Anisotropic properties of self-flux grown LiB3O5 single crystals

In this paper, we report the existence of anisotropic behavior along the crystallographic axes in optical, electrical and thermal properties of lithium tri borate, a recently developed vacuum UV-NLO material. The variation of refractive index with the wavelength along the crystallographic axes was investigated by prism coupling method. The results of impedance spectroscopy measurement reveal the presence of a strong anisotropy in ionic conductivity and dielectric constant along the axes and also show the super-ionic conduction behavior along the c-axis with the activation energy of Δ∼0.20 eV. A thermo-mechanical study in the temperature range of 300-900 K indicates the existence of a strong variation in the linear thermal expansion coefficient (positive value along the a-axis, and negative value along the c-axis) of LiB₃O₅ crystals.     

Magnetic structures and magnetocrystalline anisotropy in bulk and thin film Fe3Pt

Magnetic structures and magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of tetragonal phase Fe₃Pt with an L1₂ atomic ordering in bulk and thin film are investigated by means of the first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method. The results obtained predict that the tetragonal phase, in which the tetragonal distortion with (c/a) = 0.95 makes an asymmetry of magnetic properties along the c-axis (out-of-plane) and a-axis (in-plane), has an out-of-plane MCA. In addition, from the thin film calculations, the presence of surface is found to strongly enhance the out-of-plane MCA.     

STM/STS study on nondispersive checkerboard superstructure in superconducting Bi2212 and La-Bi2201

We performed STM/STS measurements on superconducting Bi2212 and La-Bi2201 in order to study the nondispersive two-dimensional (2D) electronic superstructure, namely the so-called checkerboard. The nondispersive checkerboard clearly appears within the pairing gap in both systems, although the period is different between Bi2212 (∼4a×4a) and La-Bi2201 (∼5a×5a). We point out that the nondispersive checkerboard originates in hole-pairs and/or quasiparticles around the antinodes of the d-wave gap, and interrelates with the spatially inhomogeneous pairing gap.     

Structure of the low-temperature phase of Rb3D(SeO4)2 by single-crystal neutron diffraction

Crystal structure of Rb₃D(SeO₄)₂ has been investigated at 25 K (below the transition temperature T_c=95.4 K) by single-crystal neutron diffraction. Accompanying the transition, the SeO₄ groups, which are all equivalent in the phase above the transition (space group A2/a), split into eight nonequivalent groups in a superlattice (a×2b×2c, space group A2) in the low-temperature phase. Based on the D atom positions obtained, each of the SeO₄ groups was identified to be in the state closer to a HSeO₄⁻ ion or to a SeO₄²⁻ ion and the dipole arrangement of SeO₄-D-SeO₄ dimer was revealed. This dipole arrangement has ‘ferri’ structure along the polar b-axis, but ‘antiferro’ structure in the plane perpendicular to the b-axis. These results are consistent with the characteristics found in the earlier dielectric measurements.     

Charge-density-wave partial gap opening in quasi-2D KMo6O17 purple bronze studied by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy

Low dimensional (LD) metallic oxides have been a subject of continuous interest in the last two decades, mainly due to the electronic instabilities that they present at low temperatures. In particular, charge density waves (CDW) instabilities associated with a strong electron-phonon interaction have been found in Molybdenum metallic oxides such as KMo₆O₁₇ purple bronze. We report an angle resolved photoemission (ARPES) study from room temperature (RT) to T ∼40 K well below the Peierls transition temperature for this material, with CDW transition temperature T_CDW ∼120 K. We have focused on photoemission spectra along ΓM high symmetry direction as well as photoemission measurements were taken as a function of temperature at one representative k_F point in the Brillouin zone in order to look for the characteristic gap opening after the phase transition. We found out a pseudogap opening and a decrease in the density of states near the Fermi energy, E_F, consistent with the partial removal of the nested portions of the Fermi surface (FS) at temperature below the CDW transition. In order to elucidate possible Fermi liquid (FL) or non-Fermi liquid (NFL) behaviour we have compared the ARPES data with that one reported on quasi-1D K_0.3MoO₃ blue bronze.     

