Terahertz time-domain reflection spectroscopy for high-Tc superconducting cuprates

We have developed a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system for reflectivity measurement with a temperature-controllable cryostat. For emission and detection of THz radiation, a Ti:Sapphire pulsed laser and photoconductive antennas are used. Two wire-grid polarizers enable us to carry out the polarized reflectivity measurements. Using our THz-TDS system, we measured the c-axis polarized reflectivity spectra for La_2−xSr_xCuO₄ single crystals (x = 0.10 and 0.13) and observed sharp Josephson plasma edges for both samples below T_c. The reflectivity spectra of the x = 0.10 sample were in good agreement with those reported previously, which confirms the validity of the system. For the x = 0.13 sample, we discuss the anomolous features of the optical spectra.     

Structure, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of (Bi1−x−yNa0.925−x−yLi0.075)0.5BaxSryTiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Lead-free multi-component ceramics (Bi_1−x−yNa_{0.925−x−y}Li_0.075)_0.5Ba_xSr_yTiO₃ have been prepared by an ordinary sintering technique and their structure and electrical properties have been studied. All the ceramics can be well-sintered at 1100 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns shows that Li⁺, Ba²⁺ and Sr²⁺ diffuse into the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ lattices to form a new solid solution with a pure perovskite structure, and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) is formed at 0.04 < x < 0.08. As compared to pure Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ ceramic, the coercive field E_C of the ceramics decreases greatly and the remanent polarization P_r of the ceramics increases significantly after the formation of the multi-component solid solution. Due to the MPB, lower E_C and higher P_r, the piezoelectricity of the ceramics is greatly improved. For the ceramics with the compositions near the MPB (x = 0.04–0.08 and y = 0.02–0.04), piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ = 133–193 pC/N and planar electromechanical coupling factor k_P = 16.2–32.1%. The depolarization temperature T_d reaches a minimum value near the MPB. The temperature dependences of the ferroelectric and dielectric properties suggest that the ceramics may contain both the polar and non-polar regions at temperatures near/above T_d.     

The experimental and theoretical investigation of vibration spectra in ferroelectric semiconductor SbSBrxI1−x crystals

The vapor grown SbSBr_xI_1−x (x=0.1; 0.5; 0.9) crystals with clear mirror surfaces have been used for infrared reflection measurements with Fourier spectrometer. The vibration frequencies along c(z)-axis have been derived from Kramers–Kroning and optical parameters fitting analysis of the experimental reflectivity spectra at T=300 K. The theoretical vibration spectra of SbSBr_xS_1−x (x=0.1; 0.5; 0.9) crystals in paraelectric phase (T=300 K) along c(z)-axis have been determined in quasiharmonic approximation by diagonalization of dynamical matrix. The theoretical vibration spectra of these crystals in a–b(x−y) plane have been determined in harmonic approximation. In this work we discuss the nature of anharmonism in SbSBr_xI_1−x crystals along the c(z)-axis.     

Normal-state Nernst coefficient in YBa2Cu3 − xCoxOvwith different cobalt content

We report experimental data on the temperature and concentration dependences of the Nernst coefficient in the normal state for the YBa₂Cu_{3 − x}Co_xO_yceramic samples with increasing Co content up tox = 0.3. The Nernst coefficient is positive, and its value increases almost linearly withx. The temperature dependences ofQhave been analyzed on the basis of a narrow band model, together with data on other transport coefficients. Using a complex quantitative analysis of four transport coefficients, we were able to estimate the carrier mobility and to elucidate a character of the energy dependence of the relaxation time.     

Effects on structure and superconductivity for La and Ca codoping in YBa2Cu3Oy cuprates

The nominal composition of Y_0.8Ca_0.2Ba_2−xLa_xCu₃O_y (YBLCO) cuprates with x≤0.50 has been synthesized by the standard solid state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction and the resistivity measurements are used to characterize the structure and the superconductivity of YBLCO cuprates. There is no structural phase transition in the whole doping range. The dependencies of the lattice constants and some other structural parameters on the content of La for the samples YBLCO with x≤0.20 are different than those for the samples with x≥0.25. The zero resistance temperature T_c0 increases with the increase of the content of La in YBLCO as x≤0.20, and decreases as x≥0.25. We compared these results with those of Nd-doped Y_0.8Ca_0.2Ba_2−zNd_zCu₃O_y cuprates. It seems that T_c0 is related to the structural parameters due to Ca and La codoping in YBLCO.     

