Study of the magnetization and transport properties of the La(2+x)/3Sr(1−x)/3Mn1−xCrxO3 (0≤x≤0.2) system

The samples with the Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ ratio fixed at 2:1 La_(2+x)/3Sr_(1−x)/3Mn_1−xCr_xO₃ (0≤x≤0.20) have been prepared. The magnetic, electrical transport, and magnetoresistance properties have been investigated. Remarkable transport and colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect, as well as cluster glass (CG) behaviors have been clearly observed in the samples studied. It was found that the Curie temperature T_c and insulator−metal transition temperature T_p1 are strongly affected by Cr substitution. The experiment observations are discussed by taking into account the variety of tolerance factors t; the effects of A-site radius 〈r_A〉 and the A-site mismatch effect (σ²).     

Effect of average A-site cation radius on complex permeability of perovskite manganite La0.65Nd0.05(Sr,Ba)0.3MnO3

A series of polycrystalline perovskite samples La_0.65Nd_0.05(Sr, Ba)_0.3MnO₃ were prepared by a sol–gel technique. Their permeabilities have been measured at different fields and temperatures. A pronounced dispersion of the relaxation was observed near the Curie temperature T_C, which was obtained from the permeability vs. temperature curves. The effects of the average A-site cation radius 〈r_A〉 and the A-site cation disorder parameter σ²(r_A) on the permeability were investigated. With increasing 〈r_A〉 and σ²(r_A), the permeability of La_0.65Nd_0.05(Sr, Ba)_0.3MnO₃ increases linearly.     

Superparamagnetism and spin-glass-like behavior in (La1−xTbx)2/3Ca1/3MnO3 Perovskite

The magnetic and magnetotransport properties of a series of (La_1−xTb_x)_2/3Ca_1/3MnO₃ oxides have been investigated. Substitutions ranging from x=0.0 to 0.4 have been used. In the largest 〈r_A〉 region, only ferromagnetism is observed. As 〈r_A〉 decreases, there is a transition from ferromagnetic to spin-glass order. As 〈r_A〉 decreases further, the ferromagnetism will completely disappear and a direct transition from superparamagnetic to spin-glass order will occur on cooling.     

Griffiths inequalities for noninteractingN-vector (classical heisenberg) models and applications to interacting systems

An order relation for tensors is defined. With this ordering it is shown that in noninteractingN-vector models 〈σ_Aσ_B〉?〈σ_A〉〈σ_B〉 is positive. Applications to interacting models include a proof for the alignment of spins and the subadditivity of the free energy.     

Raman spectroscopic study of carbon substitution in MgB2

We study the effect of carbon doping on the Raman spectrum of the MgB₂ superconductor. Out data show that significant changes in the Raman spectra of the MgB_2−xC_x compounds occur for carbon concentrations x>0.04. The E_2g mode at ∼580 cm⁻¹ hardens only moderately upon increased doping despite direct carbon substitution in the boron layers, while the dependence of its full width at half maximum (FWHM) on x reveals the competing effects of reduced electron-phonon coupling and increased disorder. The results are discussed in the framework of anisotropic lattice contraction and the position of the σ sub-bands with respect to the Fermi energy level. The relative intensity of the phonon peak at ∼770 cm⁻¹, associated with a peak in the phonon density of states, increases considerably and dominates for x=0.08. Additionally, it hardens and broadens with increasing x in the range 0.04-0.08. These changes can be associated with carbon substitution-induced disorder in the investigated samples.     

Non-adiabatic polaron hopping conduction in CaMn1−xCrxO3 (0?x?0.3)

DC electrical conductivity (σ_dc) of electron-doped antiferromagnetic CaMn_1−xCr_xO₃ (0?x?0.3) has been discussed elaborately in the light of polaron hopping conduction. The increase in Cr doping concentration increases the conductivity and decreases the activation energy. Non-adiabatic polaron hopping conduction is observed in all the manganites at high temperatures. The analysis of σ_dc data shows that small polarons are formed at lower concentrations (?5%) of Cr doping and undoped samples. However, large polarons are materialized at higher doping (?10%) concentrations. This is consistent with the fact that doped Cr³⁺ has larger ionic size compared to that of Mn⁴⁺. Again, strong electron-phonon (e-ph) interaction is perceived in undoped and 5% Cr-doped samples but not in manganites with larger doping concentration. This also confirms the formation of larger polarons with the increase of x. Mott's variable range hopping (VRH) model can elucidate the dc conductivity at very low temperatures. It has been detected that single phonon-assisted hopping is responsible for the dc conduction in the Cr-doped CaMnO₃ manganites.     