First-principles study of quasi-one-dimensional β-Na0.33V2O5

The electronic structure of β-Na_0.33V₂O₅ has been evaluated using the first-principle density functional theory approach. All energy bands near the Fermi surface (FS) disperse principally along the b-axis direction indicating the quasi-one-dimensionality of this system. The theoretical simulation of the optical property yields reasonable explanations for the notable features revealed in the measurements of the optical spectroscopy. Superconductivity appearing under a pressure of 8 GPa has been discussed in connection with the pressure-induced structural and bands alternations. It is suggested that the strong interchain coupling could play a key role in the appearance of superconductivity. The electron correlation effects on the electronic structure have also been calculated and discussed in comparison with photoemission data.     

Effects of uniaxial pressure and annealing on the resistivity of Ba(Fe1−xCox)2As2

Single crystals of underdoped Ba(Fe_1−xCo_x)₂As₂ were detwinned by applying uniaxial pressure. The anisotropic in-plane resistivity was measured using the Montgomery method without releasing pressure. The resistivity along the a-axis shows metallic behavior down to 5 K, while the resistivity along the b-axis shows an insulator-like behavior in some temperature range. Annealing the sample radically reduces the residual resistivity for x=0, and at the same time the anisotropy becomes much smaller at low temperatures.     

Neutron and X-ray diffraction studies on the Tb2Ni3Si5 single crystal

Neutron and X-ray diffraction studies on the Tb₂Ni₃Si₅ single crystal have been done to investigate its crystal modulation and magnetic properties. The modulated single crystal is constructed by the TbNiSi₂ (CeNiSi₂-type Cmcm) and the Tb₂Ni₃Si₅ (U₂Co₃Si₅-type Ibam) lattices. The relationship between the two lattices is described as direction of the b₁₁₂-axis coincides with the a₂₃₅-axis. The crystal modulation gives significant effects on magnetism. Each of the two lattices takes complex antiferromagnetism with multiplex propagation vectors.     

On asymmetric propagation on transverse acoustic waves near the structural phase transition in RbH3(SeO3)2

Recently ultrasonic measurements of the RbH₃(SeO₃)₂ crystal have shown that a transverse acoustic wave propagating along the modulation axis of the incommensurate structure (c-axis) and polarized along the polar axis (b-axis) exhibits greater temperature anomalies of its velocity and damping than a wave propagating along the b-axis and polarized along the c-axis. The possible explanation of this experimental result is given on the basis of the Landau theory.     

Transport and magnetic properties of cobalt doped CeNiAl4

Electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power (TEP) have been measured in polycrystalline sample of CeNi_0.75Co_0.25Al₄. The magnetization measurements have been performed in oriented powder with a-axis of the crystallites parallel to the external magnetic field. All the data have been compared with its parent compound CeNiAl₄. In the range 120-300 K, the Seebeck coefficient is significantly higher for alloy than for the parent material and exhibits a peak at ∼150 K. R(T)/R(300) follows a logarithmic temperature dependence for all samples above 100 K, and rapidly decreases as the temperature is lowered. The decrement is much faster in the cobalt doped samples than in the parent compound, suggesting stronger electronic correlations in the former. Inverse magnetic susceptibility in oriented powder follows a Curie-Weiss law above 100 K and shows p_eff=2.7 slightly higher than that of the free Ce³⁺ ion value of 2.5.     

Synthesis and magnetic characterization of cobalt-substituted ferrite (CoxFe3−xO4) nanoparticles

Cobalt-substituted ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a narrow size distribution using reverse micelles formed in the system water/AOT/isooctane. Fe:Co ratios of 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 were used in the synthesis, obtaining cobalt-substituted ferrites (Co_xFe_3−xO₄) and some indication of γ-Fe₃O₄ when 4:1 and 5:1 Fe:Co ratios were used. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) verified the presence of cobalt in all samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) showed bands at ∼560 and ∼400 cm⁻¹, characteristic of the metal–oxygen bond in ferrites. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number median diameter of the particles was ∼3 nm with a geometric deviation of ∼0.2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the inverse spinel structure typical of ferrites with a lattice parameter of a=8.388 Å for Co_0.61Fe_0.39O₄, which is near that of CoFe₂O₄ (a=8.394 Å). Magnetic properties were determined using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Coercivities higher than 8 kOe were observed at 5 K, whereas at 300 K the particles showed superparamagnetic behavior. The anisotropy constant was determined based on the Debye model for a magnetic dipole in an oscillating field and an expression relating χ′ and the temperature of the in-phase susceptibility peak. Anisotropy constant values in the order of ∼10⁶ erg/cm³ were determined using the Debye model, whereas anisotropy constants in the order of ∼10⁷ erg/cm³ were calculated assuming Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of the in-phase component of the susceptibility curve as commonly done in the literature. Our analysis demonstrates that the assumption Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of χ′ is rigorously incorrect.     

