Magnetic properties of Lu2Co17−xSix single crystals

The Co-sublattice anisotropy in Lu₂Co₁₇ consists of four competitive contributions from Co atoms at crystallographically different sites in the Th₂Ni₁₇-type of crystal structure, which result in the appearance of a spontaneous spin-reorientation transition (SRT) from the easy plane to the easy axis at elevated temperatures. In order to investigate this SRT in detail and to study the influence of Si substitution for Co on the magnetic anisotropy, magnetization measurements were performed on single crystals of Lu₂Co_17−xSi_x (x=0−3.4) grown by the Czochralski method. The SRT in Lu₂Co₁₇ was found to consist of two second-order spin reorientations, “easy-plane”–“easy-cone” at T_SR1≈680 K and “easy-cone”–“easy-axis” at T_SR2≈730 K. Upon Si substitution for Co, both SRTs shift toward the lower temperatures in Lu₂Co₁₆Si (T_SR1≈75 K and T_SR2≈130 K) with the further onset of the uniaxial type of magnetic anisotropy in the whole range of magnetic ordering for Lu₂Co_17−xSi_x compounds with x>1 due to a weakening of the easy-plane contribution from the Co atoms at the 6g and 12k sites to the total anisotropy.     

Structural, magnetic and transport properties of double perovskite compounds (Sr2−3xLa2xBax)FeMoO6

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of a series of ordered double perovskite oxides (Sr_2−3xLa_2xBa_x)FeMoO₆ (0x0.3) have been investigated. X-ray powder diffraction reveals that the crystal structure of the compounds changes from a tetragonal I4/m lattice to a cubic lattice around x=0.2. Though the nominal average size of the A site cation of (Sr_2−3xLa_2xBa_x)FeMoO₆ is designed to be almost independent of x, the refinements of the crystal structure show that the lattice constants increase with x in both the tetragonal and the cubic phase regions due to electron doping. As the x increases, the degree of cationic ordering on the B site is decreased pronouncedly, while the Curie temperature of the compounds is nearly unchanged. The saturation magnetization of the compounds decreases with x and shows a linear dependence on the degree of cation ordering. The resistivity of the parent compound shows a semiconducting behavior below room temperature, but those of the doped samples exhibit a metal–semiconductor transition. A correlation between the resistivity and metal-semiconducting transition temperature (T_M−S) is observed. The resistivity and T_M−S of the compounds decrease with x for x0.2 and increase for x0.2. Magnetoresistance of the compounds is reduced by the La/Ba doping. All these observations can be understood based on the interplay of the electron doping, change in bandwidth and the anti-site defect concentration.     

Electronic structure studies of Mg0.95Mn0.05Fe2−2xTi2xO4 (0x0.8)

The electronic structure of Mg_0.95Mn_0.05Fe_2−2xTi_2xO₄ (0x0.8) compound is investigated using near edge X-ray absorption fine structure, (NEXAFS) spectroscopy measurements, carried out at O K, Fe and Ti L_3,2-edges at room temperature. The O K-edge spectra indicate that the Fe 3d orbitals have been considerably modified and a new spectral feature start dominating in the pre-edge region at higher Ti doping. The Fe 2p NEXAFS spectra exhibit a mixed valent Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ states apart from the conversion of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ with the substitution of Ti ions. The Ti L_3,2-edge spectra indicate that Ti ions remain unchanged at 4+ state. These variations in the host electronic structure due to Ti substitution are consistent with the dielectric and transport properties of the material.     

Dependence of property, crystal structure and electric conductivity on substitution content and synthetic process of T′-La2−xRExCuO4−δ (RE = Sm and Tb)

We synthesized T′-La_2−xRE_xCuO_4−δ (RE = Sm and Tb) by a co-precipitation method and sintering in vacuum at various temperatures, and investigated relationship among the crystal structure, average valence of Cu, oxygen content and electric conductivity. From X-ray diffraction measurements, it was confirmed that a main phase of the product was T′ structure (S. G.: I4/mmm) regardless of the rare earth element and its concentration, although an impurity phase was observed in a part of samples. In the samples with low average valence of Cu, the resistivity showed a metallic behavior and remarkably decreased at low temperature. Rietveld analyses using synchrotron X-ray diffractions suggested that the electric conductivity was improved by decreasing a bond length of Cu–O1 in the case of La_2−xSm_xCuO_4−δ.     

