Peculiarities of the vortex dynamics in YBa2Cu3Ox single crystals as revealed by irreversible microwave absorption

We report the results of a wide experimental study of the irreversible modulated microwave absorption as a function of temperature, applied magnetic field and modulation amplitude in the YBa₂Cu₃O_x single crystals. To analyze the experimental data the model of the microwave power dissipation by the flux lines has been developed taking into account thermal fluctuations, the distributions of currents and vortices over a sample. We have obtained the information about regimes of vortex motion in the different areas of the H–T phase diagram and estimated the values of flux flow viscosity and critical current density.     

Evidence for pinning by (Sr,Ca)2CuOy particles in partial-melting processed bulk Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ ceramics

Flux distributions of partial-melting processed Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ ceramics are obtained using magneto-optic imaging. In remanent states (μ₀H_a=0 T), large amounts of trapped flux are observed along (Sr,Ca)₂CuO_y particles embedded in the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ matrix. Despite the relatively large size of these particles (up to 30 μm), the pinning effect is similar to that of Y₂BaCuO₅ particles in melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ. Furthermore, we discuss how the pinning capability of non-superconducting particles of different sizes and densities will show up in magneto-optic images.     

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.     

Crystal structures of stage-n iodine-intercalated compounds IBi2nSr2nCanCu2nOx

The crystal structure of stage-3 iodine-intercalated superconducting IBi₆Sr₆Ca₃Cu₆O_x has been determined by transmission electron microscopy to belong to the space group Pma2 with lattice parameters a=5.4Å, B=5.4Å and C=49.4Å. Ioidine atoms intercalated between every three Bi---O bilayers expand the distance between the Bi---O layers by 3.6Å and alter the atomic stacking across Bi---O layers from the staggered configuration characteristic of host superconducting Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x to an aligned configuration characteristic of stage-1 iodine-intercalated superconducting IBi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x. Higher-stage intercalation has also been observed as stacking faults which predominantly contain both stage-2 and stage-3 phases. The space groups and c-axis dimensions of the higher-stage phases have been deduced to be Pma2 with c=3.6+15.3n Å when stage number n is odd, and Bbmb with c=2(3.6+15.3n) Å when n is even.     

Study of the magnetic properties of single-crystal Ba0.6K0.4BiO3

The magnetic properties of single-crystal Ba_0.6K_0.4BiO₃ were studied. The results show that this isotropic superconductor (cubic structure with T_c ≈ 32 K) exhibits irreversibility and relaxation properties similar to those observed in the layered, high temperature superconductors. For fields above 0.1 T, an irreversibility line B_irr = B_irr (0) (1 − t)ⁿ with n = 3/2 and B_irr (0) = 20 T is observed. The comparison among several superconducting systems with different anisotropies suggests that the irreversibility line is unlikely to be the melting line for the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ.     

Realization and properties of ramp-type YBa2Cu3O7−δ/Au/Nb junctions

All-thin-film ramp type Josephson junctions between YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ and Nb have been fabricated. This procedure allows connections between high-T_c and low-T_c superconductors at different crystal sides of the high-T_c superconductor on one chip, which is of great interest for novel phase devices. A thin Au layer is incorporated as a chemical barrier to avoid oxygen transfer from the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ to the Nb. Critical current densities up to 600 A/cm² are obtained at T=4.2 K, with typical R_nA values of 0.8 μΩ cm². The variation of the magnetic field dependence of the critical current with the angle between the junction barrier and the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ crystal axes is explained by considering a predominant d_x²−y² order parameter symmetry of the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ. The successful fabrication of these junctions allows the implementation of novel superconducting electronics, such as complementary Josephson circuitry or proposed qubit concepts, using the unconventional order parameter symmetry of the high-T_c superconductor.     

(Tl, Pb, Cu)Sr2(Tl, Pb, Cu)2Cu2O8−δ: a nonsuperconducting Tl-1222 cuprate with both heavy atom single and oxygen depleted double layer motifs

An account is given of the synthesis and structural investigation of a newly discovered tetragonal (Tl, Pb, Cu)Sr₂(Tl, Pb, Cu)₂Cu₂O_8−δ compound (Tl-1222^* phase) with both (Tl, Pb, Cu)O single and oxygen depleted (Tl, Pb, Cu)₂O_x double layer motifs, space group I4/mmm, lattice parameters a=3.8405(2), c=29.2536(5) Å, and D_x=7.46 g cm⁻³. Micaceous and highly reflecting black single crystals of 1 mm×1 mm×3–5 μm size were obtained from a Tl₂O₃- and CuO-rich partial melt. The as-grown compound is nonsuperconducting. The very thin crystals are extremely liable to bend out of shape. Deterioration could not be observed within the period of a year under ambient conditions. The complex crystal structure has been solved using single crystals. We take note of the similarity of the unit cell dimensions to superconducting (Tl, Cu)₂Ba₂(Ca, Tl)Cu₂O₈ (Tl-2212 phase) with TlO double rocksalt layers, and compare crystal-chemical details of similar compounds. Apart from the possibility of obtaining superconducting properties by suitable doping, the mechanical properties of the new material are very attractive from the point of view of its use as highly scattering composite layers of an X-ray monochromator.     

