Incommensurate cooperative tilting modes of MnF6 octahedra relatedto the structural phasetransitions in BaMnF4

The structural phase transitions of the layer compound BaMnF₄ were studied by high-resolution X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. The intensities and profiles of two kinds of superlattice reflections having incommensurate reduced wave vectors q ₁= (～ ± 1/5,0,0) _p and q ₂ =(～ ± 2/5,1/2,1/2)_p, respectively, were measured as a function of temperature from 25 K to 280 K. These temperature dependencies show that incommensurate structural phase transitions of second order occur at 234 K and 244 K. These structural phase transitions are interpreted as successive condensations of a folding-screen-like incommensurate plane-distortion mode and a commensurate anti-ferro-distortive tilting mode of the MnF₆ octahedra around the primitive a₀ - and b₀ -axes, when cooled down. It is also found that there is another structural phase transition at about 45 K related to a precursor structural distortion for the antiferromagnetic transition occurring at about 26 K.     

Temperature dependence of the indirect band gap, steepness parameter and related optical constants of [Kx(NH4)1−x]2ZnCl4 mixed crystals

Optical transmittance measurements near the absorption edge of [K_x(NH₄)_1−x]₂ZnCl₄ mixed crystals, where x=0.00, 0.232, 0.522, 0.644, 0.859 and 1.00, are reported over 276–350 K range. Analysis reveals that the type of transition is the indirect allowed one. The absorption edge shifted towards lower energy with increasing temperature. It is shown that [K_x(NH₄)_1−x]₂ZnCl₄ mixed crystals with x0.644 reveal a phase transition at 319 K, this phase disappeared at high concentrations of K⁺ ions. The steepness parameter is given, its value is used to estimate the temperature dependence of the indirect energy gap. In the region of the absorption edge, the absorption coefficient obeys Urbach's rule. Urbach parameters are investigated as a function of temperature.     

Orthorhombic structure: a necessity in superconducting 1-2-3 compounds

X-ray and resistivity measurements on YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (1-2-3) samples show that for the same but low oxygen concentration,δ⋍0·55, no superconducting transition down to 4·2 K is observed for the tetragonal phase samples while the orthorhombic phase shows aT _c ∼ 31 K. The effect of oxygen concentration onT _c is isolated.T _c=91±1 K has, however, been observed continuously for the normal oxygen annealed samples,δ⋍0·07. The experimental results suggest strongly the necessity of the 1-2-3 compound to be in the orthorhombic phase for the superconducting mechanism to be operative.     

DSC study of superionic phase transition in (NH4)4H2(SeO4)3 single crystals

DSC and complex impedance studies of the protonic conductor (NH₄)₄H₂(SeO₄)₃, which undergoes a superionic phase transition of first order at T_s = 378 K show that the activation energy of ionic conductivity d(lg σ)/dt and the ordering enthalpy ΔC_p of the crystal are proportional: d(lg σ)/dT = XΔC_p/RT_s + const, as found for MAg₄I₅ crystals undergoing a second-order superionic phase transition. Thus the short-range order environment of the species involved in fast-ion transport plays the main role in the superionic phase transition. This is also supported by the value of the entropy change at T_s, ΔS = 43 J/mole·K. A new metastable phase was found to be induced on heating the (NH₄)₄H₂(SeO₄)₃ crystal above T_s.     

Phase transition and linear thermal expansion of (Pb1− x Ba x )ZrO3 ceramics

(Pb_{1? x} Ba _x )ZrO₃ ceramics for the composition range 0?≤?x?≤?0.30 were prepared by the mixed oxide solid state reaction method. Phase transition was studied by dielectric and dilatometric measurements. The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition temperature was progressively shifted to a lower temperature by replacing lead with barium. The x?=?0.20 sample showed the maximum dielectric constant of 16,300 at the transition temperature. For compositions 0?≤?x?≤?0.075, the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition exhibited a large linear thermal expansion. However, the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition did not exist for 0.10?≤?x?≤?0.30 samples. A phase diagram for PBZ ceramics prepared by the conventional mixed oxide method was also present.     

Magnetic transition and large reversible magnetocaloric effect in EuCu1.75P2 compound

The magnetocaloric effect(MCE) in EuCu1.75P2 compound is studied by the magnetization and heat capacity measurements.Magnetization and modified Arrott plots indicate that the compound undergoes a second-order phase transition at TC ～ 51 K.A large reversible MCE is observed around TC.The values of maximum magnetic entropy change(-△SxMma) reach 5.6 J·kg-1·K-1 and 13.3 J·kg-1·K-1 for the field change of 2 T and 7 T,respectively,with no obvious hysteresis loss in the vicinity of Curie temperature.The corresponding maximum adiabatic temperature changes(△Tadmax) are evaluated to be 2.1 K and 5.0 K.The magnetic transition and the origin of large MCE in EuCu1.75P2 are also discussed.     

