Effect of partial Nd-substitution on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in spin-reorientation PrCo<Subscript>4</Subscript>Al alloy

Partial Nd-substitution effects on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in spin-reorientation Pr_1−x Nd _x Co₄Al (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) alloys are investigated. All these alloys undergo two successive spin-reorientation transitions. Accordingly, the successive positive and negative magnetic entropy changes (Δ S _M ) for all these alloys are obtained. With the increase of Nd content, the spin reorientation transition temperatures increase from about 170 and 186 K for x = 0 to room temperature (276 and 294 K) for x = 0.8, covering a wide temperature interval. More interestingly, the values of positive Δ S _M values increase gradually from 0.1 to 0.9 J/kg K⁻¹, while the negative Δ S _M decrease from 1.3 to 0.2 J/kg K⁻¹ in the field change of 10 kOe. In addition, the series has an appreciable relative cooling power, which is therefore suitable to be used in a magnetic refrigerator.     

Magnetic aftereffects in nickel ferrites

We have studied the magnetic aftereffects in the Ni _x Fe_3−x−ΔO₄ system, for 0≦x≦1 and 10⁻⁵≦Δ≦2×10⁻¹, between 80 and 500 K. The samples were obtained by sintering at 1400°C in an appropriate gas atmosphere. The measurements are based on the deviation from equilibrium that is produced in a Maxwell-Wien bridge when the self-induction of a coil with ferrite core varies because of the phenomenon of magnetic aftereffects. The numerical analysis of the results shows the presence of relaxation processes at 300 K (III), 330 K (IIa), and above 500 K (I). The Processes III and IIa are related to the concentration of nickel,x, and of vacancy, Δ. It is seen that the IIa peak can be attributed to a process of diffusion of Ni ions in the spinel lattice by means of vacancies on octahedral sites.     

Dispersion of the Voigt effect in the magnetic semiconductors Cd1−x MnxTe

Spectral measurements of the Voigt birefringence Δn were performed for the cubic magnetic semiconductor Cd_1−x Mn _x Te (0≤x≤0.52) in order to investigate how the exchange interaction of Mn²⁺ ions with itinerant electrons depends on the electron wave vector. It was determined that Δn/x ² is independent of x and the magnetic field direction, i.e., the effect is due to the Mn²⁺ ions and is isotropic. Below the band gap edge the dispersion of the birefringence Δn can be described well in all samples by the unusual dependence Δn∼(E _g −ℏω) ^−3.5. This can be explained by a decrease of the exchange interaction of Mn²⁺ ions with itinerant electrons with increasing distance from the center of the Brillouin zone. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 67, No. 8, 569–573 (25 April 1998)     

Magnetic and electrical properties of Mg1−x CuxO solid solutions and magnetic shielding in Cu-Mg1−x CuxO structures

Mg_1−x Cu_xO solid solutions having an NaCl structure with 0⩽x⩽0.20 are synthesized and Cu-Mg_1−x Cu_xO structures are prepared for superconductivity studies. The magnetic susceptibility χ, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electrical conductivity of the solid solutions are studied at temperatures of 5–550 K. It is shown that χ ⁻¹(T) obeys the Curie-Weiss law with a paramagnetic Curie temperature Θ close to zero and an effective magnetic moment μ _eff=1.9 μ _B, close to the 1.73 μ _B of a Cu²⁺ ion with spin S=1/2. The width ΔH of the EPR line depends weakly on temperature and increases as x is raised. The volume narrowing of the EPR linewidth ΔH is used to estimate the exchange interaction parameter, 3×10⁻⁴ eV. The g-factor is close to 2 and is temperature independent. The electrical conductivity of Mg_1−x Cu_xO at T=300 K is ≈10⁻¹¹–10⁻¹² Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for x=0 and increases to 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for x=0.15–0.20. The conductivity is p-type. Magnetic shielding is observed in Cu-Mg_1−x Cu_xO structures with x=0.15 and 0.20. The possible connection of this phenomenon with interference superconductivity in the contact layer of the structure is discussed. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 293–296 (February 1999)     

Magnetocaloric effect of compounds in Gd<Subscript>5−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Dy<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ge<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

Magnetization of magnetically ordered Gd_5−x Dy _x Si₂Ge₂ compounds with a partial substitution of Gd atoms by isovalent Dy atoms has been investigated. From temperature and field dependences of Gd_5−x Dy _x Si₂Ge₂ alloys with x = 0−2.0 changes of the magnetic part of entropy (ΔS _M ) of alloys are determined. It is established that ΔS _M achieves its maximum values at different temperatures, which linearly depend on the Dy concentration, and their values are comparable with ΔS _M ^max in Gd₅Si₂Ge₂. The obtained data allow us to conclude that the above-mentioned compounds have high magnetocaloric effect and are promising materials for using as a combined working body of magnetic refrigerators operating in the 200–270 K range of temperatures.     