Magneto-optical imaging of iron-oxypnictide SmFeAsO1−xFx and SmFeAsO1−y

We have prepared iron-oxypnictide SmFeAsO_1−xF_x by ambient-pressure technique and SmFeAsO_1−y by high-pressure technique, and characterized their bulk and local magnetic properties by using SQUID magnetometer and magneto-optical imaging. While the high-pressure samples have densities close to the theoretical value, the ambient-pressure samples have several small voids. Despite these structural differences between the two kinds of samples, they both have superconducting transition temperature above 50 K. In addition, magneto-optical images for both samples show similar kinds of inhomogeneities with large current concentrated in several grains and with small intergranular current. The estimated intragranular currents for both samples are over 10⁵ A/cm² at low temperatures and low fields.     

Phase composition-dependent physical and mechanical properties of YbxZr1−xO2−x/2 solid solutions

The paper represents a detailed insight into the correlation between changes of the phase composition of crystalline Yb_xZr_1−xO_2−x/2 solid solutions and their structural, electrical, mechanical and optical properties. Particularly, the effect of the crystal growth conditions and stabilizer amount in the range of 1.5–13.8 mol% of Yb₂O₃ are studied in terms of Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data, electrical conductivity measured by impedance spectroscopy, absorption coefficient and refractive index measurements, Vickers microhardness (classical technique) as well as the plastic microhardness and effective elastic modulus (DSI—depth-sensing indentation technique). Potential applications of the investigated systems are discussed in view of the results obtained.     

Ab initio study of structural, electronic and optical properties of Ca1−xSrxS compounds

Full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) within density functional theory has been used to calculate structural, electronic and optical properties of Ca_1−xSr_xS, an alkali earth chalcogenide, with varying compositional parameter x in the range 0<x<1. Whereas the structural properties are discussed in terms of charge transfer between the two cations, calculated electronic band structure and density of states have been analyzed in terms of contribution from the S p, Ca d and Sr d states. Furthermore, we have calculated some optical properties such as real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant, ε(ω), and the calculated results have been discussed in comparison with the existing experimental data and other theoretical calculations.     

Magnetocaloric effect in the La0.8Ce0.2Fe11.4−xCoxSi1.6 compounds

The effects of substitution of Co for Fe on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La_0.8Ce_0.2Fe_11.4−xCo_xSi_1.6 (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) compounds have been investigated. X-ray diffraction shows that all compounds crystallize in the NaZn₁₃-type structure. Magnetic measurements show that the Curie temperature (T_C) can be tuned between 184 and 294 K by changing the Co content from 0 to 1. A field-induced methamagnetic transition occurs in samples with x=0, 0.2 and 0.4. The magnetic entropy changes of the compounds have been determined from the isothermal magnetization measurements by using the Maxwell relation.     

Optical investigation of ferromagnetic Ga1−xMnxN layers grown on sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrates

We have investigated the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra in Ga_1−xMn_xN layers (where x≈0.1–0.8%) grown on sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrates using the plasma-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy technique. All the layers doped with manganese exhibited n-type conductivity with Curie temperature over 350 K. The efficient PL are peaked in the red (1.86 eV), yellow (2.34 eV), and blue (3.29 eV) spectral range. It was found that the blue band at 3.29 eV is mostly associated with the formation complexes between donors (e.g., N vacancy) and Mn acceptors, which results in forming donor levels at 0.23 eV below the conduction band edge. The yellow band is attributed to intrinsic gallium defects. The broad band at 1.86 eV is attributed to inner ⁵D state transition (T₂ to E) of Mn ions.     

Magnetic properties of Nd1−xKxMnO3 compounds

Polycrystalline Nd_1−xK_xMnO₃ (x=0.10–0.20) compounds have been prepared in single phase form with Pbnm space group. The magnetic properties were studied by measuring dc magnetization and ac susceptibility. They exhibit paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition with transition temperature ranging from 116 to 128 K. The magnetization data have been analyzed by using Brillouin function model and by taking into account the ferromagnetic interaction. The effective spin contribution towards ferromagnetic interaction and spin canting angle have been estimated. The spin canting angle is found to decrease with increase in doping. Magneto-caloric effect (MCE) has been studied and the maximum change in entropy was found to be 1.76 J/kg K for 1 T field. Metal–insulator transition and colossal magnetoresistance of the order of 60% for 1 T field have been observed for x=0.20 sample.     

