Thermoelectric power of Ba(Fe1−x Co x )2As2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) and Ba(Fe1−x Rh x )2As2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.171)

Temperature-dependent, in-plane, thermoelectric power data are presented for single crystals of Ba(Fe_1?x Co _x )₂As₂ (0?≤?x?≤?0.05) and Ba(Fe_1?x Rh _x )₂As₂ (0?≤?x?≤?0.171). Given that previous thermoelectric power and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies of Ba(Fe_1?x Co _x )₂As₂ delineated a rather large Co-concentration range for Lifshitz transitions to occur, and the underdoped side of the phase diagram is poorly explored, new measurements of thermoelectric power on tightly spaced concentrations of Co, 0?≤?x?≤?0.05, were carried out. The data suggest evidence of a Lifshitz transition, but instead of a discontinuous jump in thermoelectric power in the range 0?≤?x?≤?0.05, a more gradual evolution in the S(T) plots as x is increased was observed. The thermoelectric power data of Ba(Fe_1?x Rh _x )₂As₂ show very similar behavior to that of Co substituted BaFe₂As₂. The previously outlined T–x phase diagrams for both systems are further confirmed by these thermoelectric power data.     

Ultrasonic evidence for short-range charge-ordering state in the low-doping regime of La1– x Sr x FeO3 (1/3 ≤ x ≤ 0.45)

The longitudinal ultrasonic velocity (V) and attenuation at a frequency of 10?MHz, as well as magnetization and resistivity, have been measured in the single-phase polycrystalline La_{1– x} Sr _x FeO₃ (x?=?1/3, 0.4, 0.45). Upon cooling down from high temperature, a slight softening in V and dramatic stiffening are observed in all samples, and this stiffening is coincided with a big attenuation peak. The relative increase of V is proportional to the Sr concentration, which implies that this anomaly is strongly correlated with Fe⁴⁺. However, no obvious changes in magnetic and electric properties are found at this temperature range. The analysis suggests that this feature may be caused by the Jahn–Teller effect of Fe⁴⁺ and correspond to the formation of short-range charge-ordering state.     

On-line phase transition in La1− x Sr x MnO3 (0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.36) perovskites through ultrasonic studies

La_{1? x} Sr _x MnO₃ perovskite manganite materials with different compositions (x?=?0.28, 0.31 and 0.36) have been prepared employing solid-state reaction technique. On-line evaluation of ultrasonic velocities and longitudinal attenuation of the above samples has been done over a wide range of temperatures using the transmission method. The observed anomalies in velocities, attenuation and elastic moduli reveal the occurrence of lattice softening and hardening near Curie temperature. The observed dramatic hardening in sound velocities and softening in attenuation are correlated with the phase transition, i.e. ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. The increase in magnitude of maximum velocity with change in Sr content at T _c indicates the existence of linear magnetostriction effect. The elastic moduli study elucidates the observations made from the above-mentioned studies. The variation in the ultrasonic velocities, longitudinal attenuation and its derived parameters help us to understand the competitions between ferromagnetism and paramagnetism.     

Iron content and temperature dependences of diffuse scattering in Ti–(50–x)Ni–xFe (6 ≤ x ≤ 10) alloys

Diffuse scatterings appearing in electron diffraction patterns of Ti–(50???x)Ni–xFe (x?=?6, 7, 8, 10, in at.%) alloys were investigated. In the alloys, martensitic (R-phase) transformation is suppressed down to 4.2 K, but the electrical resistivity exhibits a local minimum at T _min (210 K, 195 K, 180 K and 140 K for x?=?6, 7, 8, 10, respectively). The following results were obtained for all the alloys. Diffuse scattering appears below T _min and its intensity maximum is located at an incommensurate position of g?+??ζζ0?*, where g is a reciprocal lattice vector of the B2-phase. The value?ζ?at T _min is significantly smaller than 1/3 and increases with decreasing temperature; it decreases with increasing Fe content. The value of?ζ?at T _min agrees with the length of nesting vector obtained by a band calculation, suggesting that the diffuse scattering is caused by the nesting effect of the Fermi surface in the B2-type structure.     