Superconducting properties of Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ba2Cu3Oy films by metal-organic deposition using metal 2-ethylhexanates

We have prepared Sm_0.33Eu_0.33Gd_0.33Ba₂Cu₃O_y (SEGBCO) films on LaAlO₃ single-crystal substrates by metal-organic deposition using 2-ethylhexanate solutions which contain no fluorine. The SEGBCO film fired at 850 °C under a low oxygen partial pressure of 2 × 10⁻⁶ atm exhibited strong c-axis oriented X-ray diffraction peaks and weak a/b-axis oriented peaks of the SEGBCO phase, and had a granular surface. High resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscope images indicated the epitaxial growth of the SEGBCO film on the substrate with overgrowth of a/b-axis oriented grains. The critical temperature and critical current density values of the SEGBCO film was 86.5 K and 1.29 MA/cm², respectively, at 77.3 K at the self-field.     

Crystal and magnetic structures of Y2CrS4

Chromium(II) sulfide, Y₂CrS₄, prepared by a solid-state reaction of Y₂S₃ and CrS, showed an antiferromagnetic transition at 65 K. The neutron diffraction patterns at 10 and 90 K were both well refined with the space group Pca2₁. At 90 K, cell parameters were a=12.5518(13) Å, b=7.5245(8) Å, and c=12.4918(13) Å. At 10 K, magnetic peaks were observed, which could be indexed on the same unit cell. Magnetic moments of chromium ions were parallel to the b-axis and antiferromagnetically ordered in each set of the 4a sites.     

Residual surface stress measurements in YBa2Cu3Ox superconductors

XRD and residual surface stress (sin² ψ) measurements were carried out on YBa₂Cu₃O_x superconductors with varying oxygen stoichiometry (6.3 < x < 7.0). Slopes of the surface strain versus sin² ψ were plotted against oxygen content for certain reflections. Compressional surface stress has been found along the c-axis, while a tensile surface stress has been observed along the ab-plane. Both surface stresses were found to vary slightly with oxygen content. These findings qualitatively agree with a very small hydrostatic pressure effect on T_c for fully oxygenated YBa₂Cu₃O_x (x = 7) compared to oxygen deficient material at the surface.     

Anisotropy of the electron momentum distribution in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ superconductor studied by positron annihilation

The temperature dependent (30-300 K) Doppler broadening of the positron annihilated γ-radiation measurement has been investigated on single crystalline Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ (Bi-2212) high T_c superconducting samples along two different crystallographic orientations. It has been observed that throughout the temperature range the electron momentum distribution has a larger value along the crystallographic c-axis than in the a-b plane. The temperature dependent Doppler broadened positron annihilation γ-radiation lineshape analysis shows a step like increase of S-parameter at the temperature region 92-116 K.     

Doping and temperature dependence of inversion symmetry breaking in La2−xSrxCuO4

The doping dependence of the Raman spectra of high quality La_2−xSr_xCu^16,18O₄ polycrystalline compounds has been investigated at low temperatures. It is shown that symmetry forbidden bands peaked at ∼150 cm⁻¹, ∼280 cm⁻¹, and ∼370 cm⁻¹ are activated in the (xx/yy) polarization Raman spectra due to the local breaking of the inversion symmetry mainly at low temperatures and for doping concentrations for which the compound is superconducting. The apparent A₁-character of the activated modes in the symmetry reduced phase indicates a reduction from the D_2h to C_2v or D₂ crystal symmetries, which associates the observed modes to specific IR-active phonons with eigenvectors mainly along the c-axis. The temperature and doping dependence of this inversion symmetry breaking and the superconducting transition temperature are very similar, though the symmetry reduction occurs at significantly higher temperatures.     