Reduced anti-ferromagnetism promoted by Zn 3d substitution at CuO2 planar sites of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca3Cu4O12−δ superconductors

The role of charge carriers in ZnO₂/CuO₂ planes of Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂Ca₃Cu_4−yZn_yO_12−δ material in bringing about superconductivity has been explained. Due to suppression of anti-ferromagnetic order with Zn 3d¹⁰ (S=0) substitution at Cu 3d⁹ sites in the inner CuO₂ planes of Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂Ca₃Cu₄O_12−δ superconductor, the distribution of charge carriers becomes homogeneous and optimum, which is evident from the enhanced superconductivity parameters. The decreased c-axis length with the increase of Zn doping improves interlayer coupling and hence the three dimensional (3D) conductivity in the unit cell is enhanced. Also the softening of phonon modes with the increased Zn doping indicates that the electron–phonon interaction has an essential role in the mechanism of high-T_c superconductivity in these compounds.     

Nernst effect of stripe ordering La<Subscript>1.8−x</Subscript>Eu<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>x</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

We investigate the transport properties of La_1.8−xEu_0.2Sr_xCuO₄ (x = 0.04, 0.08, 0.125, 0.15, 0.2) with a special focus on the Nernst effect in the normal state. Various anomalous features are present in the data. For x = 0.125 and 0.15 a kink-like anomaly is present in the vicinity of the onset of charge stripe order in the LTT phase, suggestive of enhanced positive quasiparticle Nernst response in the stripe ordered phase. At higher temperature, all doping levels except x = 0.2 exhibit a further kink anomaly in the LTO phase which cannot unambiguously be related to stripe order. Moreover, a direct comparison between the Nernst coefficients of stripe ordering La_1.8−xEu_0.2Sr_xCuO₄ and superconducting La_2−xSr_xCuO₄ at the doping levels x = 0.125 and x = 0.15 reveals only weak differences. Our findings make high demands on any scenario interpreting the Nernst response in hole-doped cuprates.     

Ce4+离子在Ca2SnO4一维结构基质中的电荷迁移光谱研究

利用高温固相反应法制备了Ca₂Sn_1-xCe_xO₄和Ca_2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄一维结构发光体. XPS结果显示 Ca₂SnO₄拥有两种结合能分别为5277 eV和5293 关键词： 2Sn_1-xCe_xO₄')" href="#">Ca₂Sn_1-xCe_xO₄ 2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄')" href="#">Ca_2-ySr_ySn_1-xCe_xO₄ 一维结构 电荷迁移光谱     

Numerical analysis of the short-circuit current density in GaInAsSb thermophotovoltaic diodes

In this paper, a simulation and analysis on the short-circuit current density (J_sc) of the P-GaSb window/P-Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y emitter/N-Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y base/N-GaSb substrate structure is performed. The simulations are carried out with a fixed spectral control filter at a radiator temperature (T_rad) of 950 °C, diode temperature (T_dio) of 27 °C and diode bandgap (E_g) of 0.5 eV. The radiation photons are injected from the front P-side. Expressions for minority carrier mobility and absorption coefficient of Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y semiconductors are derived from Caughey–Thomas and Adachi’s model, respectively. The P-Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y emitter with a much longer diffusion length is adopted as the main optical absorption region and the N-Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y base region contribute little to J_sc. The effect of P-GaSb window and P-Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y emitter region parameters on J_sc is mainly analyzed. Dependence of J_sc on thickness and carrier concentration of the window are analyzed; these two parameters need to be properly selected to improve J_sc. Contributions from the main carrier recombination mechanisms in the emitter region are considered; J_sc can be improved by suppressing the carrier recombination rate. Dependence of J_sc on the carrier concentration and layer thickness of the emitter P-region are also analyzed; these two parameters have strong effect on J_sc. Moreover, adding a back surface reflector (BSR) to the diode can improve J_sc. The simulated results are compared with the available experimental data and are found to be in good agreement. These theoretical simulations help us to better understand the electro-optical behavior of Ga_xIn_1−xAs_1−ySb_y TPV diode and can be utilized for performance enhancement through optimization of the device structure.     

Magnetotransport and magnetotunneling in single-layer, two-layer, and three-layer Bi2Sr2Can−1CunOz (n=1,2,3) single crystals

In continuous magnetic fields H up to 28 T, we have studied the out-of-plane transport properties and tunneling characteristics of high-quality nondoped single crystals of the Bi-cuprate family: Bi₂Sr₂CuO_6+δ (Bi2201), Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi2212) and Bi₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+δ (Bi2223) grown by an identical method. For all compounds the out-of-plane magnetotransport ρ_c(H) is negative in the temperature region where ρ_c(T) shows in the normal state a semiconducting-like temperature dependence. The negative magnetoresistance of ρ_c corresponds to the suppression of the semiconducting temperature dependence of ρ_c(T) which is found to be isotropic. For the Bi2201 compound, where the normal state can be reached in the available magnetic fields (28 T), a nearly complete suppression of the low-temperature upturn in ρ_c(T) is observed in the highest magnetic fields with a tendency towards a metallic behavior down to the lowest temperatures (0.4 K). Using the break-junction technique, especially for the Bi2212 and Bi2232 compounds, a clear superconducting gap structure can be observed. Both for temperatures above the critical temperature and for magnetic fields above the upper critical field, a pseudogap structure remains present in the tunneling spectra. The applied magnetic fields yield a stronger suppression of the superconducting state compared to that of the normal-state gap structures as manifested in ρ_c(T) transport and tunneling.     

