Structural and superconductivity study on α-FeSex

We have successfully synthesized the α-FeSe_x binary tetragonal superconductors with nominal composition of FeSe_x (x=0.6-1.0) via conventional solid state reactions between Fe and Se sealed in quartz tubes. Fe and β-FeSe are the most commonly seen impurities in this binary system. A low-temperature annealing at 400 °C is found to be crucial to remove β-FeSe, which is the thermodynamic stable phase with hexagonal symmetry. For all the samples of FeSe_x, superconductivity is confirmed by magnetic measurements as well as resistivity measurements with their T_c at around 8 K. We noticed that their T_c does not vary with the different nominal Se amount. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the unit cell parameters of all these samples do not change within the error range, and their structure only tolerate the same very small amount of Se deficiency. Based on this study, we concluded that the α-FeSe_x superconductor only exist in a very narrow deficiency range.     

Co-L3 X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis of Pr1−xCaxCoO3−δ and Pr1−xSrxCoO3−δ

The valence state of Co ions in Pr_1−xCa_xCoO_3−δ and Pr_1−xSr_xCoO_3−δ has been investigated by an analysis of the Co-L₃ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) profile. The observed intensity distributions of Co-L₃ XANES change continuously with increasing concentration of alkaline-earth ions. To investigate the origin of this change in the XANES profile, charge transfer multiplet calculations were carried out, which could successfully explain the change in the spectral profile; they also suggest that the valence state of Co ions in Pr_1−xCa_xCoO_3−δ and Pr_1−xSr_xCoO_3−δ is between 3+ and 4+ and increases gradually with the concentration of alkaline-earth ions.     

High resolution rovibrational spectroscopy of pyrimidine: Analysis of the B1 modes ν10b and ν4 and B2 mode ν6b

We report the first high resolution rovibrational analysis of the infrared spectrum of pyrimidine (C₄H₄N₂) based on measurements using our Fourier transform spectrometer, the Bruker IFS 125 HR Zürich Prototype (ZP) 2001. Measurements were conducted at room temperature in a White-type cell with effective optical path lengths between 3.2 and 9.6 m and with resolutions ranging from 0.0008 to 0.0018 cm⁻¹ in the region between 600 and 1000 cm⁻¹. The spectrum was analyzed in the ν₄ (), ν_10b () and ν_6b regions of pyrimidine () using an effective Hamiltonian. A total of about 15 000 rovibrational transitions were assigned. The root mean square deviations of the fitted data are in the ranges d_rms = 0.00018-0.00024 cm⁻¹, indicating an excellent agreement of experimental line data with the calculations. The results are discussed briefly in relation to possible extensions to spectra of DNA bases and to intramolecular vibrational redistribution at higher energy. The analysis of the ν_10b and ν₄ bands will also be useful in the interstellar search for pyrimidine in the infrared region.     

The high resolution infrared bands ν1, ν2, ν4 and ν2 + ν5 of FClO3

The high resolution infrared spectrum of mono-isotopic F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃ has been studied in the regions of ν₁, ν₂, ν₄ and ν₂ + ν₅ bands, centered at 1060.20, 707.16, 1301.71 and 1292.15 cm⁻¹, respectively. The ν₁ and ν₂ parallel bands are unperturbed so their analysis was straightforward and 3355 and 2433 transitions were assigned, respectively. The band origins, the rotational and centrifugal molecular constants in the v₁ = 1 and v₂ = 1 states have been determined, with standard deviation of the fits σ = 0.00019 and 0.00018 cm⁻¹. The ν₄ fundamental is affected by an anharmonic resonance with the ν₂ + ν₅ combination band. The kl > 0 sublevels cross at kl ? 27 because of the opposite values of and . The anharmonic resonance constant  cm⁻¹ has been derived. The Δl = Δk = ±2 and Δl = 0, Δk = ±3 essential resonances have been found to be effective in ν₄, while in ν₂ + ν₅ only the Δl = Δk = ±2 one was active. A total of 5721 transitions have been assigned, 25% of them belonging to ν₂ + ν₅. The rovibrational parameters and the interaction constants of F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃ have been obtained. The standard deviation of the fit is 0.0006 cm⁻¹, six times the estimated data precision. The equilibrium geometry of perchloryl fluoride has been determined from the A_e and B_e constants of F³⁵Cl¹⁶O₃ and F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃. Using the A₀ and B₀ constants of all the symmetric species the r₀ geometry has also been derived.     

