Optical properties and structure of amorphous films Agx(As0.33S0.67−ySey)100−x

As₃₃S_67−ySe_y, where y = 0, 16.75, 33.5, 50.25 and 67, amorphous thin films were prepared by a vacuum thermal evaporation technique. The films with known silver concentrations and good optical quality were prepared by thermal vacuum evaporation of a silver film on the top of As₃₃S_100−ySe_y films with sequential step-by-step optically- and thermally-induced diffusion and dissolution (OIDD) of silver. The range of silver content was x = 0–25 at.%. The kinetics of OIDD of silver were measured optically by monitoring the change of thickness of the undoped part of the chalcogenide during broadband illumination. Compositions of the reaction products have been determined by scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyser EDS. Optical properties $(T\text{,}n\text{,}{E}_{\text{g}}^{\text{opt}})$ of thin films were measured and/or calculated by the Swanepoel method [R. Swanepoel, J. Phys. E: Sci. Instrum. 16 (1983) 1214]. The refractive index increase with increasing silver and selenium concentration has been shown. The difference of the refractive index (Δn) between undoped and silver doped films was ∼0.4 and between As₃₃S₆₇ and As₃₃Se₆₇ was films ∼0.42. Non-linear indices of refraction were estimated according to Tichy’s formula [H. Ticha, L. Tichy, J. Optoel, Adv. Mat. 4 (2002) 381]. The values of non-linear refractive index grew with increasing silver and selenium content. The difference of optical bandgap, $\mathrm{\Delta }{E}_{\text{g}}^{\text{opt}}$, between undoped As₃₃S₆₇ and fully doped films with Ag and Se was ∼1 eV. Raman spectroscopy showed a decrease in S–S or Se–Se bonds with increasing silver content.     

Growth and structural properties of Zn1−xCrxTe crystals

Single crystals of Zn_1?xCr_xTe were grown by vapour phase growth method in the composition range of 0?x?0.005. Chemical analysis, surface morphology, structural and microhardness studies were carried out by EDAX, SEM, XRD and Vicker's indentation techniques, respectively. Microscopic variations between the target and actual compositions were noticed. Morphology studies revealed that dislocation aided growth is active in the present crystals. XRD studies showed that samples of all compositions crystallized in zinc blende structure, and the lattice parameters varied linearly with x following Vegard's law. Vicker's hardness (H_v) decreased exponentially with x.     

Structural and magnetic properties of ZnO and Zn1−xMnxO nanocrystals

Chemical precipitation of metal-ions from aqueous solution has been successfully used to produce Zn_1?xMn_xO nanocrystals, in the form of nano-powder. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements reveal that the as-prepared samples are single-phase materials and their lattice constant changes with the variation of Mn-concentration, which indicates the incorporation of Mn²⁺ into the hosting ZnO. These findings are corroborated by the observation of the well defined six hyperfine lines of Mn²⁺ ion in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the samples with a low Mn-concentration, and of a broad EPR line, which manifests the onset of Mn–Mn exchange interaction, in the samples with an elevated value of x.     

Magnetic properties and crystal structure of β-Ta

Polycrystalline samples of β-Ta with Frank-Kasper σ-phase structure prepared by electrolysis are studied. The atomic parameters are determined by the Rietveld method. The magnetic susceptibility is measured in the temperature range 4.2 < T < 273 K and the dependence of the magnetization on the magnetic field strength is measured at 4.2 and 77 K. The analysis of interatomic distances and the results of magnetic measurements indicate that clusters with a localized excess charge exist in β-Ta. The data obtained in this study suggest structural changes in β-Ta at T < 77 K.     

Investigation of the structure and properties of (K x (NH4)1 − x )3H(SO4)2 single crystals

The influence of isomorphous replacement in the cation sublattice on the kinetics of the phase transition in single crystals of the solid solutions (K _x (NH₄)_{1 ? x} ) _m H _n (SO₄)_{(m + n)/2} · yH₂O belonging to the K₃H(SO₄)₂-(NH₄)₃H(SO₄)₂-H₂O salt system was studied. Superproton phase transitions for the end compositions of this system have been found earlier. The optical and thermal properties of crystals with the composition (K,NH₄)₃H(SO₄)₂ in the temperature range from 295 to 500 K were investigated, and the crystal structure was determined at 295 K. The results of the study and the comparison with the literature data show that the replacement of potassium atoms with ammonia leads to a fundamental change in the kinetics of the phase transition, the phase-transition temperature remaining virtually unchanged.     

