Four contact electrical measurements on the anisotropic high-Tc superconductors: voltage reversals

We describe three mechanisms for the anomalous voltage reversals which are occasionally observed during four contact current-voltage measurements on the high temperature superconductors. Voltage reversals have been frequently observed for whiskers of the bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSSCO) compounds, and we describe measurements made on high quality whiskers of the 2:2:1:2 and 2:2:2:3 phases. A simple model based on extreme anisotropy plus offset contacts can explain the gross features of four contact measurements in the ohmic flux-flow regime, but not the wealth of reversal phenomena found for the IVVI configuration in the lower temperature irreversibility region.     

Effect of unidirectional solidification rate on Jc for current lead

The dependence of transport J_c value on the traveling rate and the nominal composition was investigated by taking different nominal compositions of YBa₂Cu₃O_6+x (Y123) + n mol% Y₂BaCuO₅ (Y211) (n = 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) with addition of 0.5 wt% of Pt on samples processed by different unidirectional solidification rates, namely 1, 3 and 5 mm/h. The highest J_c was found in the sample with 30% Y211 addition by the higher traveling rate adjusted to prevent the formation of polycrystals. In this φ 1.56 × 60 mm sample the values of transport I_c and J_c were 1370 A and 71 700 A/cm², respectively, which were obtained by the conventional DC four-probe method with criterion of 1 μV/cm at 77 K and self-field.     

Temperature dependence of the Hall effect in high-temperature superconductors above and below Tc

We review the sign reversal of the Hall angle θ_H seen in many high-temperature superconductors in small magnetic fields. Preliminary data are presented for a tetragonal (and therefore untwinned) single crystal of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ with 4% of the Cu atoms replaced by Co; the sign reversal of θ_H is not seen. For an untwinned single-crystal sample of the undoped compound, the measured constant-pressure Hall-effect data above T_c are converted to constant-volume data, so direct comparison can be made with theory.     

Thermodynamics of vortices in layered superconductors and the dependence of Tc on anisotropy

Data on multilayered superconductors such as YBa₂Cu₃O₇PrBa₂Cu₃O₇ show a strong dependence of T_c on anisotropy. In particular, the ratio T_cτ, where τ is the effective XY coupling constant, is found to vary by much more than the theoretical XY limit of 2.4. Layered superconductors allow for an additional anisotropy due to the core energy E_c of vortices perpendicular to the layers. It is shown that if E_c is large, such that the anisotropy is larger than exp(-E_cT_c), T_c is near a fluxon transition which is described by fluctuations of flux loops parallel to the layers. In the latter case T_cτ can vary by more than 2.4, accounting for the data.     

Size effect in the formation and failure of stable current states in composites based on high-temperature superconductors

The influence of the transverse size of a composite wire based on a high-temperature superconductor on the dynamics of its thermoelectrodynamic properties at constant-rate current input has been studied. The physical mechanism behind the formation of stable regimes, which are characterized by the nonuniform distribution of the electric field and transport current over the cross-sectional area of the composite, has been determined. It has been shown that the critical current density of the superconducting composites determined from their current–voltage characteristic have lower and upper boundaries of electric voltages, which outline the allowable measurement range. It has been found that, when the input current completely penetrates into the composite, conditions for its stability are governed by the size effect. The essence of this effect is that conditions for current state stability in superconducting composites with the same cross-sectional area but various cross size differ. The conditions for the absence of unstable states in the composite the cross section of which is partially filled with the transport current have been formulated.     

Estimation of Jc(B) dependence from self-field alternating current (AC) losses measured on Bi-2223/Ag tapes

Transport AC losses measured in self-field conditions on multifilamentary Bi-2223 tapes are often found to be lower than those calculated within the framework of the critical state model for a bulk wire with elliptical cross section, though generally higher than predicted for a strip. This effect is sometimes ascribed to the non-ideal geometry of the tapes, which does not exactly reproduce either shape. Here we propose an alternative explanation assuming that the critical current density of superconducting material depends on magnetic field. In practice, we analyzed the AC loss curve and deduced different I_c values for the individual data points, using the standard Norris equation for elliptical conductor. This gives the relation between ‘calculated' I_c and the self-field associated to AC transport current, which can be regarded as an alternative way to qualify the dependence of J_c on magnetic field. Important is that this procedure covers the range of fields below the self-field at I_c where the measurement in background DC field can not be used to determine J_c(B).     

晶粒细化对MgB_2超导临界电流密度的作用

在多晶系统的MgB2超导体中存在晶粒间较小的整体电流和晶粒内大的局域电流.用改变升温速率的方法制备了不同晶粒大小和晶粒连接性的MgB2样品,并对它们的晶粒大小进行了统计.采用一种测量超导临界电流密度的Campbell法,分别测量和计算得到了它们的整体电流和局域电流密度.研究表明:长时间的烧结造成晶粒变大,材料有较大的整体临界电流密度,而短时间烧结的样品则相反;同时发现晶粒细化只提高了样品的局域临界电流密度,而且样品内部缺陷、杂质及晶界等因素是影响MgB2超导体整体电流传输的主要因素.     