Cluster Method Calculation of the Curie Temperature and Exchange Parameters for the Magnetocaloric Compounds MnFeAs x P1 − x (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.65) and Hexagonal MnFeAs

A wealth of experimental and theoretical data on the crystallographic and magnetic properties of the magnetocaloric compounds MnFeAs _x P_1???x (0.25?≤?x?≤?0.65) and MnFeAs has become available in the last decade. By analyzing the data and treating the spin interactions with Callen’s cluster expansion method, we extrapolate first-principle results for the exchange-coupling constants of MnFeAs to the P-substituted compounds and find Curie temperatures that agree, within 5 % deviation, with experiment. Simulations with different coupling parameters show that T _c is weakly dependent on the Fe–Fe interactions. Analysis of lattice expansion as a function of composition shows that changes in the lattice parameters a and c have opposite effects upon the strength of the magnetic interactions between ions. The results indicate that the cluster expansion method provides reliable estimates of magnetic properties, even for metallic compounds characterized by multiple interactions among ions with distinct magnetic moments.     

Structure and electrochemical performance of LiV x Mn2 − x O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) cathode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries

LiMn₂O₄ and vanadium-substituted LiV _x Mn_2???x O₄ (x?=?0.05, 0.10 0.15 and 0.20) cathode materials were synthesized by sol–gel method using aqueous solutions of metal nitrates and tartaric acid as chelating agent at 600 °C for 10 h. The structure and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM and charge–discharge studies. X-ray powder diffraction analysis was changed in lattice parameters with increasing vanadium content suggesting the occupation of the substituent within LiMn₂O₄ interlayer spacing. TEM and SEM analyses show that LiV_0.15Mn_1.85O₄ has a smaller particle size and more regular morphological structure with narrow size distribution than LiMn₂O₄. It is concluded that the structural stability and cycle life improvement were due to many factors like better crystallinity, smaller particle size and uniform distribution compared to the LiMn₂O₄ cathode material. The LiV_0.15Mn_1.85O₄ cathode material has improved the structural stability and excellent electrochemical performances of the rechargeable lithium ion batteries.     

A longitudinal (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 single-crystal piezoelectric transformer

In present work, a simple longitudinal piezoelectric transformer with the size of 16-mm length, 2-mm width, and 2-mm thickness was designed and fabricated with relaxor ferroelectric single-crystal (1−x)Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-xPbTiO₃. Both the input and output parts utilized the ultrahigh longitudinal extensional electromechanical coupling coefficients. Compared to the Rosen-type transformer, this transformer has the advantages of smaller-size, simpler structure, no spurious vibration, and no acoustic mismatch between the input and output parts. The electrical measurement results indicated that under the resonance frequency of 114 kHz, a step-up voltage of about 30 can be obtained under a 10-MΩ load resistance, which agreed well with the calculated results. Besides, the frequency and load dependences of this transformer were also systematically studied and discussed. The results indicated that this transformer has potential applications in the small-size high-voltage amplifier and magnetoelectric/piezoelectric-transformer composite transducers.     

Optical properties of TlGaxIn1-xSe2-layered mixed crystals (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1) by spectroscopic ellipsometry,transmission, and reflection measurements

The layered semiconducting TlGa_xIn_1-xSe₂-mixed crystals (0.5?≤?x?≤?1) were studied for the first time by spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements in the 1.2–6.2?eV spectral range at room temperature. The spectral dependence of the components of the complex dielectric function, refractive index, and extinction coefficient were revealed using an optical model. The interband transition energies in the studied samples were found from the analysis of the second-energy derivative spectra of the complex dielectric function. The effect of the isomorphic cation substitution (indium for gallium) on critical point energies in TlGa_xIn_1-xSe₂ crystals was established. Moreover, the absorption edge of TlGa_xIn_1-xSe₂ crystals have been studied through the transmission and reflection measurements in the wavelength range of 500–1100?nm. The analysis of absorption data revealed the presence of both optical indirect and direct transitions. It was found that the energy band gaps decrease with the increase of indium content in the studied crystals.     

(La1-xYx)2/3Ca1/3MnO3(x=0.195)系统中的磁电阻行为

本文实验上探讨了 (La1-xYx)2/3Ca1/3MnO3(x=0.195)窄带系统不同磁场下的磁电阻行为.实验表明,最大磁电阻效应随磁场增加而实质性提高,例如,7T磁场下最大磁电阻效应高达1.8×105%.同时,我们在远远低于半导体-金属转变温度下也观察到明显的磁电阻效应.文中就磁电阻的起因进行了讨论,特别是基于最近提出的自旋-极化子模型,对实验数据进行了定量的比较性分析,结果表明,该模型虽能预言实验的主要特征,但理论预言随磁场增加而明显偏离实验.     