Structure,magnetic properties and magnetostriction of laves compounds Nd1−xPrx(Fe0.35Co0.55B0.1)2

The C15 Laves phases with composition Nd_1−xPr_x(Fe_0.35Co_0.55B_0.1)₂ (0?x?1) have been synthesized by arc melting and subsequent annealing. The Curie temperature T_c and the saturation magnetizations M_s at 5 and 295 K decrease with increasing Pr content. The linear anisotropic magnetostriction λ_a=λ_∥−λ_⊥ at room temperature for Nd_1−xPr_x(Fe_0.35Co_0.55B_0.1)₂ alloys with 0?x?0.4 initially reaches a negative minimum, then increases and changes its sign with increasing magnetic field H, and the λ_a for the alloys with x?0.6 is positive and increases as magnetic field H increases.     

Magnetic properties of Mn-substituted GdCoxMn1−xO3 and LaCoxMn1−xO3

Partial substitution of manganese by cobalt in rare-earth perovskites REMnO₃ leads to unusual magnetic phenomena because of the simultaneous presence of Mn³⁺, Mn⁴⁺, Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ species. The magnetic nature of the RE cation plays a fundamental role in the magnetic properties. We present herein two specific families: for RE=La the magnetic behavior of the |Co+Mn| network is observed, while for Gd its strong magnetic moment interacts with the transition metals, leading to a spin reversal state. Magnetic interactions are maximized at x=0.50, as if two regimes exist: for x<0.5 Co substitutes Mn in the REMnO₃ manganite, and for x>0.5 Mn substitutes Co in the RECoO₃ cobaltite.     

The stability of Na-doped Bi2(NbCr)O7−x pyrochlores: The non-existence of “(BiNa)(NbCr)O6”

We show that the pyrochlore described as “(BiNa)(NbCr)O₆” is in fact a non-stoichiometric pyrochlore with an approximate composition of (Bi_1.33Na_0.67)(Nb_1.33Cr_0.67)O_7−x. Refinement of this structure using constant wavelength powder neutron diffraction data reveals the presence of vacancies in the anion sites coupled with displacive disorder of the Bi and Na cations. This is necessary to achieve a satisfactory bonding arrangement for both the Bi and Na cations that occupy the pyrochlore A-type sites. Attempts to prepare other pyrochlores in the series Bi_2−xNa_x(NbCr)O₆ were unsuccessful and it appears that the pyrochlore is only stable only over a very narrow composition range. The structure of the pure Bi pyrochlore Bi₂(NbCr)O₇ is also described.     

Kinetics study of a-Se80Te20−xPbx using non-isothermal crystallization

The kinetics of crystallization in Se₈₀Te_20−xPb_x (x=0, 2, 6 and 10) glasses is studied by non-isothermal method using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC is performed at different heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 K/min. The values of glass transition and crystallization temperatures are found to be composition and heating-rate dependent. From the heating-rate dependence of the glass transition and crystallization temperatures, the activation energy of crystallization (ΔE_c) and order parameter (n) are calculated.     

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.     

Magnetic properties of FexCo1−x/CoyFe1−yFe2O4 composite under hydrothermal condition

The metal–ferrite composites Fe_xCo_1−x/Co_yFe_1−yFe₂O₄ are synthesized by using disproportion of Fe (II) and reduction of Co (II) by Fe⁰ under hydrothermal condition. The size of the particles of the composites decreases as the [KOH] decreasing. The composites are measured by TEM and it can be deduced that when [KOH] = 0.1, the size of the alloy body-centered cubic (BCC) in composites is 20 ± 7 nm, the size of the Cobalt ferrite (spinel) is 170 ± 50 nm. The maximal value of the saturation magnetization (Ms) of the composite is about 100.14 emu/g, which is synthesized under Co (II)/Fe (II) = 0.05, [KOH] = 1 N, T = 150 °C and t = 3 h. The value of Hc of the composite synthesized under Co (II)/Fe (II) = 0.5, t = 3 h, T = 150 °C and [KOH] = 10.2 mol/L is about 2878.19 Oe. The Fe–Co alloy is synthesized through a reduction reaction of the composites in a flowing gaseous mixture. There is a maximal value (302.9 emu/g) of the Ms for the alloys generated at 1000 °C, which is the Co_0.412Fe_0.588 alloy.     