Effect of multielement doping on low-field magnetotransport in La0.7−xMmxCa0.3MnO3 (0.0?x?0.45) manganite

We report the synthesis, structure and low-field magnetotransport properties of Mischmetal (Mm)-doped La_0.7−xMm_xCa_0.3MnO₃ (0?x?0.45) manganite. Mischmetal—Mm—is a natural mixture of rare earth elements La, Ce, Pr and Nd with ∼28%, 50%, 6% and 16% composition, respectively. All the samples crystallize in orthorhombic structure. Increasing x (Mm), corresponding to decreasing the La-site average ionic radii (〈r_A〉) hence increasing the size mismatch (i.e. variance σ²), results in strong suppression of ferromagnetism (T_C) and the associated metallicity (T_IM). It may be pointed out that Mm (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) substitution has been done to create two effects. First, creation of multivalence of Mn (2+, 3+ and 4+) via Ce substitution and second to create higher degree of disorder due to size difference brought in not only by Ce but also by Pr and Nd. Evidences and arguments based on XPS analysis suggest that multivalent ions La, Mm and Ca, and the resulting presence of Mn²⁺, Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺, causes the simultaneous operation of ferromagnetism-double exchange (Mn²⁺/Mn³⁺ and Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺) and antiferromagnetic-superexchange (Mn³⁺/Mn³⁺ and Mn²⁺/Mn²⁺) interaction. In addition, Mm doping also creates inhomogenities at La—as well as Mn—site due to size and valency difference. A curiously huge magnetoresistance as high as ∼63% for x=0.35, under a moderate magnetic field of ∼10 kOe has been observed and even at low magnetic field of ∼3 kOe MR is ∼30%. The competing double exchange and superexchange coupled with inhomogenities are the most likely cause for the occurrence of large ∼63% CMR in the Mm-doped LCMO.     

Quantum transport in a time-dependent random potential with a finite correlation time

Using an earlier density matrix formalism in momentum space we study the motion of a particle in a time-dependent random potential with a finite correlation time τ, for 0 < t ? τ. Within this domain we consider two subdomains bounded by kinetic time scales (t _c ² = 2m? ^-1 c ², c ² = σ ², ξ ², σξ, with 2σ the width of an initial wavepacket and the correlation length of the gaussian potential fluctuations), where we obtain power law scaling laws for the effect of the random potential in the mean squared displacement 〈x ²〉 and in the mean kinetic energy 〈E _kin〉. At short times, ? min (t _σ ², 1/2t _ξ ²), 〈x ²〉 and 〈E _kin〉 scale classically as t ⁴ and t ², respectively. At intermediate times, t _σξ ? t ? 2t _σ ² and 1/2t _ξ ² ? t ? t _σξ, these quantities scale quantum mechanically as t ^3/2 and as √t, respectively. These results lie in the perspective of recent studies of the existence of (fractional) power law behavior of 〈x ²〉 and 〈E _kin〉 at intermediate times. We also briefly discuss the scaling laws for 〈x ²〉 and 〈E _kin〉 at short times in the case of spatially uncorrelated potential.     

Occurrence of re-entrant ferromagnetic transitions in rare-earth manganates on cooling the charge-ordered states

Some of the compositions of the half-doped rare-earth manganates, La_0.5−xLn_xCa_0.5MnO₃ (Ln=Nd, Pr) and Nd_0.5Ca_0.5−xSr_xMnO₃ with relatively small A-cation radii, 〈r_A〉, show an unusual behavior wherein they become ferromagnetic (FM) on cooling the charge ordered (CO) state (T_CO>T_C). With increase in 〈r_A〉, however, the T_C becomes greater than T_CO. Thus, plots of T_C and T_CO against 〈r_A〉 for La_0.5−xLn_xCa_0.5MnO₃ (Ln=Nd, Pr) and Nd_0.5Ca_0.5−xSr_xMnO₃ show cross-over from the T_CO>T_C regime to the T_C>T_CO regime around 〈r_A〉 values of 1.195±0.003 and 1.200±0.005 Å, respectively. Between T_C and T_CO, the CO and FM phases are likely to coexist. In Nd_0.5Ca_0.5Mn_1−xM_xO₃ (M=Cr, Ru), T_CO>T_C when x≤0.10, suggesting the re-entrant nature of the FM transition.     

Cosmic ray results on the A dependence of multiplicity and angular distributions in proton nuclear interactions above 100 GeV

A calorimeter-spark chamber system was used to collect data on several hundred proton-nucleus interactions above 100 GeV using targets of C, Al, Fe, Sn and Pb. The average charged prong multiplicity is found to depend on atomic mass number as 〈n_c〉 = 〈n_c〉(p-p)A^x where x = 0.129 ± 0.004, with the dominant increase in multiplicity occuring in the backward (p-p c.m.) hemisphere. The value of x shows no significant energy dependence.     

Electronic, structural and magnetic phase diagram of Sm1-xSrxMnO3 manganites

The electronic, structural and magnetic phase diagram of the colossal magnetoresistive Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (0.16≤х≤0.67) manganites is constructed on the basis of their systematic studies by high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. It is shown the tendency of researched system to formation of the phase-separated states on crystallographic as well as, in the even greater extent, on magnetic level. A clear correlation between fine specific features and temperature evolution of crystal structures, spin ordering of the manganese ions, and the physical properties of the samarium-strontium series of manganites obtained from temperature magnetic and transport measurements is demonstrated. It was found that ground state of Sm-Sr manganites shows very various physical properties depending first of all on the doping level х and, for given х, determined by two distortion parameters, namely, the average A-cation size <r_A> and the local A-cation size mismatch σ².     