Effective correlation-free reduced Hamiltonian for the νt(E), νn(A1) Coriolis-interacting states of C3v symmetric-top molecules

The effective correlation-free vibrational-rotational Hamiltonian for the Coriolis-interacting ν_t(E) and ν_n(A₁) states in C_3v molecules has been derived. The Hamiltonian includes the terms describing the x-y Coriolis interaction up to the fourth-order, and several useful reduction schemes for the Hamiltonian are suggested.     

The effect of La-substitution on magnetic properties of nanosized Sr1−xLaxTi0.05Zn0.2(Fe)11.75−δ(Fe)δO19 powders

A series of La-substituted M-type Sr hexaferrite powders Sr_1−xLa_xTi_0.05Zn_0.2Fe³⁺_11.75O₁₉, wherein x ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 with a step of 0.1, have been prepared by the conventional ceramic method and were then milled in a high energy mill to prepare nanosized powders. XRD investigation of the calcined and the milled powders shows that single phase hexaferrite structure has been formed after calcining and has not changed after milling. The lattice parameters and the mean crystallite sizes of the samples have been determined from the XRD data and Scherrer's formula. The results show that the lattice parameters (“а” and “c”) decrease with increase in La-substitution and the mean crystallite size of the milled powders is about 17 nm. Coercivities and magnetizations of the samples in a magnetic field of 16 kOe have been determined from the room temperature hysteresis loops. It was found that both parameters increase with La substitutions up to 0.3 and then decrease for higher substitutions. These variations were attributed to the enhancement of hyperfine field and spin-canting magnetic structure when La content increases. In addition, the magnetizations were smaller for the nanosized samples in comparison with those of bulk ones, which were discussed according to the core-shell model. Also the results show that annealing of the nanosized samples up to 500 °C can enhance coercivity and magnetization of the samples, which is discussed based on crystallite size growth.     

Studies on sintering of solid state synthesized Ba1−xKxBiO3−δ superconducting phase

Superconducting Ba_1−xK_xBiO_3−δ pellets were synthesized by solid state reaction followed by sintering. Thermo-gravimetric and differential thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG-DTA) of the mixture of nitrates was carried out to study the reactions during the phase formation. The effect of different sintering temperatures on the phase formation was studied. The X-ray diffraction data confirms the formation of superconducting Ba_0.6K_0.4BiO_2.23 phase at 700 °C. The surface morphological studies as a function of sintering temperature were studied by SEM. It is observed that the pellets prepared by solid state reaction followed its sintering at 700°C shows the superconducting transition at 26.8 K.     

Study of vibration-rotation levels in formamide with high resolution FTIR spectroscopy: The ν12, 2ν12, ν11, and ν9 bands

The far infrared and infrared spectra of formamide (HCONH₂) have been recorded at high resolution (0.00125 cm⁻¹) in the region of 90-1060 cm⁻¹. Over 20,000 transitions from the out-of-plane NH₂ wagging motion (n₁₂ = 1 ← 0 fundamental, n₁₂ = 2 ← 0 overtone, n₁₂ = 2 ← 1 difference bands), torsion (n₁₁ = 1 ← 0 bands), and out-of-phase NCO/NH₂ bend (n₉ = 1 ← 0 bands) have been assigned. Molecular parameters have been obtained for the ground state and the unperturbed n₁₂ = 1 state. The least-squares fit calculations were completed with the microwave data available in the literature. The complicated resonance system between the n₁₂ = 2, n₁₁ = 1, and n₉ = 1 states has been investigated carefully. Thus, we have been able to verify almost all resonances (avoided crossing) existing in the region J, K investigated. In the coupled Hamiltonian used for the fit, all Watson’s reduced parameters, including the octic ones and 16 Coriolis coupling parameters were taken into account. The rms deviation obtained from the fit was 0.000247 cm⁻¹.     