Electronic properties of vitreous and liquid AsSe alloys (I). Solid alloys

Measurements of the temperature dependence of the d.c. conductivity, therm?opower and optical absorption (near the fundamental edge) for five vitreous AsSe alloys containing from 30% to 50% As are presented. A conductivity maximum at the stoichiometric composition, As₂Se₃, corresponding to minima in the activation energies for conduction and thermopower, is accompanied by a minimum in the optical gap at this composition. These data suggest a minimum mobility gap at As₂Se₃, and a Fermi level independent of composition. Chemical bonding and bond edge state localization arguments are put forward to justify this proposal, and also to indicate why other amorphous semiconducting binary alloys behave differently at stoichiometric compositions.     

Effect of structure on low temperature plasticity and magnetic properties of ageing Pb?Sb alloys below Tc

It was carried out comparative structural, magnetic and mechanical studies of single crystals of Pb—Sb alloys with 0.5–5 at.% Sb, which are II type superconductors. The structure was studied by X-ray diffractometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, microhardness and resistometry methods. It was determined the total volume fraction and the precipitate size. The second critical field H_c2 and the magnetic flux trapping measured at 4.2 K are determined by the solid matrix concentration and the precipitate volume fraction respectively. Plasticity of Pb—Sb crystals was investigated by tension tests at 4.2 K. The dependence of the change of the flow stress, Δτ_sn, at superconducting transition on ageing time and antimony concentration was obtained.     

Growth of Er2(SO4)3 ⋅ 8H2O crystals and study of their structure and properties

New crystals of the composition Er₂(SO₄)₃ ? 8H₂O have been synthesized by the method similar to that used for synthesis of (CH₃)₂NH₂Al(SO₄)₂ ? 6H₂O. The synthesized crystals were studied by the X-ray diffraction method. The crystals are monoclinic C2/c) and contain no (CH₃)₂NH₂ ions. It is established that, contrary to DMAAS crystals, Er₂(SO₄)₃ ? 8H₂O crystals undergo no phase transitions and possess neither ferroelectric nor ferroelastic properties.     

Properties and structure of AsTe glasses: (I). Glass-forming ability and related properties

AsTe glasses have been investigated for determining the molecular mechanisms of glass formation and of crystallization. Stable and homogeneous bulk glasses are prepared throughout the range of concentration from 20 to 65 at % As, by using an improved quenching method. GFA (glass-forming ability) is determined with respect to the rate of cooling. Density, microhardness, T_g and ΔC_p at T_g are measured in the whole range of glass formation. Finally a quantitative analysis of the kinetics of crystallization is carried out. It appears that most properties which involve molecular motions exhibit anomalies for As₄₀ Te₆₀ composition (As₂Te₃ is the unique definite compound of the system). So GFA shows a sharp depression for this critical composition; similarly enthalpy and kinetics of crystallization are drastically modified at As₄₀Te₆₀. For Te-rich glasses, crystallization occurs at low temperature by homogeneous nucleation with a small energy of activation. For As-rich glasses, crystallization occurs at much higher temperatures. Above 200°C it is controlled by growth with an high activation energy which indicates deep rearrangements of the relative positions of the atoms by chemical diffusion. A coherent analysis of all the data is developed which shows that important differences of local order exist between amorphous and crystalline states and also between the two well-distinct types of glasses we are dealing with. The aim of paper II is to determine these differences from diffraction data.     

Optical properties of sol–gel prepared Cerium doped Lutetium and Yttrium oxyorthosilicates

The optical properties of sol–gel prepared Cerium doped Lutetium and Yttrium oxyorthosilicates are investigated in the vacuum ultraviolet energy range by means of synchrotron radiation. The excitation and emission properties are compared to commercial samples grown by Czochralski method. The sol gel polycrystals do show emission features comparable to the ones of the monocrystals but with a slightly smaller decay time. Preliminary radioluminescence measurements indicate the possibility to apply the sol gel synthesized polycrystals as scintillating materials in the low X-ray energy range.     

Growth and structure of epitaxial Pb1 − x Mn x Se(Ga) films

The growth and structure of Pb_{1 ? x} Mn _x Se (Ga) (N_Ga = 0.8 at %) films with thicknesses of 0.3–0.5 μm, grown on single-crystal PbSe_{1 ? x} S _x (100) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy, have been studied. It is established that films grow in a face-centered cubic lattice with the (100) orientation, reproducing the substrate orientation. The optimal conditions for obtaining photosensitive epitaxial films with perfect crystal structure are determined (W _1/2 = 70–80″).

     

Growth and structure of photosensitive Pb1−x Mn x Te(Ga) epitaxial films

The growth and structure of (1-1.5)-μm-thick Pb_1?x Mn _x Te(Ga)(x = 0.06) films with 0.4?0.9 at % of gallium, grown on BaF₂(111) and Pb_1?x Sn _x Te (x = 0.2) (100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy, have been investigated. It is established that the films are crystallized into an fcc structure, and their growth planes are (111) and (100), according to the substrate orientation. The optimal conditions for obtaining high-resistivity photosensitive p-and n-type films with a perfect crystal structure (W _1/2 = 80″?100″) have been determined.     