Superconductivity induced by doping Ru in SrFe2−xRuxAs2

Using one-step solid state reaction method, we have successfully synthesized the superconductor SrFe_1−xRu_xAs. X-ray diffraction indicates that the material has formed the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure with a space group I4/mmm. The systematic evolution of the lattice constants demonstrates that the Fe ions are successfully replaced by the Ru. By increasing the doping content of Ru, the spin-density-wave (SDW) transition in the parent compound is suppressed and superconductivity emerges. The maximum superconducting transition temperature is found at 13.5 K with the doping level of x = 0.7. The temperature dependence of DC magnetization confirms superconducting transitions at around 12 K. Our results indicate that similar to non-isoelectronic substitution, isoelectronic substitution contributes to changes in both the carrier concentration and internal pressure, and superconductivity could be induced by isoelectronic substitution.     

Hydrogen sensitive gas sensor based on porous silicon/TiO2−x structure

Porous silicon (PS) layer was formed by electrochemical anodization on a p-type Si surface. Thereafter, n-type TiO_2−x thin film was deposited onto the PS surface by electron-beam evaporation. Pt catalytic layer and Au electrical contacts for further measurements were deposited onto the PS/TiO_2−x structure by ion-beam sputtering. Current–voltage characteristic, sensitivity to different concentration of hydrogen and resistance change of obtained structures versus time were examined. Results of measurements have shown that the current–voltage characteristics of structures are similar to that of diode. High sensitivity to hydrogen of obtained structures was also detected. Note that all measurements were carried out at room temperature.     

Dependence of the electronic parameters on the InyGa1−yAs quantum well width in modulation-doped AlxGa1−xAs/InyGa1−yAs/GaAs strained single quantum wells

The variation of the electronic parameters in the subband as a function of the In_yGa_1−yAs quantum well width in modulation-doped strained Al_xGa_1−xAs/In_yGa_1−yAs/GaAs single quantum wells were investigated by means of Shubnikov-de Haas (S-dH) and Van der Pauw Hall-effect measurements. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the S-dH oscillations and the Hall-effect data showed that the carrier density and the mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) occupied in the subband increased as the quantum well width increased. The increase in the 2DEG density with increasing the In_yGa_1−yAs well width originated from an increase in the energy difference between the energy level of the electronic subband and Fermi energy, and the increase in the 2DEG mobility is attributed to a decrease of the scattering source. The electronic subband energies, the corresponding wavefunctions, and the Fermi energies in the Al_xGa_1−xAs/In_yGa_1−yAs/GaAs single quantum wells were calculated by a self-consistent method taking into account the exchange-correlation effect together with the strain and nonparabolicity effects. These results indicate that the electronic parameters in Al_xGa_1−xAs/In_yGa_1−yAs/GaAs strained single quantum wells are significantly dependent on the quantum well width.     

A comparative study of the magnetoelastic properties of the YFe10V2 and NdFe10V2 compounds

The magnetoelastic properties of iron-rich REFe₁₀V₂ (RE=Nd, Y) compounds were studied via magnetostriction and thermal expansion measurements in the 5–300 K range of temperature in up to 6 T external fields. Results of thermal expansion analysis show that the spontaneous magnetostriction of the compounds mostly originates from itinerant magnetization. Besides, the small volume striction appearing in the thermal expansion of the Nd compound close to 50 K suggests the existence of a basal to conical spin re-orientation transition. The volume magnetostriction isotherms of both compounds take minimum values for external field corresponding to the anisotropy field. In addition, the anisotropic and the volume magnetostriction traces of the NdFe₁₀V₂ take marked maxima under low field, with a relatively large initial magnetostrictivity, again more pronounced at the conical–axial spin re-orientation transition (T_SR=130 K). Analysis of the anisotropic magnetostriction of the Nd compound leads to the conclusion that the contribution of Nd–Fe interactions is negligible. The temperature dependence of volume magnetostriction is in good agreement with prediction of a phenomenological model based upon a fluctuating local band theory. This analysis shows that the difference between the forced volume strictions of Y and Nd compounds below and above T_SR originates from the Nd sublattice magnetization.