Dielectric properties of perovskite ceramics of (1–x)BiFeO3 ? x(KBi)1/2TiO3 (0.40 < x < 0.85) solid solutions from impedance spectroscopy data

The dielectric properties of the ceramics of (1 − x)BiFeO₃ − x(KBi)_1/2TiO₃ (0.40 < x < 0.85) solid solutions with an orthorhombic structure have been studied using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 25–10⁶ Hz at different temperatures. It has been shown that these solid solutions undergo a diffuse ferroelectric phase transition. The Curie temperature is found to be in the range 620–640 K. The activation energies of dielectric polarization relaxation (δE _M ) and dc charge carriers (ΔE _dc) are determined. It has been established that, in the vicinity of 460 K, ΔE _dc increases jumpwise as the temperature increases.     

Thermal stability and electrical conductivity of multiferroics BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/REEs

Ceramic samples of bismuth ferrite and solid solutions of Bi_{1 − x} A _x FeO₃ type (where A = Lu, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Dy, Tb, Gb, Eu, Sm, Nd, Pr, La; 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.20; Δx = 0.05) were prepared. Spectra of the real part of electrical conductivity were studied within the range 10⁻⁴–10⁻⁶ Hz. The dependence of the samples’ thermal stability and electrical conductivity on the size of the substituting ions was established.     

Heat capacity and magnetocaloric properties of La<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>K<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript> manganites

The magnetocaloric effect and the heat capacity of La_{1 − x} K _x MnO₃ (x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.175) ceramic samples have been studied at temperatures in the range 77–350 K and in magnetic fields of up to 27 kOe. The technique for preparing the samples has been described. The heat capacity anomalies related to the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic magnetic phase transition have been revealed and interpreted. It has been demonstrated that the change in the magnetic entropy ΔS calculated from the data on the heat capacity C _p and direct measurements of the magnetocaloric effect ΔT reaches values that are of practical interest.     

Magnetic properties and magnetic entropy change in Heusler alloys Ni50Mn35?xCuxSn15

The influence of Cu substitution for Mn on magnetic properties and magnetic entropy change has been investigated in Heusler alloys, Ni₅₀Mn_35−x Cu _x Sn₁₅ (x=2,5 and 10). With increasing Cu content from x=2 to x=5, the martensitic transition temperature, T _M , decreases from 220 K to 120 K. Further increasing Cu up to x=10 results in the disappearance of T _M . For samples Ni₅₀Mn₃₃Cu₂Sn₁₅ and Ni₅₀Mn₃₀Cu₅Sn₁₅, both martensitic and austenitic states exhibit ferromagnetic characteristics, but the magnetization of martensitic phase is notably lower than that of austenitic phase. The magnetization difference, ΔM, across the martensitic transition leads to a considerably large Zeeman energy, μ ₀ΔM⋅H, which drives a field-induced metamagnetic transition. Associated with the metamagnetic behavior, a large positive magnetic entropy change ΔS takes place around T _M . For the sample Ni₅₀Mn₃₃Cu₂Sn₁₅,ΔS reaches 13.5 J/kg⋅K under a magnetic field change from 0 to 5 T.     

Eigenvalues of Laplacian with Constant Magnetic Field on Non-Compact Hyperbolic Surfaces with Finite Area

We consider a magnetic Laplacian −Δ _A = (id + A)^* (id + A) on a non-compact hyperbolic surface M with finite area. A is a real one-form and the magnetic field dA is constant in each cusp. When the harmonic component of A satisfies some quantified condition, the spectrum of −Δ _A is discrete. In this case, we prove that the counting function of the eigenvalues of −Δ _A satisfies the classical Weyl formula, even when dA=0.     