Electromechanical and electro-optic properties of xBiScO3–yBiGaO3–(1−x−y)PbTiO3 single crystals

Single crystals in the xBiScO₃–yBiGaO₃–(1−x−y)PbTiO₃ (BS–BG–PT) system were grown by the high temperature solution method using Pb₃O₄ and Bi₂O₃ as the flux. The dielectric permittivity (ε_r) at room temperature for unpoled tetragonal crystals was determined to be 500–600 with dielectric loss tangents less than 0.3%. The Curie temperature was found to be around ∼420–450°C, with a dielectric maximum, exhibiting relaxor behavior. The longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) was found to be ∼300 pC/N for 〈0 0 1〉 oriented tetragonal crystals with electromechanical coupling factor (k₃₃) of 75%, with a shear mode, d₁₅∼290 pC/N and k₁₅∼45%, lateral mode, d₃₁∼−55 pC/N and k₃₁∼−37%. The remnant polarization (P_r) was 46 μC/cm² with a coercive field (E_c) of 43 kV/cm at 1 Hz and DC field of 60 kV/cm. The linear electro-optic (E-O) coefficients of poled crystals determined using an automated scanning Mach–Zehnder interferometer method at room temperature and wavelength of 632.8 nm were r₃₃=36 and r₁₃=4 pm/V, respectively.     

Growth and properties of mixed K2Ni x Co1−x (SO4)2 · 6H2O crystals

Optically homogeneous mixed K₂Ni _x Co_{(1 ? x)}(SO₄)₂ · 6H₂O crystals are grown from solutions of different compositions by the temperature-reduction technique in static and dynamic regimes. The optical characteristics of the grown crystals are measured: transmittance reaches 80% in the wavelength range of 240–290 nm and no more than 9% in the visible spectral range. The thermal stability of the crystals is studied. It is established that the thermal stability of mixed K₂Ni _x Co_{1 ? x} (SO₄)₂ · 6H₂O crystals is higher than that of K₂Co(SO₄)₂ · 6H₂O crystal. The defects of the mixed crystals grown in static and dynamic regimes are investigated by X-ray topography.     

Crystal and molecular structure of dipotassium-aquapentachlororhodate (III): (K2)++ [RhCl5(H2O)]2−

The structure of K₂[RhCl₅(H₂O)] has been established by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupPcmn, with cell dimensionsa=7.065(1),b=9.453(1),c=13.567(1) Å,V=906.1(3) ų,Z=4,M _r =376.4,D _x =2.76 g cm^–3,F(000)=712,T=293 K. The final wasR=0.046. The rhodium atom has a distorted octahedral coordination involving five chlorine atoms and an oxygen of the water molecule with Rh, O, and three chlorine atoms on the mirror plane. Rh-Cl distances range from 2.284(7) Å to 2.345(7) Å. The Cl(4)O intermolecular distance, 3.140(12) Å indicates strong hydrogen bonding between oxygen and chlorine atoms of the neighboring octahedra.N. C. L. Communication No. 5353.     

Crystal and molecular structure of 1-chloro-1,2-benziodoxolin-3(1H)-one·tetra-n-butylammonium chloride

The title compound,6, a novel 11 complex of 1-chloro-1,2-benziodoxolin-3(1H)-one (5) andtetra-n-butylammonium chloride, was prepared from tetra-n-butylammoniumo-iodoxybenzoate (7) and acetyl chloride. A single crystal of6 was subjected to X-ray analysis: triclinic, space group a=10.239(2),b=11.518(2),c=11.523(3)Å; =73.20(2); =87.85(2), =87.72(2)°; R1=0.0326. The most notable structural feature of crystalline6 is the existence of a secondary bond [I· ·Cl(2), 2.943(1)Å] between the chloride ion and the iodine atom of the chlorobenziodoxolinone moiety. Further coordination at iodine includes three primary bonds: I–C [2.115(4) Å], I–O [2.145(3) Å], I–Cl(1) [2.454(1) Å]. The entire 1-chlorobenziodoxolinone-chloride sub-structure is planar and exhibits iodine-centered bond angles of 78.8(1)° [C–I–O], 92.0(1)° [C–I–Cl(1)], 97.6(1)° [Cl(2)–I–O] and 91.6(1)° [Cl(2)–I–Cl(1)]. The unit cell of6 contains two loosely packed formula units. The chlorobenziodoxolinone-chloride sub-structures occupy a common plane and exhibit a centrosymmetric relationship, while the tetra-n-butylammonium ions are situated one above and one below the plane. Bonding at the iodine atom in6 is more consistent with a 10-I-3 species electrostatically associated with the chloride ion than a 12-I-4 species such as the tetrachloroiodate ion.