Synthesis, characterization and melt processing of Y1−x(Yb0.9Nd0.1)xBa2Cu3Oz superconductors

Effects of a combined substitute of Yb and Nd on Y site on the superconducting properties of YBa₂Cu₃O_y have been studied. We synthesized Y_1−x(Yb_0.9Nd_0.1)_xBa₂Cu₃O_z compound with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0. Here, the ratio of Yb–Nd was fixed to be 9:1 for obtaining 123 phase without secondary phases. The melt processing thermal profiles for Y_1−x(Yb_0.9Nd_0.1)_xBa₂Cu₃O_z with x = 0.2 and 0.4 and the addition of 40 mol% {Y_1−x(Yb_0.9Nd_0.1)_x}₂BaCuO₅ and 0.5 wt% Pt in air were determined on the basis of the thermal analysis results. All samples showed a low grain growth rate, particularly for high x values, which may be partially ascribed to un-optimized thermal schedules. Although almost all the samples exhibited low J_c values, the sample with x = 0.2 exhibited T_c of 88.8 K and a relatively high J_c value of 16,000 A/cm² at 77 K for H//c-axis.     

Competition of magnetic order and superconductivity investigated by positive muon spin rotation in La2−x M x CuO4 (M = Ba,Sr) aroundx=0.12

Muon spin rotation (SR) is applied to La_2–x Ba _x CuO₄ aroundx=0.12 where the superconductivity (SC) is suppressed remarkably. The magnetic ordering of Cu-moments appears below 35 K in the narrow range ofx where a lattice instability from the low temperature orthorhombic (LTO) to the low-temperature tetragonal (LTT) structure exists. The present study suggests strongly that the magnetic ordering of Cu-moments is an important factor in the suppression of high-T _c superconductivity aroundx=0.12 in La_2–x Ba _x CuO₄. Similar results are obtained for the La_2–x Sr _x CuO₄ and La_2–x–y Sr _x Nd _y CuO₄ systems.     

Magnetization anomaly and anisotropy of Bi2Sr2CaCu2−xNixO8 single crystals

We have observed the anomalous magnetization of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu_2−xNi_xO₈ (x = 0 and 0.02) single crystals. Anisotropy decreases with iodine intercalation although it expands the space between CuO₂ layers. Iodine intercalation seems to suppress the magnetization anomaly for Ni = 1% crystals, but not for Ni = 1% substituted crystals. We have discussed these results in terms of the increase of anisotropy by Ni substitution and the dimensional crossover of flux lines. Effects of both oxygen concentration and substitution of a magnetic element for the Cu site on the anisotropy of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ crystals show the same tendency as the case of the YBa₂Cu₃O₇ superconductor.     

Composition and superconductivity in single layer Bi-2201 phases

Several materials with nominal 2201 composition were prepared from various systems Bi_2+xSr_2-xCuO_6+z, Bi₂Sr_2-xCuO_6+z, Bi_2-xPb_xSr₂O_6+z, Bi_2.1-xPb_xCuO_6+z,Bi₂Sr_2-yLa_yCuO_6+z, Bi_1.9Pb_0.1Sr_2-yLa_yCuO_6+z, Bi_2-xPb_xSr_1.6La_0.4CuO_6+z and Bi_2.1-xPb_xSr_1.5La_1.4CuO_6+z in different gas atmospheres. According to the structural investigations the 2201 phase shows solid solution behaviour. However, irrespectively of the method of preparation the appearance of superconductivity is confined to multiphase material. Furthermore, the superconducting volume fraction is uniformly as low as ? 3%. The observed presence of trace superconductivity is easily explainable by small admixtures of superconducting foreign phases and in disagreement with the assumption of intrinsic superconducting properties of the Bi based 2201 phase.     