EPR studies of linewidth anomalies at phase transitions in [N(C2H5)4]2MnCl4

We have studied [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂MnCl₄ crystal by X-band CW EPR spectra in the temperature range 170-300 K. The angular dependences of linewidth ΔH were measured and described in the light of a double-layer system (2D) with exchange interactions. Two temperature anomalies of linewidth ΔH were found at T₁=225 K and T₂=192 K on cooling. Different behaviors of ΔH anomalies recorded for an external magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the ab crystallographic plane indicate ordering/disordering of MnCl₄ groups in this plane and their displacement along the c-axis which occurs in the temperature of about 225 K.     

Crystallographic study of the phase transition in (Me4P)2ZnBr4

The compound (Me₄P)₂ZnBr₄, a member of the β-K₂SO₄ structure class, undergoes a phase transition at 84°C from the room temperature space group P12₁/c1 to the parent Pmcn structure. The room temperature structure corresponds to a ferrodistortive transition of B_1g symmetry at the zone center. At room temperature, the compound has lattice constants a=9.501(1), b=16.055(2), c=13.127(2) Å and β=90.43(1)°. For the high temperature phase, the orthorhombic cell has dimensions a=9.466(2), b=16.351(3) and c=13.284(2) Å. The structures consist of two crystallographically independent Me₄P⁺ cations and the ZnBr₄²⁻ anions. In the room temperature phase, all three ionic species show substantial displacement from the mirror plane perpendicular to the a-axis that exists in the high temperature phase, as well as rotations out of that plane. The thermal parameters of the cations are indicative of substantial librational motion. Measurements of lattice parameters have been made at 2-5°C intervals over the temperature range 40-140°C. The changes in the lattice constants appear continuous at T_c (within experimental limits) indicating that the phase transition is likely second-order. The a lattice constant shows an anomalous shortening as T_c is approached. Thermal expansion coefficients are calculated from this data. An application of Landau theory is used to derive the temperature dependencies of spontaneous shear strain and corresponding elastic stiffness constants associated with the primary order parameter.     

Three-dimensional electronic structure in highly doped NaxCoO2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have investigated three-dimensional electronic structure for Na_xCoO₂ (x=0.77 and 0.65) by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study the origin of antiferromagnetic (AF) transition of highly doped Na_xCoO₂(x>0.75). The a_1g large hole-like Fermi surface (FS) in x=0.77 shows distinct three-dimensionality along the k_z direction, and a three-dimensional small electron pocket appears around Γ point, indicating strong inter-layer electronic correlation. On the other hand, x=0.65 sample does not show three-dimensional behavior. This result indicates that transition of FS as a function of band filling is closely related to the occurrence of the magnetic transition in highly doped Na_xCoO₂.     

Investigation of SiO2/Si3N4 films prepared on sapphire by r.f. magnetron reactive sputtering

Sapphire is a desired material for infrared-transmitting windows and domes because of its excellent optical and mechanical properties. However, its thermal shock resistance is limited by loss of compressive strength along the c-axis of the crystal with increasing temperature. In this paper, double layer films of SiO₂/Si₃N₄ were prepared on sapphire (α-Al₂O₃) by radio frequency magnetron reactive sputtering in order to increase both transmission and high temperature mechanical performance of infrared windows of sapphire. Composition and structure of each layer of the films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Surface morphology and roughness of coated and uncoated sapphire have been measured using a talysurf. Flexural strengths of sapphire sample uncoated and coated with SiO₂/Si₃N₄ have been studied by 3-point bending tests at different temperatures. The results show that SiO₂/Si₃N₄ films can improve the surface morphology and reduce the surface roughness of sapphire substrate. In addition, the designed SiO₂/Si₃N₄ films can increase the transmission of sapphire in mid-wave infrared and strengthen sapphire at high temperatures. Results for 3-point bending tests indicated that the SiO₂/Si₃N₄ films increased the flexural strength of c-axis sapphire by a factor of about 1.4 at 800 °C.