Superconductivity in Hg-substituted BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3

A series of Hg-doped BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ (BPBO) with a nominal composition of BaPb_0.75 − xHg_xBi_0.25O₃ (x=0-0.40 with 0.05 intervals) has been synthesized by solid state reaction. The system shows a lattice parameter expansion and lattice symmetry distortion with Hg doping. Superconducting transition temperature Tc and superconducting volume fraction of the system decrease with Hg doping level in the low doping level region (0?x?0.25) and are nearly fully suppressed at x=0.25. However, the superconductivity is recovered with further increasing Hg content at x>0.3. The possible mechanisms of the superconductivity in the low doping level region and the recovery of superconductivity in the high doping level region for Hg-doped BPBO system have been discussed.     

Structural phase transition in superconducting BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3

The room temperature crystallographic properties of distorted perovskite-type system BaPb_1-xBi_xO₃ were examined by using X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, structural temperature changes were investigated for superconducting BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ crystals with T_c=11.4K. It was found that the room temperature structure of BaPb_1-xBi_xO₃ has an orthorhombic symmetry in the range of O≤×?0.9 and a monoclinic one in 0.9?×≤1, and that superconducting BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ shows a structural transition from an orthorhombic to a monoclinic phase at about 160K.     

Superconductivity in the BaPb1−x Bi x O3 system

Superconductivity properties of the BaPb_1−x Bi _x O₃ system have been investigated by precise measurements of electrical resistivity and Hall coefficient in specimens prepared by the hot press technique. Sharp superconducting transitions have been observed in those specimens, indicating the homogeneities of the specimens thus prepared. superconductivity has been observed for 0.05<x≦0.35 and a maximum critical temperature of 11.7 K has been observed atx=0.25. The carrier concentration deduced from the Hall coefficient has been found to show nearly the samex dependence as does the critical temperature. The upper critical field has been determined from the magnetic field dependence of the lowcurrent-density resistivity. Discussions are given about the superconductivity in the BaPb_1−x Bi _x O₃ system on the basis of the experiment results.     

High-temperature superconductivity in the BaPb1-xBixO3 systems

Phases of the type BaPb_1-xBi_xO₃ have been prepared for the first time. These phases all have perovskite related structures, and superconductivity was observed over the range $\text{x ≌ 0.05-0.3}$. The highest critical temperature is 13 K which is exceptionally high for an oxide and is much higher than that previously observed for any superconductor not containing a transition element. Semiconducting behavior is observed from x = 1 to about 0.35.     

Nonmonotonic behavior of magnetoresistance, R(H) hysteresis, and low-temperature heat capacity of the BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3 superconductor in a magnetic field: Possible manifestations of phase separation

The transport properties (R(T) and R(H) dependences at various values of the transport current in magnetic fields up to 65 kOe) and low-temperature heat capacity in magnetic fields up to 90 kOe of the BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ superconductor (T _C ≈ 11.3 K) are investigated with the goal of clarifying the mechanisms determining the nonmonotonic behavior and hysteresis of its magnetoresistance R(H). The type of R(H) hysteretic dependences for BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ is analogous to that observed in granular high-T _c superconductors (HTSCs); however, unlike classical HTSC systems, the field width of the magnetoresistance hysteresis loop for polycrystalline BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ depends on the transport current. This means that although the mechanisms responsible for the magnetoresistance hysteresis (the influence of the magnetic flux trapped in superconducting regions on the effective field in Josephson interlayers) are identical in these objects, the transport current in BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ may considerably affect the diamagnetic response of the superconductor. A considerable effect of transport current on the field in which the R(H) dependences have a peak and exhibit hysterestic properties is observed. Such a behavior can be adequately interpreted using the model of the spatially inhomogeneous superconductor-insulator state proposed by Gorbatsevich et al. [JETP Lett. 52, 95 (1990)]. The nonmonotonic dependence of quantity C/T (C is the heat capacity) on the magnetic field discovered in the present study also agrees with the conclusions based on this model.     