Enhancement of Curie temperature and room-temperature magnetoresistance in double perovskite (Sr1.6Ba0.4)FeMoO6

The effects of A-site average cation size 〈r_A〉 and anti-site defects on Curie temperature (T_C) and room-temperature magnetoresistance (MR) in (Sr_2−xBa_x)FeMoO₆ (x=0, 0.4 and 1.6) have been investigated. By Ba doping, not only the room-temperature MR but also the T_C have been enhanced. The larger MR in the Ba-doped samples compared with the prototype Sr₂FeMoO₆ is associated with the lower saturation field. The optimization of T_C and MR in (Sr_1.6Ba_0.4)FeMoO₆ other than in the reported (Sr_0.4Ba_1.6)FeMoO₆ can be understood according to the two competing effects: anti-site defects and chemical pressure.     

Changes in nuclear mean square charge radii of stable Krypton isotopes

The isotope shifts of stable even Kr isotopes (A=78 throughA=86) in the optical transitions at 432 nm and 557 nm were measured by means of polarization laser spectroscopy. The observed shifts are consistent with earlier results for other transitions. From the isotope shifts the changes in the nuclear mean square charge radiiδ〈r ²〉 were inferred using preliminary muonic isotope shift data. Starting from⁷⁸Kr, a monotonic decrease of 〈r ²〉 with increasing mass number is found throughout theg _9/2 neutron shell. The effect onδ〈r ²〉 of nuclear deformations as well as possible contributions due to changes in the skin thickness of the nuclear charge distribution are discussed.     

Variations of ionic binding energies and the distribution of charge carriers in orthorhombic La2−x Sr x CuO4

The significance of heterovalent, substitutional disorder for the distribution of charge carriers in La_2?x Sr _x CuO₄ has been investigated. Disorder is shown to cause strong variations of binding energies of the ions ranging to some eV for Sr contentsx=0.1. Balancing the energy for a hole transport, Cu³⁺+O^2?→Cu²⁺+O^?, and taking binding energy variations into account, the process is realized to become possible without consuming energy for a subset Θ for allx Cu³⁺ in one formula unit of La_2?x Sr _x CuO₄. The functions Θ(x) are presented for hole transports to apex and in-plane oxygens, respectively. The delocalization of charge carriers is interpreted to be caused by valency disorder on metal lattice sites.     

The factors influencing solid state structure — A modern Mendeleyevian answer

It is demonstrated that the different structures adopted within three important classes of compound, the AB octets, AB₂ double octets and the AB₂x₄ spinels, can be distinguished by plotting r^A_σ against r^B_σ or X^A against X^B. Here r_σ and X are defined using quantum mechanical pseudo- potential radii, in a manner that represents the traditional concepts of “size” and “electronegativity”. Thus, these unambigously defined properties are of fundamental importance in determining solid state structures.     

Paramagnetic resonance of V in tetragonal GeO2

Anisotropic g and A tensors are found for V⁴⁺ in single crystal tetragonal GeO₂. The orbital mixing parameter λ, normalized radial average 〈1/r³〉/N and core polarization x/N are calculated, and λ is not anomalously low as reported from polycrystalline measurements.     

Franck-Condon factors and R-centroids for the BΣ → AΠ band system of CN

Franck-Condon factors and R-centroids for the transition from the B²Σ electronic state of CN to the A²Π state have been calculated. The validity of the Morse potential energy function for this system has been studied by using the calculated values of α_e. Also, the ratios 〈rⁿ〉/〈rⁿ⁻¹〉 have been obtained to check the applicabili ty of the R-centroid approximation.     

The determination of crystal field levels in the intermetallic compound HoRh by inelastic neutron scattering

Inelastic neutron time of flight measurements have been carried out on the intermetallic compound HoRh at different temperatures. Well resolved transitions between crystal field levels were observed at 4.0 and 9.7 meV. The complete crystal field level scheme was deduced and the crystal field parameters were found to be A₄⁰ 〈r⁴〉 = ?10.98 meV and A₆⁰ 〈r⁶〉 = ?1.59 meV. These values deviate considerably from point charge estimates.     

Cr-doping effect on the structural, magnetic, transport properties and Raman spectroscopy of La(2+x)/3Sr(1−x)/3Mn1−xCrxO3 perovskites

A series of the double-doping samples La_(2+x)/3Sr_(1−4x)/3Mn_1−xCr_xO₃ (0?x?0.25) with the Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ ratio fixed at 2:1 have been fabricated. The structural, magnetic, transport properties and Raman spectroscopy have been investigated, and no apparent crystal structure change is introduced by Cr doping up to x=0.25. But the Curie temperature T_C and metal-insulator transition temperature T_MI are strongly affected by Cr substitution. The room temperature Raman spectra start exhibiting some new features following the increasing concentration of Cr substitutions. Moreover, it is worth noting that the frequency of the A_1g phonon mode can also be well correlated with the A-site mismatch effect (σ²), which is influenced mainly by the variety of the Sr content.