Localization of charge carriers in the c-axis electronic transport of YBa2Cu3Oχ

Reflectance measurements with E c on a YBa₂Cu₃O_x single crystal where the oxygen content was varied between x = 6.8 and X = 6.98 are presented in the far infrared range (5 rmmeV < ω < 100 meV) at temperatures between 10 K and 300 K. Performing a Kramers-Kronig transformation we derived the optical conductivity δ _c ( ω). An analysis of the spectral weight shows that the main contribution of the electronic transport is due to localized carriers. With decreasing the oxygen content, the spectral weight of free carriers decreases whereas the spectral weight of localized carriers is enhanced.     

Intercalation thermodynamics and chemical diffusion of oxygen in the solid solution YBa2Cu3−xCoxO6+δ

The equilibrium oxygen content as a function of the temperature and oxygen pressure was measured for the solid solution YBa₂Cu_3−xCo_xO_6+δ, where x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, by using coulometric titration in the temperature range 600–850°C and oxygen pressures between 10⁻⁵ and 1.0 atm. The change in the partial molar enthalpy and entropy of the intercalated oxygen was determined at different oxygen and cobalt contents. The oxygen chemical diffusion was studied by thermogravimetric relaxation in the oxygen-controlled atmosphere. The thermodynamic data were employed to determine how the chemical diffusion coefficient, the thermodynamic factor and the random-diffusion coefficient depend on oxygen content in specimens with different cobalt concentration. The oxygen intercalation thermodynamics and diffusivity results provide evidence of ordering phenomena on a microscopic scale in the basal plane of the tetragonal solid solution YBa₂Cu_3−xCo_xO_6+δ. A model for the oxygen diffusion is suggested to explain the large difference between the random and tracer diffusion coefficients in YBa₂Cu₃O_6+δ     

Effective Ru moment in RuSr2Eu2−xCexCu2O10 from high-temperature magnetic susceptibility

We have made high-temperature (250 K<T<800 K) DC susceptibility measurements in the compounds RuSr₂Eu_2−xCe_xCu₂O₁₀ for x=0.6,0.8, and 1.0 in order to determine the Ru effective magnetic moment. After carefully subtracting all contributions to the magnetic susceptibility except that of the Ru ions, we have been able to fit the Ru susceptibility with a law χ_Ru=χ₀+C_Ru/(T−Θ_Ru). We have found that the Ru effective moment falls between the values expected for Ru⁵⁺ in spin states and . We have also found a dependence of μ_eff(Ru) and Θ_Ru with the Ce content x.     

Experimental survey of critical fluctuations in the specific heat of high-temperature superconductors

Thermal fluctuations are observed in the specific heat of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) near T_c. This is seen both in the shape of the zero-field anomaly, characterized by critical exponents and amplitude ratios, and in the broadening of the transition versus the magnetic field, which obeys scaling laws. 3D-XY fluctuations are found for YBa₂Cu₃O_x (Y-123) near optimal doping, whereas systematic deviations occur away from this point. The large deviations found for the most anisotropic HTS may be attributed to both reduced dimensionality and a crossover between BCS and Bose condensations. Low-temperature data are discussed in this context. The melting curve of vortex matter, now detected in the specific heat of Dy-123, Eu-123 and Y-123 up to very high fields, is described by a critical exponent.     

Giant pressure effect in oxygen deficient YBa2Cu3Ox

The pressure effect on T_c of polycrystalline and single crystalline YBa₂Cu₃O_x investigated as a function of oxygen content x by ac-susceptibility measurements under helium pressure. In the overdoped region x> 6.93 the single crystals show a negative dT_c/d p, as expected from the charge transfer model. For optimally doped samples with x = 6.93 we find dT_c/d P = 0.4 K/GPa which points to pressure effects on T_c aside from charge transfer. In the underdoped region x < 6.93 the dT_c/d p values obtained from the experiment depend strongly on the storage temperature of the sample during the experiment. When the samples are stored at temperatures well below 240 K throughout the entire experiment including pressure application and pressure release, dT_c/d p increases to approx. 7 K/GPa at x = 6.7 but with a further decrease of the oxygen content the dT_c/d p drops to approx. 2 K/GPa at x = 6.4. These effects are intrinsic to the YBa₂Cu₃O_x structure and can be explained by considering the anisotropic structure of YBa₂Cu₃O_x. The decrease of the c-axis lattice parameter results in a charge transfer to the CuO₂-planes mainly [1], whereas the compression of the a- and b-axis lattice parameter is known to produce different pressure effects which are responsible for the peak in dT_c/d p at x = 6.7 [2]. When pressure is changed at room temperature oxygen ordering effects occur which cause a relaxation of T_c to the equilibrium value T_c(p) at this pressure with a time constant depending on the oxygen content x. A decrease x results in a peak effect in dT_c/d p at x = 6.7 again, which is enhanced to approx. 12 K/GPa. If the oxygen content is decreased further, dT_c/d p first drops to 5 K/GPa at x = 6.6, but the increases to values of more than 20 K/GPa for x < 6.42. These giant pressure effects at low oxygen contents are mainly caused by a reversible T_c increase (dT_c/d p)_O due to pressure induced oxygen ordering via oxygen motion between unit cells.     