Structural distortion and phase transition studies of Aurivillius type Sr1−xPbxBi2Nb2O9 ferroelectric ceramics

In this paper, effects of lead doping on the lattice response and phase transitions of Sr_1−xPb_xBi₂Nb₂O₉ (x=0.0-0.5 in steps of 0.1) ferroelectric ceramics are reported. It is observed that structure attains more tetragonality with doping of lead up to 40%. Increased orthorhombic distortion is observed for undoped SBN and 50 at.% lead substituted SBN. Phase transitions for all samples were studied using Curie temperature measurements and are explained in terms of lattice response of these ceramics. Sample with x=0.5 shows decreased tetragonal strain and Curie temperature. Relationship of polarization with lattice response is discussed.     

Enhanced ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of Bi1−xCaxFe1−xTixO3 solid solutions

We report on the enhanced electromechanical, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of Bi_1−xCa_xFe_1−xTi_xO₃ solid solutions. The crystal structure of the x≈0.25 compounds are close to the rhombohedral-orthorhombic phase boundary, and the solid solutions are characterized by increased electromechanical properties due to the polarization extension near the polar-nonpolar border. The homogenous weakly ferromagnetic state is established at x>0.15 doping. The chemical doping shifts the magnetic transition close to room temperature, thus enlarging the magnetic susceptibility of the compounds. The solid solutions at the morphotropic phase boundary exhibit a nearly twofold increase in piezoelectric response, whereas the magnetoelectric coupling shows five times enhancement in comparison with the parent bismuth ferrite.     

High pressure study of BaPb0.7Bi0.3O3 films

The resistance R, the superconducting transition temperature T_c and the energy gap Δ(T) have been measured on the BaPb_0.7Bi_0.3O₃ films up to 14 kbar. We have found that up to 14 kbar: (1) pressure suppresses T_c and Δ(T) while enhances R, (2) the value of 2Δ(0)/kT_c is 3.8±0.1, independent of pressure, and (3) the Δ(T)/Δ(0) varies with T/T_c in a BCS fashion but only for T/T_c<0.75 and independent of pressure. The results show that BaPb_1?xBi_xO₃ is a weak-coupling superconductor, but fail to provide information about the cause for the high T_c of the compound.     

Calcium and oxygen doping in Y Ba2Cu3Oy

Both oxygen and calcium play important roles in inducing superconductivity in Y Ba₂Cu₃O_y (YBCO), which is an antiferromagnetic insulator at low O and Ca content. O induces superconductivity in Ca-free YBCO, while Ca does similarly in oxygen-deficient YBCO. For doping oxygen HgO was used as it decomposes at 476 ^°C into Hg, which escapes from the matrix leaving the crystal unaltered, and O, which provide a way to dope O in YBCO. Considering these facts, polycrystalline samples of Y _1−xCa_xBa₂Cu₃O_y with x=0, 0.1 and 0.2 with and without HgO addition were prepared through a solid-state reaction method. The samples were sintered at 950 ^°C in open atmosphere. These synthesized samples were characterized through using the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) for phase evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for grain morphology, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) for compositional analysis and the four-contact measurement technique for determining the superconducting transition temperature.     

Electrical properties of neodymium doped CaBi4Ti4O15 ceramics

Neodymium doped bismuth layer structure ferroelectrics (BLSFs) ceramics CaBi_4−xNd_xTi₄O₁₅ (x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) were prepared by solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction pattern showed that single phase was formed when x=0-0.75. The refined lattice parameters showed that a (b) axes decrease at x=0.25 and increase with more Nd³⁺ dopant. The effects of Nd³⁺ doping on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of CaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ ceramics are studied. Nd³⁺ dopant decreased the Curie temperature linearly, and the dielectric loss, tan δ, as well. The remnant polarization of Nd³⁺ doped CaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ ceramics was increased by 80% at x=0.25, while more Nd³⁺ dopant decreased the remnant polarization. CaBi_3.75Nd_0.25Ti₄O₁₅ ceramics had the largest piezoelectric constant d₃₃. The structure and properties of CaBi_4−xNd_xTi₄O₁₅ ceramics showed that Nd³⁺ may occupy different crystal locations when Nd³⁺ content x is less than 0.25 and more than 0.50.     