Defect chemical and statistical thermodynamic studies on oxygen nonstoichiometric Nd2 − xSrxNiO4 + δ

In order to elucidate how oxygen content changes in Nd_2 − xSr_xNiO_4 + δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4), defect chemical and statistical thermodynamic analyses were carried out. The relationship among δ, P(O₂), and T were analyzed by a defect equilibrium model. Since Nd_2 − xSr_xNiO_4 + δ shows metal like band conduction at high temperatures, chemical potential of hole is expressed by the integration of the Fermi-Dirac distribution function and the density of state. The nonstoichiometric variation of oxygen content in Nd_2 − xSr_xNiO_4 + δ can be explained by the defect equilibrium model with a regular solution approximation. Partial molar entropy and partial molar enthalpy of oxygen are calculated from the nonstoichiometric data and Gibbs–Helmholtz equation. The relationship among defect structure, defect equilibrium, and thermodynamic quantities is elucidated by the statistical thermodynamic model. Thermodynamic quantities are calculated by the statistical thermodynamic model with the results of defect chemical analysis and compared with those obtained from experimental results. Thermodynamic quantities calculated by the statistical thermodynamic model can explain rough tendency of those obtained from the δ–T–P(O₂) relationship.     

Generic phase diagram of “electron-doped” T′ cuprates

We investigated the generic phase diagram of the electron doped superconductor, Nd_2−xCe_xCuO₄, using films prepared by metal organic decomposition. After careful oxygen reduction treatment to remove interstitial O_ap atoms, we found that the T_c increases monotonically from 24 K to 29 K with decreasing x from 0.15 to 0.00, demonstrating a quite different phase diagram from the previous bulk one. The implication of our results is discussed on the basis of tremendous influence of O_ap “impurities” on superconductivity and also magnetism in T′ cuprates. Then we conclude that our result represents the generic phase diagram for oxygen-stoichiometric Nd_2−xCe_xCuO₄.     

Possible influence of two-band superconductivity on the behaviour of the second magnetization peak in La2−xSrxCuO4 single crystals

An anomalous temperature T dependence of the field H_on for the onset of the second magnetization peak (SMP) in La_1.81Sr_0.19CuO₄ single crystals (with the external magnetic field H oriented parallel to the c axis) is discussed. While the peak field H_p and the magnetization at H_p have a continuous variation with T, H_on exhibits a sudden decrease with increasing T for T  11 K–15 K. The analysis of the nature of the SMP in La_2−xSr_xCuO₄ single crystals in terms of a simple dynamic energy balance relation suggests that the observed behaviour could be related to the particular T dependence of the superfluid density in the case of two-band superconductivity, affecting the T variation of the elastic energy of the vortex system at low H.     

Copper NQR study of the La 214 system from an aspect of microscopic environment of copper

The nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) has been investigated for Cu in La_2–x A _x CuO _y (A=Sr and Ba). Three Cu NQR lines, A, B and C, have been observed, which correspond to three different Cu sites. From the analysis of these NQR intensities, site assignments are possibly as follows. These lines A, B and C are attributed to CuO₆ octahedral, CuO₅ pyramidal and CuO₄ planar sites, respectively. The apical oxygen O(2) is induced to transfer to the interstitial O(3) site between LaO planes when two or more Sr²⁺ ions are located in its neighboring La sites. The excess holes doped into the CuO₂ plane are provided mainly by O(3) as well as the unpaired Sr²⁺ ion.     

Effect of Ca doping on the superconducting properties of GdBaSrCu3O7−δ bulk samples

Gd_1−xCa_xBaSrCu₃O_7−δ samples (0  x  0.1) were prepared via solid-state reaction. Four-point probes method was used for resistance versus temperature measurements. Results show decrease in T_c by increasing x content. This variation is assumed to be irrelevant to the different phases or impurity effects since X-ray patterns show all samples are tetragonal single-phase. Ca doping decreases the oxygen content and lattice parameters of the samples. It is suggested that Ca prevents the dislocation of oxygen, and then disrupts the hole concentration of the system and antiferromagnetic correlation at CuO₂ planes. Subsequently, destroys the superconductivity of the samples.     

Structural studies and T c dependence in La2−x Dy x Ca y Ba2Cu4+y O z type mixed oxide superconductors

A new series of mixed oxide superconductors with the stoichiometric composition La_2−x Dy _x Ca _y Ba₂Cu_4+y O _z (x=0.0 − 0.5, y=2x) has been studied for structural and superconductiong properties. Our earlier studies on La_2−x (Y/Er) _x Ca _y Ba₂Cu_4+y O _z series, show a strong dependence of T _c on hole concentration (p _sh). In the present work, the results of the analysis of the neutron diffraction measurements at room temprerature on x=0.3 and 0.5 samples are reported. It is interesting to know that Ca substitutes for both La and Ba site with concomitant displacement of La onto Ba site. Superconductivity studies show that maximum T _c is obtained for x=0.5, y=1.0 sample (T _c ∼ 75 K), for La_1.5Dy_0.5Ca₁Ba₂Cu₅O _z (La-2125).