Structure of some liquid alcohols, diols and triols: an analysis of dielectric data

This work is a continuation of our studies of the liquid structure of polyhydric alcohols and their solutions. Dielectric parameters (relaxation time, average cluster dipole moment μ¯_c, etc.) have been calculated for 1-hexanol in a wide temperature range in the framework of the cluster model proposed by Dissado and Hill; the values of apparent activation enthalpy ΔH_DHexp^≠ have been evaluated. These data were compared with the parameters previously determined by us for 2,5-hexanediol and 1,2,6-hexanetriol; the ratio μ¯_c/μ¯_v was used for an estimation of the number of molecules in clusters. It was found that at all temperatures in the range 303–393 K, the μ¯_c/μ¯_v values for 1-hexanol are significantly larger than the values of average degree of association p¯ calculated from equilibrium dielectric data; the ΔH_DHexp^≠ values for 1-hexanol are considerably lower than those for 2,5-hexanediol and 1,2,6-hexanetriol.     

Crystal structure of YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition with substrate bias voltage

The crystal structure of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x thin films has been investigated by cross-section transmission electron microscopy. The samples were deposited on MgO (100) substrates at 670°C with substrate bias voltages of ±300 V. For the unbiased case, c-axis, a-axis and (103) oriented domains normal to the substrate surface were observed. In this film, the c-axis oriented domains are dominant, but the crystal often exhibits a longer c-lattice constant than that of the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x system, so extra cationic layers are inserted in the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x intrinsic stacking sequence. For the case of −300 V, rotated domains were dominant in the entire film; however, c-axis oriented domains also grow from the substrate surface. Small-angle semicoherent grain boundaries between them were observed. In the case of +300 V, all the grains show c-axis oriented YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x. The degree of preferential orientation of the grains is reduced at negative bias voltage of −300 V and the structure defects are reduced by applying a positive bias of +300 V.     

Influence of the Tl- and Hg-content on magnetic and transport properties of the Pb, Sr-doped Tl-1223 and Hg-1223 superconductors

The effects of the thallium and mercury content x on the as-sintered and post annealed samples of M_xPb_0.4Sr_1.6Ba_0.4Ca₂Cu₃O_8+δ {M: Tl (0.32≤x≤0.74) or Hg (0.18≤x≤0.68)} have been studied by magnetization and transport measurements. For Tl-1223 we have found the optimum Tl doping level to be x=0.53 regarding the grain properties, the content of superconducting phase, the first penetration field H_pl^wl, the transport (J_c^tr), magnetic intergrain (J_c^M) and intragrain (J_c^g) critical current densities. The critical temperature T_c of the as-sintered Tl-1223 sample decreased with increasing Tl content. Post-annealing in oxygen improved the T_c for Tl contents of x≥0.53 and had generally positive effects on the critical current densities. The intergrain properties of the Hg-1223 samples were much worse than those of the Tl-based superconductors.     

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.     

Flux jump avalanches in torque studies of single crystal YBa2Cu3O7−δ

A series of avalanche-like jumps are observed in the mixed state of single crystal YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (YBCO) superconductors. Emerging as a saw-tooth pattern in torque vs. sample orientation in magnetic field, these jumps are discontinuous on our most resolute angular scale. While reminiscent of the classical flux jump instability, the present jumps are instead proposed to be associated with the layered nature of the material and twin boundary (TB) pinning, the combination of which promotes a crossover from a tilted to a kinked vortex structure.     

Effects of processing variables on the magnetic properties of melt-processed YBa2Cu3Ox

Samples of YBa₂Cu₃O_x (Y123) with excess Y₂BaCuO₅ (Y211) in the molar ratio of 5:1 (Y123/Y211) were processed using the SLMG (‘solid-liquid melt growth’) technique. The effects of precursor particle size, thermal pretreatment, and substrate choice were examined. Particle size was shown to accelerate degradation of the BaCuO₂ precursor. Thermal pretreatment resulted in reduction of porosity in the samples and hence improved magnetic properties. Contamination by carbon and magnesium from the substrates was also examined and eliminated by using BaZrO₃ substrates.     

Effective activation energy Ue(T,J,H) in textured Bi1.84Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy silver-clamped thick films

We have measured the resistivity of textured Bi_1.84Pb_0.4Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_y silver-clamped thick films as a function of temperature, current density ranging from 10 to 1×10³ A/cm² and magnetic field up to 0.3 T. We find that the effective activation energy U_e follows U_e(T,J,H)=U₀(1−T/T_p)^mln(J_c0/J)H⁻ with m=1.75 for Hab-plane and 2.5 for Hc-axis and =0.76 for Hab and 0.97 for Hc, for the current density regime above 100 A/cm², where T_p is a function of applied magnetic field and current density. This result suggests the effective activation energy U_e be correlated with the temperature, current density and magnetic field. The possible dissipative mechanisms responsible for the temperature, current density and magnetic field dependence of the effective activation energy are discussed.     

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.