Structure and magnetism in Ho1−xSrxCoO3−δ

We have magnetically and structurally characterized the Ho_1−xSr_xCoO_3−δ family of materials where 0.67≤x≤0.95. The solid solution range and evolution of the structure as a function of x is established and correlated with the broad range of magnetic behavior observed. The structure is shown to be tetragonal I4/mmm although is possibly cubic when x=0.95. For 0.67≤x≤0.9 the material shows antiferromagnetic long range order and ferromagnetic clusters. At x=0.95 the magnetic transition is at 120 K and the imaginary susceptibility becomes non-zero and the temperature of the cusp in the ac susceptibility shows a frequency dependence indicative of glassiness.     

Effect of high pressure on the fluctuation paraconductivity in Y0.95Pr0.05Ba2Cu3O7−δ single crystals

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure up to 17 kbar on the fluctuation conductivity of lightly Pr-doped Y_1−xPr_xBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (x ≈ 0.05) single crystals is investigated. We show that in contrast to non-doped YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ samples, application of a high pressure leads to a substantial increase of the pressure derivative of the coherence length dξ_c/dP and a temperature shift of the 2D-3D crossover point. Possible mechanisms of the influence of high pressure on the critical temperature and the coherence length are discussed within the framework of a model assuming the presence of singularities in the charge carriers electron spectrum typical for lattices with strong coupling.     

Ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic Zn-Co-doped CeO2−δ

Several oxides doped with transition metals can be used in spintronics devices due to their conductive and magnetic properties at room temperature. In this work, samples of Ce_1−2xZn_xCo_xO_2−δ were obtained by an alternative sol–gel proteic process for x=0.01, 0.05 and 0.1. The structural properties of samples were analyzed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Magnetization measurements revealed a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature probably induced by oxygen vacancies.     

High-resolution study of the ν1/ν5 and 2ν1/ν1+ν5 P-H stretching bands of PH2D

The P-H stretching bands ν₁/ν₅ and 2ν₁/ν₁+ν₅ were recorded using a Bruker 120 HR interferometer with a resolution of 0.0042 and 0.0088 cm⁻¹, respectively, and analyzed. From the fits 33 and 50, respectively, vibrational, rotational, centrifugal distortion, and resonance interaction parameters were obtained. These reproduce 668 and 497 rovibrational energies of the pairs of states ν₁/ν₅ and 2ν₁/ν₁+ν₅ with experimental accuracies, rms=0.00016 and , respectively. “Local mode” behavior of the PH₂ fragment is established and discussed in detail.     

The ν1 and ν4 fundamental bands of H3SiCl investigated with high resolution

The gas phase infrared spectrum of monoisotopic H₃Si³⁷Cl has been reinvestigated in the ν₁/ν₄ region near 2200 cm⁻¹, using a Fourier transform spectrometer, with a nominal resolution of 0.0027 cm⁻¹. The rovibrational analysis confirms, besides the weak Coriolis x, y resonance between the (v₁ = 1) and (v₄ = 1) levels, the existence of two strong local perturbations in the ν₄ band. These are caused by rotational (Δk = Δl = ±1) type resonances with and , respectively. Another local perturbation of the 12 ? KΔK ? 14 subbands of the ν₄ band, probably due to a (Δk = Δl = ±1) interaction with , was detected and analyzed. All these local perturbations have been studied individually using a simple model of two interacting sublevels. Without the transitions involved in the local perturbations, more than 2000 lines of the ν₁/ν₄ band system were used to obtain a complete set of vibration-rotation parameters set for the v₁ = 1 and v₄ = 1 states. By means of a band contour simulation, both the transition moment ratio ∣M₄:M₁∣ = 1.25 and a positive sign of the Coriolis intensity perturbation were determined.The present results, together with the accurate existing data for ν₂, ν₃, ν₅, and ν₆ bands, allowed us to derive the experimental values, A_e = 2.8722945(37) cm⁻¹ and B_e = 0.2182248(22) cm⁻¹, which are compared with those of ab initio calculations.     