Large low-field inverse magnetocaloric effect near room temperature in Ni50−x Mn37+x In13 Heusler alloys

Low field inverse magnetocaloric effect (IMCE) associated with first-order martensitic transition in Ni_50−x Mn_37+x In₁₃ (x=3,4,5) alloys was investigated. By tuning the composition of Ni/Mn, large change in the magnetization occurring between martensite and austenite phases in a narrow temperature interval was achieved, which results in large IMCE. Under low magnetic field change of 2 T, a large positive magnetic entropy change (ΔS _M ) of 23.5 J/kg K with a net refrigeration capacity of 53 J/kg was obtained near room temperature (308 K) in the x=3 alloy. The results show that a small variation in Ni/Mn ratio significantly influences the martensitic transition temperature and the associated magnetic and magnetocaloric properties.     

Di-pion emission in heavy quarkonia decays

The dipion spectrum for the ϒ(nS) → ϒ(n′S) transition with n < 4 has the form dw/dq ∼ (phase space) |η − x|², with x = q ² − 4m _π² / (ΔM)² − 4m _π² < q ² ≡ M _ππ², and ΔM = M(nS) − M(n′S). The parameter η is calculated and the spectrum is shown to reproduce the experimental data for all three types of decays: 3 → 1, 2 → 1, and 3 → 2 with η ≈ 0.5, 0, and −3, respectively. The text was submitted by the author in English.     

Far-infrared spectral studies of magnesium and aluminum co-substituted lithium ferrites

Polycrystalline Mg_xAl_2xLi_0.5(1−x)Fe_2.5(1−x) O₄ (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7) ferrites were prepared by standard ceramic method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The spectra show two significant absorption bands in the wave number range of 400–1000 cm⁻¹ arising from interatomic vibrations in the tetrahedral and octahedral coordination compounds. The decrease in intensity and increase in broadness of bands with concentration (x) are explained on the basis of cation distribution. The force constants and bulk modulus are found to decrease with Mg-Al content (x) which suggested weakening of interatomic bonding. An alternate method for the determination of bulk modulus, longitudinal and transverse velocities is suggested. The magnetic and electrical properties of these compounds are explained in the light of structural and optical properties.     

Spin-orbit coupling,spin-lattice relaxation,and spin-memory studies ofF-center-molecular-ion pairs in alkali halides

Summary The spin-orbit parameter Δ, spin-lattice relaxation timeT ₁, and spin-mixing parameter ɛ ofF _H(OH⁻) andF _H(CN⁻) centers in several alkali halides have been studied with magnetic circular dichroism at ∼2 K. A close comparison of the experimental results before and after optically induced association of theF center with the molecular ion has been made. In crystals of NaCl structure the negative spin-orbit parameter Δ changes little betweenF andF _H centers in the same host. For CsCl and CsBr two values of Δ have been derived forF _H(CN⁻) centers with axis parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field. In all studied systems, the spin-lattice relaxation timeT ₁ is already shorter before aggregation compared toF formation. The spin-mixing parameter ɛ decreases slightly forF _H(OH⁻) compared toF centers, while it increases drastically forF _H(CN⁻) defects and reaches its maximum possible value ɛ=0.5 in cesium halides. First attempts to interpret these magneto-optical results will be presented. In honour of Prof. Fausto Fumi on the occasion of his retirement from teaching.     

X-ray,electrical conductivity,magnetic and infrared studies of the system Co2−x Ge1−x Fe2x O4

X-ray, electrical conductivity, magnetic hysteresis and IR studies for the system Co_2−x Ge_1−x Fe_2x O₄ were carried out. All the compounds, 0⩽x⩽1, showed cubic symmetry. X-ray intensity calculations, magnetic hysteresis measurements and IR studies indicated the presence of Ge⁴⁺ at tetrahedral, Co²⁺ at octahedral and Fe³⁺ at both the sites. The activation energy and threshold frequency decreased with increasing value ofx. The compounds withx⩽0.5 arep-type and those withx⩾0.75 aren-type semiconductors. Magnetic hysteresis indicated that all the compounds are ferrimagnetic except forx=0 which is antiferromagnetic. The shapes of χ/χ _i vsT plots, highH _c values andJ _R/J_s ratios showed that all the compounds exceptx=0 exhibit single-domain behaviour. Curie temperature,T _c increased with increasing Fe³⁺ ions. The probable ionic configuration for the system is suggested as Ge _1−x ⁴⁺ Fe _x ³⁺ [co _2−x ²⁺ Fe _x ³⁺ ]O ₄ ²⁻ .     

