conductive FIC was investigated. Two Gaussian DAE were employed to fit ⁷Li NSLR data, where each Gaussian DAE was correlated to a separate ¹¹B NSLR in a BS₃ and in a BS₄ group. The long range diffusion of Li ions among BS₃ groups and a seemingly localized ionic hopping motion around BS₄ group is suggested as a microscopic model for the ion dynamics in thioborate glasses, namely a ‘two channel relaxation’.     

Phase formation and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe14B-type Nd16Co76B8−xCx alloys and their hydrides

An attempt is made to synthesize Nd₂Co₁₄C compound by mechanical alloying Nd₁₆Co₇₆B_8−xC_x (0x8) alloys and subsequent annealing. Phase formation and magnetic properties of Nd₂Fe₁₄B-type Nd₁₆Co₇₆B_8−xC_x alloys and their hydrides are investigated. The Nd₂Co₁₄(B,C) phase with Nd₂Fe₁₄B-type structure is formed for Nd₁₆Co₇₆B_8−xC_x (0x7) alloys, while NdCo₇C_δ phase with TbCu₇-type structure is observed in Nd₁₆Co₇₆C₈ alloy. The lattice parameter c of the Nd₂Co₁₄(B,C) phase decreases with increasing the carbon content. A limit volume of the unit cell to form the Nd₂Fe₁₄B-type structure is estimated to be 0.870 nm³. The spin-reorientation temperature T_SR increases with increasing the carbon content, due to an enhancement of magnetocrystalline anisotropy caused by carbon substitution for boron. After hydrogenation, the lattice expansion is observed for Nd₁₆Co₇₆B_8−xC_x (0x7) alloys. The spin-reorientation temperature of Nd₁₆Co₇₆B_8−xC_xH_y (0x7) is much lower than that of the host alloys. Some structural and magnetic properties of hypothetic Nd₂Co₁₄C and Nd₂Co₁₄CH_y compounds are estimated by extrapolation.     

Low field irreversibility in twinned and untwinned YBaCuO crystals

An abrupt collapse of the irreversibility line is observed in both twinned and untwinned YBaCuO crystals within a critical regime. The exponent of the power law describing the irreversibility line H_irr changes from at high fields to larger values (between 1.5 and 2) below the collapse. We propose that the observed low field anomaly, which extends down to temperatures well below the irreversibility line, is associated with the thermal softening boundary which increases as T² and crosses H_irr shifting it to lower fields. Below this crossover, which occurs when the mean-square thermal displacement √ u² of the vortices exceeds coherence length ξ, the strength of the pinning is strongly reduced.     

In-band M1 and E2 transition rates and collective structures in Ba

Subpicosecond mean lifetimes of eight excited states in ¹²⁸Ba populated via the ⁹⁶Zr(³⁶S,4n) reaction were measured by the Doppler-shift attenuation (DSA) technique using a line-shape analysis. The differential decay-curve method (DDCM) was applied for the lifetime determination. The B(E2) values in the yrast band indicate that the first band-crossing is with a proton S-band. The configuration πh_11/2d_5/2 of the negative-parity semi-decoupled bands is confirmed by the measured B(E2, I → I − 2) and B(M1, I → I − 1) transition strengths. The higher-lying “dipole” band in ¹²⁸Ba can be described as a high-K four-quasiparticle band built on the prolate configuration (πh_11/2d_5/2) (νh_11/2g_7/2).     

Magnetic properties of the Bi1.95Sr2.05−xLaxCuOy (Bi-2201) superconducting phase

We have investigated the reversible mixed-state magnetization M of three lanthanum substituted Bi_1.95Sr_2.05−xLa_xCuO_y (Bi-2201) ceramic samples having different critical temperatures T_c ranging from 20.0 to 35.5 K. As for the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi-2212) phase, we found that anisotropy of Bi-2201 is large. A manifestation of this anisotropy is the field independent magnetization M^* observed at a temperature T^*. In the framework of the London model, and including thermal fluctuations of vortices, we found for the temperature dependence of the penetration depth λ_ab(T) = λ_ab(0)[1 − (T/T_c0)ⁿ]^−1/2, with n 1.7 and λ_ab (T = 0) 4000 Å. The estimated upper critical fields μ₀H_c2,c are of the order of 10 T. We observe a peculiar negative slope M/T at low temperature and sufficiently high external magnetic field. This feature seems to be a characteristic of the Bi-2201 phase. However, we do not know whether it is associated with the superconducting mixed-state. A small amount of magnetic impurities could also be responsible for this behavior. Finally, the behavior of the reversible magnetization of the Bi-2201 samples investigated, which are situated at the optimal and in the overdoped region, did not indicate any unusual temperature dependence for the upper critical field H_c2,c.     

Superconductivity of compressed platinum powder at very low temperatures

Superconductivity of compressed, high-purity platinum powder (average grain size 2–3 μm) was found by measurements of resistivity, AC susceptibility and magnetization. The transition temperature into the superconducting state T_c and the critical magnetic field B_c strongly depend on the packing fraction f of the samples: we found 0.62T_c(0)1.38 mK and 6.6B_c(0)67 μT for 0.8f0.5, respectively. The temperature dependence of the critical magnetic fields can be described by B_c(T)=B_c(0)(1−(T/T_c)²). The discussion of these results includes possible explanations for the origin of superconductivity in this new superconducting material.     