The ν4 and ν2 + ν5 high resolution infrared bands of FClO3 and FClO3

The high resolution infrared spectra of monoisotopic F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃ and F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃ have been studied in the region of the ν₄ fundamentals, centered at 1278.3 and 1263.3 cm⁻¹, respectively. Large perturbations are observed in both bands due to a Fermi type anharmonic resonance with the ν₂ + ν₅ combination bands, centered at 1270.7 cm⁻¹ in F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃ and 1257.3 cm⁻¹ in F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃. In particular, they affect the kl > 0 levels of the v₄ = 1 and v₂ = v₅ = 1 states which cross at kl ? 18 in F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃ and kl ? 3 in F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃, due to the opposite values of and . The Δl = Δk = ±2 and Δl = 0, Δk = ±3 essential resonances are also effective in the excited states of the dyad in F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃, while in F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃ only the Δl = Δk = ±2 one is active. In the spectrum of F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃ 3423 transitions have been assigned, 10% of them belonging to ν₂ + ν₅. The rovibrational parameters and the interaction constants between the v₄ = 1 and v₂ = v₅ = 1 levels have been obtained. The depertubed band origins of ν₄ and ν₂ + ν₅ are 1277.310567(165) and 1271.753733(195) cm⁻¹, respectively, and the anharmonic resonance constant is 2.804416(153) cm⁻¹. For F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃, 3022 transitions have been assigned, 38% belonging to the ν₂ + ν₅ combination band. The depertubed band origins are 1260.856338(123) and 1259.872338(134) cm⁻¹, for ν₄and ν₂ + ν₅ and the constant is 2.9350669(405) cm⁻¹. The equilibrium geometry of perchloryl fluoride, r_e (ClO) = 139.7(3) pm, r_e (ClF) = 161.0(5) pm, and α_e (OClO) = 115.7(4) degree, has been determined using the A_e and B_e equilibrium constants of the four symmetric isotopologues of perchloryl fluoride, F^35/37Cl¹⁶O₃ and F^35/37Cl¹⁸O₃.     

High temperature transport and thermoelectric properties of Ca3−xErxCo4O9+δ

Ca_3−xEr_xCo₄O_9+δ (x=0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.5) samples were prepared using a sol-gel method followed by hot-pressing sintering technique. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis showed the single-phases of Ca_3−xEr_xCo₄O_9+δ were obtained up to x=0.3 and the crystallinity of the samples decreased with increasing Er-doping amount. The high-temperature (323-1073 K) thermoelectric properties of the samples were investigated. The substitution of Er³⁺ for Ca²⁺ resulted in the decrease of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and the increase of Seebeck coefficient for all the samples except the x=0.05 one. The dimensionless figure of merit ZT reached 0.28 at 1073 K for Ca_2.7Er_0.3Co₄O_9+δ, indicating the thermoelectric properties of CaCo₄O_9+δ can be enhanced by doping Er in the system.     

Low-field magnetic properties of LaMnO3+δ with 0.065≤δ≤0.154

In a weak magnetic field LaMnO_3+δ exhibits at δ=0.065 below the paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic (FM) Curie temperature, T_C, a mixed (spin-glass and FM) phase followed by a frustrated FM phase at δ between 0.100 and 0.154. The same behavior is observed in La_1−xCa_xMnO₃ with x between 0 and 0.3. This can be understood by the similar variation of the Mn⁴⁺ concentration, c between ≈0.13 and 0.34, in both materials when x or δ is increased. On the other hand, considerable differences are found between these compounds in the values of the magnetic irreversibility, in the dependencies of T_C(c) and the magnetic susceptibility, χ(c), as well as in the critical behavior of χ(T) near T_C. These differences can be explained by distortions of the cubic perovskite structure, by the reduced lattice disorder and by the more homogeneous hole distribution in LaMnO_3+δ than in La_1−xCa_xMnO₃.     