Temperature-dependent sound velocities,attenuation and elastic moduli anomalies in Pr1− x Sr x MnO3 perovskite manganite materials at 0.28 ≤ X ≤ 0.41

Pr_{1? x} Sr _x MnO₃ perovskite manganite materials with different compositions of x (x?=?0.28, 0.33, 0.35, 0.38 and 0.41) have been prepared using solid-state reaction technique. The ultrasonic longitudinal and shear velocities and longitudinal attenuation have been measured employing through transmission method operated at a fundamental frequency of 5?MHz over a wide range of temperatures. In all the compositions, the temperature-dependent sound velocities, attenuation and elastic constants show interesting anomalies at Curie temperature (T _C) and Neel temperature (T _N). The observed anomalies at T _C and T _N have been discussed in terms of phase transition, strength of linear magnetostriction effect and competition between paramagnetism and ferromagnetism.     

Influence of Cr and Fe on magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effect in Co2(Cr1-xFex)Al, (x ≤ 0 ≤ 1) soft magnetic Heusler alloys

The structural measurement indicates that the system possesses A2 to B2 phase transformation at the extent of A2 phase at room temperature. The present system shows first order magneto-structural transformation (FOMST). The substitution of Cr by Fe causes a vital role for an increase in magnetocaloric properties. The change in magnetic entropy (ΔS_M) and relative cooling power (RCP) are evaluated under an applied field of 20 KOe that shows drastic changes near the blocking temperature under the specific temperature regime. In the vicinity of these observed properties, critical exponent parameters such as, β, ? and δ were also observed using field dependence magnetic entropy change.     

La2/3Ca1/3Mn1-xCuxO3(x=4%)中的热弛豫现象

采用溶胶-凝胶法并经不同温度烧结而制备了名义组分为La2/3Ca1/3MnO3和La2/3Ca1/3Mn1-xCuxO3(x=4%)的系列样品,对它们进行了阻温关系测量.从试验结果观察到:在La2/3Ca1/3MnO3样品中,降温和升温测量的阻温曲线几乎完全重合,没有观察到明显的热弛豫现象.而在不同温度烧结的La2/3Ca1/3Mn1-xCuxO3(x=4%)样品中,阻温关系有明显的热弛豫现象.同时试验还观察到该热弛豫现象随样品烧结温度(颗粒尺寸)的增加逐渐消失.     

SrAl_(2x)O_(3x+1):Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+)(x=1～2)合成及其余辉特性分析

通过调节基质组份比例,研究了SrAl2xO3x+1∶Eu2+,Dy3+(x=1~2)荧光粉晶体结构,发光性质及长余辉特性。选取硝酸锶和硝酸铝作为基质原材料,硼酸氨和氟化铝作为助溶剂,采用阳离子草酸盐共沉淀,湿法预先混合原材料及分步合成等方法,制备了亮度高、余辉长及良好粒径分布的系列长余辉发光材料。基于对样品X射线衍射(XRD)图谱,扫描电子显微镜(SEM)照片,激发、发射光谱及余辉衰减曲线分析,发现SrAl2xO3x+1∶Eu2+,Dy3+具有良好的结晶状态;随x增加,发射光谱峰值从520 nm蓝移至470 nm;衰减到可辨认发光强度0.32 mcd/m2,余辉时间可相应地从30 h延长到60 h以上。通过分析发现表现不同余辉特性的主要原因是Eu2+在基质中具有不同浓度、不同衰减寿命的蓝、绿两种发光中心造成的,其中蓝发光中心寿命明显高于绿发光中心。     

Interphase boundaries and high piezoelectric activity of xPbTiO3-(1−x)Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 crystals

Model concepts of the interphase boundaries whose displacements are capable of substantially affecting the piezoelectric properties of xPbTiO₃-(1?x)Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ multidomain crystals in the R3m-P4mm morphotropic region are developed. The contributions of the interphase boundaries Δd ₃₃ to the piezoelectric modulus d ₃₃ are determined, and the factors responsible for the large ratios Δd ₃₃/d ₃₃≈0.5–0.9 are analyzed.     