The crystallographic symmetries of single BaPb1−xBixO3 crystals grown from BaCO3-PbO2-Bi2O3 solutions

Single crystals of Perovskite-type oxide BaPb_1−xBi_xO₃ are grown from BaCO₃-PbO₂-Bi₂O₃ solutions which are weighed in two kinds of mixing ratios: X/2 mol % BaCO₃ − (100−X) mol % PbO₂ − X/2 mol % Bi₂O₃ and (10+X/2) mol % BaCO₃ − (90−X) mol % PbO₂ − X/2 mol % Bi₂O₃ These room temperature crystal structures are examined by using an X-ray powder diffraction method. The crystals grown from X/2−(100−X)−X/2 mol % solutions are orthorhombic at room temperature, while the structures are tetragonal with crystals grown from relatively Ba rich and Pb poor ( (10+X/2)−(90−X)−X/2 mol % ) solutions. This result indicates that the difference in the mixing ratio of the initial materials brings about a drastic structural change. The orthorhombic and the tetragonal crystals of x0.25 exhibit superconducting transition at 10K and 12K, respectively. The transition temperature in the latter is 2K higher than the former. In the light of this result, some difference between orthorhombic and tetragonal crystals is considered to influence superconductivity in this system.     

Superconductivity and crystallographic properties of La2 − xMxCuO4 − δ (M = Na, K)

Superconductivity and crystallographic properties of La_{2 − x}M_xCuO_{4 − δ} (M = Na, K) are studied. In the La_{2 − x}M_xCuO_{4 − δ} system, superconductivity is detected for x 0.2. Oxygen content analysis shows that the system has more oxygen vacancies than the La_{2 − x}Sr_xCuO_{4 − δ} system. These oxygen vacancies may reduce the hole concentration, and high Na-doping is needed to produce superconductivity. In the La_{2 − x}K_xCuO_{4 − δ} system, superconductivity is observed for the first time. Resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements show that T_c(onset) is 40 K and the Meissner volume fraction is about 4% for x = 0.7. The system changes from orthorhombic to a tetragonal K₂NiF₄ structure at x ≈ 0.3 and only tetragonal samples show superconductivity.     

Irreversibility line and anisotropy of magnetic melt textured Y1Ba2Cu3O7−δ studied by AC susceptibility

Magnetically melt textured YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ samples have been studied by AC initial susceptibility measurements in the low field limit. The critical dynamic fields h^*_c and the relative position of the irreversibility line and of the critical line show that magnetic melt texturing leads to the creation of strong pinning sites. The anisotropy factor A is in agreement with the value obtained from magnetization under high DC fields. The A values are lower than in single cystals, but in agreement with the important orientation effects introduced by magnetic field texturing. These values also are typical of fabrication techniques involving a melting at some stage.     

On the pp → ppη(η′) reactions near threshold

The production rate for η′ in pp → ppη′ at rest is calculated in a covariant one boson exchange model, previously applied to study π⁰ and η production in NN collisions. The transition amplitudes for the elementary BN → η′N processes with B being the meson exchanged (B = π, σ, η, , ω and a₀) are taken to be the sum of s- and u-channels with a nucleon in the intermediate states, and an a₀ meson pole in a t-channel. The couplings of the η′ to hadrons are a factor 0.4 weaker than the respective η-hadron couplings, as suggested by a quark model and a singlet-octet mixing angle θ = −23°. The model reproduces near threshold cross sections for the quasielastic processes π⁻p → nη(η′) and pp → ppη(η′) reactions.     

Effect of Sn doping on the magnetic and transport properties of LaMnO3+δ

We report the influence of the Sn doping on the magnetotransport properties of the LaMnO_3+δ perovskite. Two series of samples with nominal LaSn_xMn_1−xO_3+δ (I series) and La_{(1−x)/(1+x)}Sn_xMn_1−xO_3+δ (II series) compositions (x=0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.10) were prepared at T_s=750°C. The M(T) data under 0.01 and 0.5 T for the I series reveal a depressed magnetization as the Sn content increases suggesting the presence of magnetic clusters with a superparamagnetic behavior. Resistivity measurements indicate an insulator material for all Sn content independently of the applied magnetic field. On the contrary, for the II series the M(T) and M(H) data reveal FM behavior and an improvement of the magnetization as Sn increases. These samples show magnetoresistance. The magnetotransport properties are discussed in terms of the presence of A-site cation vacancies.     

Disruption of antiferromagnetic order in Zn-doped La2CuO4

The magnetic phase diagram of La₂(Cu_1−xZn_x)O₄ has been determined from zero-field muon-spin-rotation (ZF-μSR) data taken at LAMPF for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10. Antiferromagnetic onset temperatures follow T_N(x) from susceptibility measurements on the same samples. However, the order becomes long range, as evidenced by a well-defined internal magnetic field, only at temperatures well below T_N. Extrapolation of our results yields T_N → 0 K at x = 0.11 for a single (Cu_1−xZn_x)O₂ plane, and comparison with YBa₂(Cu_1−xZn_x)₃O₆ implies identical disruption of magnetism by Zn doping in the single- and double-plane systems.