Pulverization of the flux line lattice, the phase coexistence and the spinodal temperature of the order—disorder transition in a weakly pinned crystal of Yb3Rh4Sn13

We have studied metastability effects pertaining to the peak effect (PE) in critical current density (J _c) via isofield scans in AC susceptibility measurements in a weakly pinned single crystal of Yb₃Rh₄Sn₁₃ (T _c(0) ≈ 7.6 K). The order-disorder transition in this specimen proceeds in a multi-step manner. The phase coexistence regime between the onset temperature of the PE and the spinodal temperature (where metastability effects cease) seems to comprise two parts, where ordered and disordered regions dominate the bulk behavior, respectively. The PE line in the vortex phase diagram is argued to terminate at the low field end at a critical point in the elastic (Bragg) glass phase.     

La2-xNdxCuO4+δ(0.1≤x≤1.2)体系中滞弹性弛豫与相变内耗研究

通过对La_2-xNd_xCuO_4+δ(0.1≤x≤1.2)体系中滞弹性弛豫与相变内耗性能的研究发现,当0.1≤x≤1.0时,在250K左右存在一个与间隙氧有关的弛豫内耗峰,并且当0.1≤x≤0.4时,弛豫内耗峰峰高随着x值的增大而升高,此时体系为正交结构;当0.5≤x≤1.0时,体系在宏观上呈现四方结构,此时内耗峰峰高随着x< 关键词： 2-xNd_<i>xCuO_4+δ')" href="#">La_2-xNd_<i>xCuO_4+δ 间隙氧 弛豫内耗峰 相变内耗峰     

Quasi-two-dimensional magnetism in (CnH2n+1NH3)2CuCl4 studied by electron paramagnetic resonance

The quasi-two-dimensional magnetism in the layered transition metal compound (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂CuCl₄ (n=10, 14) was investigated by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. As a result, the high temperature magnetic phase transitions were reflected in the EPR parameters in a sensitive manner.     

NiS2-xSex在x=1.00附近的反铁磁量子相变

针对NiS_2-xSe_x系统在x=1.0０附近发生的反铁磁量子相变,制备了一系列NiS_2-xSe_x(x=0.96, 0.98, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10和1.20)多晶样品,对其结构、磁性质和电阻率进行了系统的观测.结果发现：样品磁化率-温度关系呈现典型的强关联电子系统特征;与铜氧化物超导体相类似,它们的电阻率-温度关系在很宽的温 关键词： 量子相变 反铁磁自旋涨落 2-xSe_x体系')" href="#">NiS_2-xSe_x体系     

A review of: “Advances in phase transitions”

From specific heat, thermal expansion, and dielectric constant measurements between 150 and 300 K we have confirmed the low temperature phase transition in barium chloride dihydrate (BaCl₂.2H₂O) at 195 ± 1 K. This transition appears to be associated with the local ordering (or displacements) of the two water molecules in the crystal. A “pseudospin” type model is proposed to explain the transition mechanism.     

The studies of high-temperature and short-time annealing,phase transition process,and magnetic property for LaFe11.7Si1.3 compound

The high-temperature phase transition is analyzed according to the DSC of as-cast LaFe_11.7 Si_1.3 compound and the X-ray patterns of LaFe_11.7Si_1.3 compounds prepared by high-temperature and short-time annealing. Large amount of 1:13 phase begins to appear in LaFe_11.7Si_1.3 compound annealed near the melting point of LaFeSi phase (about 1422?K). When the annealing temperature is close to the temperature of peritectic reaction (about 1497?K), the speed of 1:13 phase formation is the fastest. The phase relation and microstructure of the LaFe_11.7Si_1.3 compounds annealed at 1523?K (5?h), 1373?K (2?h)?+?1523?K (5?h), and 1523?K (7?h) +1373?K (2?h) show that longer time annealing near peritectic reaction is helpful to decrease the impurity phases. For studying the influence of different high-temperature and short-time annealing on magnetic property, the Curie temperature, thermal, and magnetic hystereses, and the magnetocaloric effect of LaFe_11.7Si_1.3 compound annealed at three different temperatures are also investigated. Three compounds all keep the first order of magnetic transition behavior. The maximal magnetic entropy change ΔS_M (T, H) of the samples is 12.9, 16.04, and 23.8?J?kg^?1?K^?1 under a magnetic field of 0–2?T, respectively.     

Anomalous behaviour of sound velocity in the highT c superconductor YBa2Cu3O7

The longitudinal acoustic wave velocity in YBa₂Cu₃O₇ has been measured in the range 300 to 85 K using the ultrasonic pulse superposition technique. The sound velocity shows a steep drop in its value at 260 K and decreases continuously till the superconducting transition temperature. BelowT _c the sound velocity increases steeply. A hysteresis is seen when the experiments are performed during a cooling-warming cycle. The results are compared with recent measurements by Ewertet al on the samples with the same chemical composition.     