Structural and magnetic properties with reversible magnetocaloric effect in PrSr1–xPbxMn2O6 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) double perovskite manganite structures

In this study, the effect of Pb substitution with Sr on structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Pr(Sr_1–xPb_x)Mn₂O₆ (0.1?≤?x?≤?0.3) double perovskite manganite compounds prepared by the sol–gel method has been reported. Crystallinity has been worked by X-ray diffraction measurement and the Rietveld refinement method, which shows all samples are in monoclinic structure with P21/n space group without impurity phase. Scanning electron microscope analysis shows that all samples constituted from square-shaped grains with distinct grain boundaries, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis shows that all expected elements are detected and there is no impurity element in the sample. All samples exhibit a magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase at T_C determined as 274, 282 and 286?K for x?=?0.1 (PSPM-1), 0.2 (PSPM-2) and 0.3 (PSPM-3) in the PrSr_1–xPb_xMn₂O₆ structure, respectively. Isothermal magnetisation curves near T_C are used to determine the nature of the magnetic phase transition and the magnetic entropy change values (?ΔS_M), which are found as 2.78, 3.11 and 3.52?J?kg^?1?K^?1 for PSPM-1, PSPM-2 and PSPM-3 samples, respectively. Relative cooling power (RCP) values of the samples are also determined as 241, 311 and 246?J?kg^?1 for PSPM-1, PSPM-2 and PSPM-3 samples, respectively. ΔS_M and RCP values are also calculated by using the Landau theory and the results are in accordance with the experimental results, which indicate the role of electron condensation energy and magneto-elastic coupling in magnetic entropy change value of the samples.     

Electro-optic effect in SrTiO3 and Sr1–x Ca x TiO3 (x = 0.014)

The results of the investigation of the quadratic electro-optic effect in Sr_1–x Ca _x TiO₃ with x = 0.014 (SCT) and in nominally pure SrTiO₃ (STO) at room temperature in applied direct-current (dc) and alternating-current (ac) electric fields have been presented. It has been shown that the quadratic (in polarization) electro-optic coefficients of STO and SCT crystals coincide within the accuracy of the determination (±5%). It has been found that, in nominally pure STO measured in a dc electric field, there is a relaxation of the electro-optic effect with a relaxation time τ ≈ 30 s due to the formation of a space charge in the sample. No similar effect in SCT has been observed. A possible mechanism for the formation of a space charge in STO and SCT has been discussed.     

An intermediate monoclinic phase and electromechanical interactions in xPbTiO3-(1−x)Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 crystals

The elastic matching of phases in the vicinity of the morphotropic phase boundary in xPbTiO₃-(1?x)Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ crystals is investigated in an external electric field with strength E ‖ [001]. The field dependences of the unit cell parameters of the monoclinic phase are determined experimentally in the range 0≤E≤2 MV/m. The results obtained are used in analyzing specific features in the electromechanical properties of xPbTiO₃-(1?x)Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ crystals (0.08?x?0.09), in which the monoclinic phase is intermediate between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases and can coexist with these phases. A correlation between the optimum volume concentrations of domains or twins in different two-phases states is revealed and interpreted for the first time.     

Neutron diffraction study of the oxide conducting δ1-phase of (Bi2O3)1−x(Y2O3)x (x=0.25)

The atomic parameters of the average cell of δ¹-Bi(Y)O_1.5 were determined by powder neutron diffraction. The evidence indicates that the disorder in the structure has many features in common with the structure of the oxygen deficient zirconia. Most oxygens (78%) are in sites displaced 0.335 Å along 〈100〉 directions from the normal fluorite positions, while a smaller proportion (22%) are displaced 0.80 Å along 〈111〉 directions and no oxygen remains in normal positions. In addition to the anion displacements a smaller displacement (0.25 Å) along the 〈111〉 direction was found for the cations. Comparison with the structure of β-Bi₂O₃ suggests that the displacements may be precursors to a δ→β phase transition.     

Crystallisation of magnetron sputtered amorphous Si1− x C x films (x = 1/3) studied by grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry

The crystallisation of amorphous Si_{1? x} C _x films (x = 1/3) produced via magnetron sputtering on silicon substrates was investigated. Grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry was used to analyse the crystalline precipitates obtained after annealing at temperatures between 1200°C and 1350°C. After annealing times of 15 h at 1200°C and 15 h at 1350°C, crystallisation of SiC is complete. The average crystallite size, d, was determined using the Scherrer equation. The rate constants for the initial growth of the crystallites were determined by straight line fits in the d ? t diagrams (t being the annealing time), which obey the Arrhenius law. The activation enthalpy of 4.0 ± 0.7 eV is, within error limits, the same as that found for the growth of silicon carbide crystallites in magnetron sputtered Si_{1? x} C _x films (x = 1/2).