B and Pt NMR study of the superconductors Li2(Pd1−xPtx)3B without inversion symmetry

We report the ¹¹B and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR measurements in non-centrosymmetric superconductors Li₂(Pd_1−xPt_x)₃B (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0). From the measurements of spin–lattice relaxation time (T₁), we found that there was a coherence peak (CP) just below superconducting transition temperature (T_c) for x = 0–0.5 but no CP in x = 1. We demonstrated that the system for x = 0–0.5 were BCS superconductors but there existed line node in the superconducting gap for x = 1.0. The ¹⁹⁵Pt Knight Shift in x = 0.2 decreased below T_c, indicating spin-singlet state. The results showed that BCS superconducting state evolves into an exotic state with line-nodes in the gap function when x is increased, as the spin–orbit coupling is enhanced.     

Effect of Ce2(SO4)3 on structure and properties of Ni-Co/Al2O3 composite coating deposited by pulse reverse current method

Composite coating of Ni-Co/Al₂O₃ was deposited in Ce₂(SO₄)₃ containing electrolyte by pulse reverse current (PRC) method. The effect of Ce₂(SO₄)₃ in electrolyte on morphology, microstructure, composition, micro-hardness and residual macrostress of composite coating was investigated. The results indicates that with addition of Ce₂(SO₄)₃ in electrolyte, the composite coating becomes uniform, compact and possesses finer grains, the composite content of Al₂O₃ is enhanced, the micro-hardness of composite coating is improved, while the residual macrostress is decreased.     

Cu/TiOx复合薄膜的电子态分析及其对亲水性的影响

在室温下,采用射频磁控溅射法制备了Cu/TiO_x纳米晶复合薄膜.利用X射线粉末衍射（XRD）、X射线光电子能谱（XPS）对其结构进行表征,并研究了Cu/TiO_x复合薄膜的UV-vis吸收谱和亲水性.结果表明,退火前后薄膜中钛元素皆以Ti³⁺形式存在.薄膜在可见区有吸收,吸收限为600 nm左右.Cu/TiO_x复合薄膜具有良好的亲水性.这主要是由于Cu的掺杂,使得薄膜的性能的亲水性变好. 关键词： x复合薄膜')" href="#">Cu/TiO_x复合薄膜 射频磁控溅射 XPS 亲水性     

Calculation of the critical currents of Bi(2223)/Ag tapes and coils with reduced anisotropy in Ic(B) characteristic — effect of different proportional representations of the filaments oriented parallel and perpendicularly to the tape surface

A mathematical model was developed to allow for the prediction of critical currents in Bi(2223)/Ag-sheathed tapes that consist of two groups of filaments, having crystalline texture (c-axis) predominantly in two directions orthogonal to each other and to the length of the conductor (filaments oriented parallel and perpendicular to the tape surface). Using the theory presented, it is possible to estimate the upper limit of critical currents in the tapes prepared with a two-axial rolling technique. Magnetic field and angular dependencies of critical currents were obtained at 77 K measuring tapes with various proportional representations of filaments oriented in both preferred directions, i.e., the parallel and perpendicular directions. The results of calculation indicate that the anisotropy in the I_c(B) characteristic should be reduced considerably using the two-axial rolling. Unfortunately, the effect of anisotropy reduction is accompanied by simultaneous decrease in the current-carrying capacity of the tapes. The data obtained for short tape samples were utilised to estimate the critical currents of the individual turns of a small cylindrical magnet, assembled of eight pancake coils. It is shown that only a slight increase in the critical current of the magnet can be expected if the winding should be made of the tape with reduced anisotropy in the I_c(B) characteristic. The factors that limit the increase of the magnet critical current are discussed in detail.     

Effects of Ta2O5 addition on the microstructure and temperature dependence of magnetic properties of MnZn ferrites

MnZn ferrites with the chemical formula Mn_0.68Zn_0.25Fe_2.07O₄ have been prepared by the conventional ceramic technique. Toroidal cores were sintered at 1350 °C for 4 h in N₂/O₂ atmosphere with 4% oxygen. Then the influence of Ta₂O₅ addition on the microstructure and temperature dependence of magnetic properties of MnZn ferrites was investigated by characterizing the fracture surface micrograph and measuring the magnetic properties over a temperature ranging from 25 to 120 °C. The results show that, when the Ta₂O₅ concentration is not more than 0.04wt%, the grain size has a slight increase with the increase of Ta₂O₅ concentration, the temperature of secondary maximum peak in the curve of initial permeability versus temperature and the lowest power loss shift to lower temperature. However, excessive Ta₂O₅ concentration (>0.04wt%) results in the exaggerated grain growth and porosity increase, which make the initial permeability and saturation magnetic flux density decrease and the power loss increase at room temperature. Furthermore, the temperature of secondary maximum peak in the curve of initial permeability versus temperature and the lowest power loss shift to about 100 °C.     