The 2ν1, 2ν2 and 2ν3 overtones of FClO3

The infrared spectra of the 2ν₁, 2ν₂ and 2ν₃ overtones of perchloryl fluoride, FClO₃, have been recorded at high resolution using monoisotopic pure samples. Four symmetric top species have been investigated: F³⁵Cl¹⁶O₃, F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃, F³⁵Cl¹⁸O₃ and F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃. The v_i = 2, i = 1, 2, 3 vibrationally excited states are totally symmetric, so these overtones correspond to parallel bands of medium/weak intensity, centered from 2010 to 2120 cm⁻¹ (2ν₁), from 1390 to 1430 cm⁻¹ (2ν₂) and from 1070 to 1100 cm⁻¹ (2ν₃). Most of the bands are unperturbed and their analysis was straightforward. The band origins, the rotational and centrifugal molecular constants in the v₁ = 2, v₂ = 2 and v₃ = 2 states have been determined, with standard deviations of the fits from 0.00024 to 0.00067 cm⁻¹. The 2ν₁ overtones of F³⁵Cl¹⁶O₃ and F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃ are perturbed by an A₁/E Coriolis resonance between the v₁ = 2 state and one E component of the v₄ = 1, v₆ = 2 manifold. The 2ν₂ of F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃ is perturbed by the same kind of interaction involving the v₁ = v₆ = 1 (E) state, at about 1396 cm⁻¹. In these bands the resonance is localized on rotational levels with specific J and K values. As a consequence, a few transitions of the perpendicular bands involving the interacting levels could be identified in the spectra. A simultaneous fit of the transitions assigned to the dyads has been performed and the parameters of the excited states have been determined, including the high order Coriolis interaction coefficient . The anharmonic constants x₁₁, x₂₂, x₃₃ of all the studied isotopologues of FClO₃, x₄₆ of F³⁵Cl¹⁶O₃, x₄₆ + g₄₆ of F³⁷Cl¹⁶O₃ and x₁₆ of F³⁷Cl¹⁸O₃, have been derived.     

Electrical conductivity and structural stability of SrCo1−xFexO3−δ

Perovskite compounds in the system of SrCo_1−xFe_xO_3−δ (x=0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) were synthesized by solid state reaction. SrCo_1−xFe_xO_3−δ shows the p-type small polaron conduction behavior. Electrical conductivity and oxygen vacancy content decrease with increase in Fe content. The incorporation of Fe increases the structural stability of SrCo_1−xFe_xO_3−δ at low temperatures, while decreasing the structural stability at high temperatures. Oxygen partial pressure has a strong influence on electrical conductivity. At low oxygen partial pressure, SrCo_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ will transform from cubic to orthorhombic structure. This structure can remain in 5%H₂/Ar only for a short time and then dissociates into Sr₃Fe₂O_6.64 and Co due to the reduction of B-site elements.     

Investigation on cation distribution and magnetic properties in self-doped manganites La0.6−xSr0.4MnO3−δ

Self-doped manganites with nominal composition La_0.6−xSr_0.4MnO_3−δ (0≤x≤0.175) have been prepared by the sol–gel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and magnetic measurements indicate that the samples have two phases with the ABO₃ perovskite structure being the dominant phase and Mn₃O₄ being the minor phase when the doping level x≥0.05. On the basis of the thermal equilibrium theory of crystal defects, the contents of various ions in the perovskite phases were estimated, in which there are Mn²⁺ ions and no vacancies at A sites. The ion contents have been corrected by Rietveld fitting of the powder samples' X-ray diffraction data. The change tendency of the Curie temperature T_C vs. the Mn⁴⁺ ion content ratio at the B sites of ABO₃ perovskite phase is in accord with the experimental result of the samples La_1−xSr_xMnO₃.