The superconducting properties of YBa2(Cu1−xMx)3O7 for M=Zn and Ni

Transverse and zero-field μSR measurements were made on YBa₂(Cu_1−xNi_x)₃O_7−y withx=0.1 and 0.2, and YBa₂(Cu_1−x Zn _x )₃O_7−y withx=0.03, 0.06, 0.1, and 0.16, wherey≈0.1. Since doping may lead to magnetic ordering this was searched for with both zero and transverse field μSR, but no evidence was found over the temperature range studied: 10–100 K. However, depolarization rates as functions of temperature were obtained, and the low temperature values of these are σ=3.2 μs⁻¹.1.6μs⁻¹, and 1 μs⁻¹ forx=0.01, and 0.2 Ni, respectively, and σ=0.8 μs⁻¹, 0.75 μs⁻¹, 0.65 μs⁻¹, and 0.4 μs⁻¹ forx=0.03, 0.06, 0.1, and 0.16 Zn, respectively. Estimates for the effect of decreasing electron concentration for Zn are made, but these alone do not account for the drop in σ. Estimates for the effect of scattering on λ and hence σ are made. The reduction in σ for Ni dopant is in surprisingly good agreement with these estimates. For Zn the order of magnitude is correct, but the relative lack of further change in σ after the effect of the first 0.03 addition seems to imply a saturation of the effect of scattering.     

Magnetocaloric properties of manganites La<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>(Ag,K)<Subscript>x</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The temperature and magnetic-field dependences of the magnetocaloric effect in manganites La_1−x Ag _x MnO₃ (x = 0.1; 0.15; 0.2) and La_1−x K _x MnO₃ (x = 0.1; 0.11; 0.13; 0.15; 0.175) were studied by a direct method. Large changes in the sample temperature were detected as a magnetic field changed by ΔH = 10 kOe. Temperatures of the magnetocaloric effect maxima are near room temperatures. Field dependences of the magnetocaloric effect show no signs of saturation in fields to 30 kOe.     

Effect of composition on the anderson hybridisation in ternary cubic alloys of Ce

Summary The cubic compounds of Ce with Zn, Ag and Cd are considered to behave as Kondo lattices depending on applied pressure or alloying. In particular their magnetic behaviour is ascribed to the possible competition between the RKKY interaction and the Kondo effect. We calculate the hybridisation width Δ of the Anderson model for the two ternary cubic compounds CeCd_1−x Ag _x , CeCd_1−x Zn _x . This quantity determines, along with the positionE _f and correlationU of the Cef-state, the antiferromagnetic coupling constantJ _s-f of the Kondo Hamiltonian. We start fromab initio electronic calculations performed with the FLAPW method in the LSDA and carry out an LCAO parametrisation of the band structure for the pure binary compounds. A virtual-crystal approximation is used to obtain the LCAO parameters of the ternary alloys. We check the accuracy of this approximation on CeCd_0.5Zn_0.5 by a self-consistent FLAPW calculation on the supercell Ce₂CdZn, finding that it is satisfactory for the present purposes. We find that Δ, in the whole concentration range, is affected quantitatively much more by substitution of Cd by Ag than by Zn—isovalent to Cd—, although the latter one induces a larger volume reduction. Moreover, the Δ behaviour in CeCd_1−x Zn _x contrasts with the expected volume dependence. This shows that electronic effects may be more effective than electronic pressure alone (volume effects) in determining the Kondo properties of substitutional systems. In honour of Prof. Fausto Fumi on the occasion of his retirement from teaching.     

Photosensitivity of surface-barrier and point structures on Cd<Subscript>1 − x</Subscript>Mn<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Te single crystals

Two new types of photosensitive structures are proposed and fabricated for the first time on solid-solution single crystals of diamondlike Cd_{1 − x} Mn _x Te (x = 0−0.7) magnetic semiconductors. The photoelectric properties of surface-barrier (In/Cd_{1 − x} Mn _x Te) and welded (weld/Cd_{1 − x} Mn _x Te) structures are studied at T=300 K. The photosensitivity spectra of these structures are analyzed and compared; as a result, the character of the interband optical transitions and the energy gaps of the Cd_{1 − x} Mn _x Te crystals are determined. These structures can be applied in magnetic photoelectronic devices.