Modeling the effect of external electric field and current on the stochastic dynamics of ATPase nano-biomolecular motors

The rotary motion of the F₀ part of the F₀F₁-ATPase motor that synthesizes the ATP molecules used by the intracellular stepping motors, such as kinesins, is modeled within a stochastically fluctuating medium via the application of the Langevin dynamics wherein the random intramembrane fluctuations are represented by a white noise. We have investigated the influence of an applied electric field and an applied electric current on this rotary motion, and the subsequent production rate of the ATP molecules. It is seen that the application of a field, or a current, changes both the elastic behavior of the cell membrane and the transmembrane potential. These changes in turn transform the dynamics of the F₀ part of the motor. We have found that at low fields, the role of transmembrane potential becomes significant in the production rate of the ATP molecules, whereas at high fields the changes induced in the surface tension of the membrane also contribute to the production rate of the ATP.     

Significant effect of electron transfer between current collector and active material on high rate performance of Li4Ti5O12

The rate and cycling performances of the electrode materials are affected by many factors in a practical complicated electrode process. Learning about the limiting step in a practical electrochemical reaction is very important to effectively improve the electrochemical performances of the electrode materials. Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, as a zero-strain material, has been considered as a promising anode material for long life Li-ion batteries. In this study, our results show that the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ pasted on Cu or graphite felt current collector exhibits unexpectedly higher rate performance than on Al current collector. For Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, the electron transfer between current collector and active material is the critical factor that affects its rate and cycling performances.     

The effects of C substitution and disorder on the field dependent critical current density in MgB2 with nano-SiC additions

In this work, nano sized SiC powders were mixed with Mg and B and reacted by either a one-step insitu or two-step method resulted in different level of C substitution. X-ray diffraction shows the presence of Mg₂Si signifying that the reaction between SiC and Mg occurred leading to the release of C in samples reacted in one-step method. Moreover, the much reduced value of a-axis indicates C substitution took place. Resistivity measurements showed higher intragrain scattering owing to a higher density of defects and/or impurities. These samples also show higher H_irr and H_c2 at 20 K in comparison to samples with mainly unreacted SiC (hence lower C substitution). More importantly, their J_c’s are more insensitive to high magnetic field (>4 T) at 6 K. However, at 20 K the effect of C content on J_c(H) is less pronounced. Finally, the order of magnitude of J_c(H) at both 6 K and 20 K is rather dominated by pinning.     

DC current effect on the magnetic phase and transport properties of polycrystalline La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

The influence of DC current on the resistivity and phase transition of polycrystalline La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃ has been investigated. The specific heat measurement found that charge carriers and ferromagnetic spin-wave contributions were changed after applied DC current. Applying high electric fields leads to the formation of ferromagnetic regions. The resistivity drops abruptly once the percolating current path is established. As current through the sample disappears, the larger ferromagnetic (FM) clusters, however, remain and are frozen in giving a measurable contribution to the specific heat of the system. The larger clusters should give rise to the value of spin-wave stiffness constant (D), as it is expected to increase the strength of the ferromagnetic coupling. The metallic ferromagnetic regions would make the charge carrier delocalization and attribute to specific heat linear term γ.     

The effect of aging time and calcination temperature on the magnetic properties of α-Fe/Fe3O4 composite

Composites of α-Fe/Fe₃O₄ having dimensions in the range of 100–150 nm have been prepared by disproportion method. The structure and morphology are investigated by XRD and TEM. XRD shows that the metal has got the BCC structure. TEM shows balls of metallic iron about 100-nm-wide stuck to magnetite grains. Magnetic measurement shows that the sample aged for 3 h and calcined at 200 °C has the maximal saturation magnetization corresponding to the highest concentration of α-Fe in the final sample.     

Evidence of GeO volatilization and its effect on the characteristics of HfO2 grown on Ge substrate

HfO₂ films are deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using tetrakis ethylmethylamino hafnium (TEMAH) as the hafnium precursor, while O₃ or H₂O is used as the oxygen precursor. After annealing at 500℃ in nitrogen, the thickness of Ge oxide's interfacial layer decreases, and the presence of GeO is observed at the H₂O-based HfO₂ interface due to GeO volatilization, while it is not observed for the O₃-based HfO₂. The difference is attributed to the residue hydroxyl groups or H₂O molecules in H₂O-based HfO₂ hydrolyzing GeO₂ and forming GeO, whereas GeO is only formed by the typical reaction mechanism between GeO₂ and the Ge substrate for O₃-based HfO₂ after annealing. The volatilization of GeO deteriorates the characteristics of the high-κ films after annealing, which has effects on the variation of valence band offset and the C–V characteristics of HfO₂/Ge after annealing. The results are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrical measurements.