EXAFS of the superconducting oxide BaPb1−xBixO3

The two-valence state Bi³⁺ and Bi⁵⁺ of Bi in the semiconductor BaBiO₃ and in the BaPb_1?xBi_xO₃ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.6 and 1) system has been determined from the EXAFS spectra above the L_III-edges of Ba, Pb and Bi. Peaks in the radial distribution function up to 5 Å from the absorber have been identified through a model calculation using theoretical amplitudes and phase shifts and the interatomic distances from neutron diffraction measurements. We found indication of local disorder in the Pb-Bi sublattice for the mixed compound.     

Structure, magnetic, and transport properties of the Co-doped manganites La0.9Te0.1Mn1−xCoxO3 (0≤x≤0.25)

The effect of Co doping at Mn-site on the structural, magnetic and electrical transport properties in electron-doped manganties La_0.9Te_0.1Mn_1−xCoxO₃ (0≤x≤0.25) has been investigated. The room temperature structural transition from rhombohedra to orthorhombic (Pbnm) symmetry is found in these samples with x≥0.20 by the Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction patterns. All samples undergo the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic (PM-FM) phase transition. The Curie temperature T_C of these samples decreases and the transition becomes broader with increasing Co-doping level. The magnetization magnitude of Co-doping samples increases at low temperatures with increasing Co-doping level for x≤0.15 and decreases with increasing Co-doping content further. The metal-insulator (M-I) transitions observed in the sample with x=0 are completely suppressed with Co doping, and the resistivity displays semiconducting behavior within the measured temperature region for these samples with x>0. All results are discussed according to the changes of the structure parameters and magnetic exchange interaction caused by Co-doping. In addition, the different effects between the Co doping and Cu doping in the Mn site for the electron-doped manganites are also discussed.     

Hg掺杂对BaPb1-xBixO3超导体中Pb和O的化学环境的影响

采用XPS方法对BaPb1-xBixO3超导体以及Hg掺杂BaPb1-xBixO3超导体进行了对照研究,结果表明当Hg取代Pb后,位于18eV和22eV的价带的强度发生变化并与样品的超导转变温度相关联,O1s和Pb4f谱峰也随Hg掺入而发生位移,说明随Hg的掺入BaPb1-xBixO3超导体的化学环境发生改变.     

Effective mass of electrons in BaPb1−xBixO3

The reflectivity spectra of BaPb_1?xBi_xO₃ were measured in near-infrared region in several samples. The effective masses for the metallic samples of compositions from x = 0 to 0.25 were estimated from the observed plasma edges to be 0.5–0.8 m_e. These values are rather small comparing with those in other typical high T_c superconductors.     

Bi2Sr2CaCu2-xSnxO8+δ系列 超导体的XRD和XPS研究

实验研究了Bi₂Sr₂CaCu_2-xSn_xO_8+δ 的X射线衍射(XRD)和光电子能谱(XPS).实验发现随着掺杂(Sn)量的增加,晶格参数a 和c都有所变化,O1s和Cu2p芯能级谱也发生了变化.实验结果表明： 在低掺杂量时,Sn主要 呈二价态;而在高掺杂浓度时呈四价态;掺Sn对超导电性的影响与其他元素的掺杂不同.这 些实验结果支持化学环境在高温超导样品的电子结构中起着重要作用的结论. 关键词： Bi系超导体 掺杂 X射线衍射 光电子能谱     

Magnetoelectric characterization of xNi0.75Co0.25Fe2O4-(1−x)BiFeO3 nanocomposites

Magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposites containing Ni_0.75Co_0.25Fe₂O₄-BiFeO₃ phases were prepared by citrate sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed phase formation of xNi_0.75Co_0.25Fe₂O₄-(1−x)BiFeO₃ (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) composites on heating at 700 °C. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of powders of nano order size and the crystal size was found to vary from 30 to 85 nm. Dispersion in dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tan δ) in the low-frequency range have been observed. It is seen that nanocomposites exhibit strong magnetic properties and a large ME effect. On increasing Ni_0.75Co_0.25Fe₂O₄ contents in the nanocomposites, the saturation magnetization (M_S) and coercivity (H_C) increased after annealing at 700 °C. The large ME output in the nanocomposites exhibits strong dependence on magnetic bias and magnetic field frequency. The large value of ME output can be attributed to small grain size of ferrite phase of nanocomposite being prepared by citrate precursor process.     

Combinatorial exploration of flux material for Bi4Ti3O12 single crystal film growth

The combinatorial approach to materials synthesis was employed for the quick screening of a flux material for liquid phase-mediated epitaxy of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ single crystal film. A series of ternary flux libraries composed of two self-fluxes (Bi₂O₃ and Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂) and an impurity flux (VO_x, WO_x, CuO_x, BiPO_x, BaO, MoO_x) were fabricated on the SrTiO₃ (0 0 1) substrates. Then, stoichiometric Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ was grown on each one of these flux libraries at a temperature presumed to melt the flux. High-throughput characterization with the concurrent X-ray diffraction (XRD) method resulted in the discovery of a novel flux material, CuO, containing Bi₂O₃, for Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ single crystal film.     

Resistance measurements at high pressure in the system BaPb1-xBixO3

Resistance measurements have been made in the system BaPb_1-xBi_xO₃ at pressures of up to ～ 125 kbar at room temperature. A distinct change in slope of R/R₀ vs P indicates the onset of a transition, possibly to the metallic state, which takes place continuously over a wide range of pressure.     

Ferroelectric and dielectric properties of La/Mn co-doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics

La/Mn co-doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics,Bi3.25La0.75Ti3-xMnxO12(x=0.02,0.04,0.06,0.08),were prepared by the solid-state reaction method.The influence of manganese substitution for the titanium part in Bi 3.25 La 0.75 Ti 3 O 12 on the sintering behaviour,microstructure,Raman spectra and electrical properties was investigated.The experimental results show that the phase composition of all samples with and without manganese doping,sintered at 1000 ℃,consists of a single phase with a bismuth-layered structure belonging to the crystalline phase Bi4Ti3O12.There is no evidence of any impurity phase,but a small change in crystallographic orientation is observed.The Curie temperature of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3-xMnxO12 ceramics is steadily shifted to lower temperature with increasing Mn-doping content.Moreover,the remnant polarisation(Pr) of Bi3.25La0.75Ti2.92Mn0.08O12 samples increases with Mn-doping content,and the Bi3.25La0.75Ti2.92Mn0.08O12 sample exhibits the largest P r of 16.6 μC/cm 2.     

Sn1−xBixO2 and Sn1−xTaxO2 (0≤x≤0.75): A first-principles study

The structural, elastic, electronic and optical (x=0) properties of doped Sn_1−xBi_xO₂ and Sn_1−xTa_xO₂ (0≤x≤0.75) are studied using the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method within the local density approximation. The independent elastic constants C_ij and other elastic parameters of these compounds have been calculated for the first time. The mechanical stability of the compounds with different doping concentrations has also been studied. The electronic band structure and density of states are calculated and the effect of doping on these properties is also analyzed. It is seen that the band gap of the undoped compound narrowed with dopant concentration, which disappeared for x=0.26 for Bi doping and 0.36 for Ta doping. The materials thus become conductive oxides through the change in the electronic properties of the compound for x≤0.75, which may be useful for potential application. The calculated optical properties, e.g. dielectric function, refractive index, absorption spectrum, loss-function, reflectivity and conductivity of the undoped SnO₂ in two polarization directions are compared with both previous calculations and measurements.