Dielectric behavior and low temperature phase transition in NH4IO3

The electrical properties namely ac conductivity σ(ω,?T) and the complex dielectric permittivity (ε*) are measured at selected frequencies (5–100?kHz) as function of temperature (95?K?T?4IO₃. The ferroelectric hysteresis loops and the X-ray diffraction pattern are also measured. The analysis of the data indicates that the compound undergoes a structural phase transition at ～103?K and the behavior of σ(ω,?T) obeys the power law. The trend of the temperature dependence of the angular frequency exponent s (0?s?4IO₃; (2) the data indicate that the compound undergoes a structural phase transition at 103?K; (3) the originality of this transition has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction; (4) no evidence for the existence of a ferroelectric transition at 103?K as mentioned earlier; and (5) the quantum mechanical tunneling is proposed as the main mechanism of the electric conduction.     

Crystallographic and magnetic phase transition in TlMnCl3

The results of our NMR, EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements in the paramagnetic state of TlMnCl₃ are reported here. The NMR paramagnetic shift of thallium is found to be small but positive. Mn²⁺ EPR line is exchange narrowed. The susceptibility measurements indicate an antiferromagnetic transition. The heat of crystallographic phase transition ΔH, in TlMnCl₃ has been measured using differential scanning calorimetry. The crystallographic phase transition appears to be first order and ΔH is unusually low viz. 10 cal mole⁻¹. In the case of KMnF₃ Δ_H, which is reported here for the first time, is determined to be 2 cal mole⁻¹.     

Specific heat and latent heat of KMnF3 ferroelastic crystal

The specific heat and the heat flux exchanged by a single crystal of KMnF₃ have been measured simultaneously while cooling the sample at constant rate of 0·06 K/h through the phase transition at T ₀= 186 K. The phase transition is weakly first order and close to a tricritical point. The temperature dependence at T185 K of the excess specific heat and the excess entropy follow very well the predictions of a Landau potential at a tricritical point.     

Preface

Phenylethyl ammonium trichloromercurate exhibits a structural phase transition at 402K Phase I—(402K)→ Phase II

This transition has been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric measurements and X-ray diffraction. The space groups and the cell parameters of both phases were determined by X-ray diffraction from single crystals and powder samples. Phase I has space group I2 or I2/m, a = 25.88(2) Å, b = 7.792(3) Å; c = 5.971(4) Å; β = 96.14(1)°. Phase II has orthorhombic symmetry, space group Cmm2 or C222 with a = 25.91(1) Å; b = 7.836(5) Å; c = 6.116(4) Å.     

A new high-pressure polymorph of Ti2O3: implication for high-pressure phase transition in sesquioxides

The post-corundum phase transition has been investigated in Ti₂O₃ on the basis of synchrotron X-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell and transmission electron microscopy. The new polymorph of Ti₂O₃ was found at about 19 GPa and 1850 K, and this phase was stable even at about 40 GPa. A new polymorph of Ti₂O₃ can be indexed on a Pnma orthorhombic cell, and the unit-cell parameters are a=7.6965 (19) Å, b=2.8009 (9) Å, c=7.9300 (23) Å, V=170.95 (15) Å³ at 19 GPa, and a=7.8240 (2) Å, b=2.8502 (1) Å, c=8.1209 (3) Å, V=181.10 (1) Å³ at ambient conditions. The Birch–Murnaghan equation of state yields K ₀=206 (3) GPa and K′₀=4 (fixed) for corundum phase, and K ₀=296 (4) GPa and K′₀=4 (fixed) for the post-corundum phase. The molar volume decreases by 12% across the phase transition at around 20 GPa. The structural identification was carried out on a recovered sample by the Rietveld method, and a new polymorph of Ti₂O₃ can be identified as Th₂S₃-type rather than U₂S₃-type structure. The transition from corundum-type to Th₂S₃-type structure accompanies the drastic change of the form of polyhedron: from TiO₆ octahedron in the corundum-type to TiO₇ polyhedron in the Th₂S₃-type structures.     

Effects of substitution on low-temperature physical properties of LuFe2Ge2

The low-temperature magnetic phase transition in LuFe₂Ge₂ is thought to be associated with itinerant magnetism. The effects of Y and Sc substitutions on the Lu site, as well as Ru and Co substitutions on the Fe site, on the low-temperature magnetic phase transition of the LuFe₂Ge₂ compound have been studied in single crystals via microscopic, thermodynamic and transport measurements. On one hand, Co substitution suppresses the transition below our base temperature of 2?K even at our lowest substitution level. On the other hand, Sc substitution enhances the transition temperature, and Y or Ru substitution suppresses the transition to lower temperature. Phase diagrams for Y, Sc and Ru substitutions have been constructed and the possibility of a unifying, composite diagram is discussed.