Phenomenological model of superconductivity in U1−xThxBe13

A phenomenological model taking into account the interaction between superconductivity and the coherence of Kondo screening is introduced. This model describes the main experimental data on UBe₁₃, including the behaviour of T_c in U_1−xTh_xBe₁₃ under ambient and elevated pressures.     

Synthesis and superconductivity properties of Ba1−xKxBiO3

Ba_1?xK_xBiO₃ with x from 0.315 to 0.6 were successfully synthesized by molten salts method and characterized by XRD and magnetic susceptibility measurements. It is found that Ba_1?xK_xBiO₃ powders could directly be precipitated from KOH melts. Superconductivity has been observed in all samples and the highest superconducting transition temperature was found to be T_c = 30.6 K with x = 0.4. The lattice constant linearly depended on the potassium content in accord with the equation of a = 4.3548–0.1743x, and the decrease of the mole ratio of Bi³⁺/Bi⁵⁺ resulted in the increase of the potassium content, which suggested the disproportionation of Bi valence.     

Electrical resistivity and superconductivity of amorphous La−Ag alloys

We report on measurements of the electrical resistivity and the superconducting transition temperature of amorphous La–Ag alloys (60–74 at % La) obtained by liquid quenching. The temperature coefficient of the resistivity is always slightly negativ, its value cannot be described well by existing theories.T _c depends linearly on the La content and seems to be not very sensitive to the second alloy constituent.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. W. Buckel on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Oxygen thermodynamics and ion conductivity in the solid solution La1−xSrxCoO3−δ at large strontium content

The equilibrium oxygen content was measured in the model system and important oxygen permeable material La_1−xSr_xCoO_3−δ, where x=0.6, in the temperature range 650–900 °C and oxygen partial pressure range between 10⁻⁵ and 1 atm. The data were utilized to obtain changes in the partial entropy and enthalpy of oxygen in the solid as a function of the oxygen content. It is shown that the initially cubic perovskite undergoes to a phase transition to a tetragonal structure at δ >0.3. The oxygen permeation of L_0.4Sr_0.6CoO_3−δ at 700–900 °C is found to be controlled by bulk solid state processes. The activation energy equals about 0.8 eV at high oxygen pressure and small oxygen nonstoichiometry. Increasing oxygen deficiency results in a rapid increase in the activation energy. In combination with thermodynamic data, these changes can be explained as resulting from the intrinsic spatial inhomogeneouty in oxygen vacancy distribution which varies both with temperature and oxygen nonstoichiometry. It is shown that, when the oxygen deficiency increases at constant temperature, the oxygen vacancies form locally ordered microdomains (clusters), which eventually results in a transition of the cubic perovskite structure to the tetragonal structure. The oxygen ion conductivity depends strongly on the development of the ordering. Paper presented at the 6th Euroconference on Solid state Ionics, Cetraro, Calabria, Italy, Sept. 12–19, 1999.     

Pressure dependence of superconductivity in amorphous La100−xAlx alloys

The pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperatureT _c of amorphous La_100–x Al _x alloys (x=16.5, 20, 25, 30, 34) has been studied under hydrostatic pressure to 3.5 GPa and, additionally, forx=16.5 under quasihydrostatic pressure to 12 GPa. For amorphous samples having Al-concentrationx>20%, T _c /P is positive in sign and decreases linearly with increasingx, extrapolating atx=0 to the same value (+1.1 K/Gpa) determined for pure crystalline La. For thex=16.5 sample, however, T _c /P is observed to be anomalously large, more than twice the value expected. The present results are compared with previous studies on amorphous and crystalline La-systems.This paper is dedicated to Prof. Methfessel of this institution on his 60th birthdayThis work is supported by the Minister für Wissenschaft und Forschung des Landes Nordthein-Westfalen     

Microscopic theory of electron-phonon interaction and superconductivity of BaPb1−xBixO3

Electron-phonon coupling coefficients in BaPb_1−xBi_xO₃ are calculated microscopically on the basis of the tight-binding band model which utilizes energy band structures obtained with the use of the self-consistent LAPW method by Mattheiss and Hamann. Assuming the rigid-band model we calculate, as a function of Bi concentration x, the dimension-l less electron-phonon coupling constant λ in McMillan's strong-coupling theory of superconductor. We obtain large values of λ such as λ>1 for x>0.1. The origin of this large electron-phonon coupling is ascribed to: (i) the hybridization between 2pσ orbitals of 0 atoms and 6s orbitals of Pb or Bi atoms is large in the conduction band, (ii) this σ-bonding is strongly affected by a vibrational motion of 0 atoms in the direction connecting the 0 and Pb (Bi) atoms, and (iii) the mass of 0 atoms is light. We also evaluate superconducting transition temperature T_c as a function of x on the basis of the McMillan-Allen-Dynes equation. The results explain semi-quantitatively the observed x-dependence of T_c.     

Observation and analysis of the Xe−I collisional-pair photoassociation spectrum

The interpretation of the photoassociation spectrum arising in collisions of Xe and I atoms is refined with allowance for new data concerning the interaction potential of Xe and I collisional pairs. Spectroscopic constants for the XeI(B) state are determined:R′ _e =3.264961 Å,D′ _e =33,289.05 cm^?1,w′ _e =113.867826 cm^?1, andw′ _e x′ _e =0.238304 cm^?1.     

Binary pusher–puller mixtures of active microswimmers and their collective behaviour

ABSTRACT

Microswimmers are active particles of microscopic size that self-propel by setting the surrounding fluid into motion. According to the kind of far-field fluid flow that they induce, they are classified into pushers and pullers. Many studies have explored similarities and differences between suspensions of either pushers or pullers, but the behaviour of mixtures of the two is still to be investigated. Here, we rely on a minimal discrete microswimmer model, particle-resolved, including hydrodynamic interactions, to examine the orientational ordering in such binary pusher–puller mixtures. In agreement with existing literature, we find that our monodisperse suspensions of pushers do not show alignment, whereas those of solely pullers spontaneously develop ordered collective motion. By continuously varying the composition of the binary mixtures, starting from pure puller systems, we find that ordered collective motion is largely maintained up to pusher–puller composition ratios of about 1:2. Surprisingly, pushers when surrounded by a majority of pullers are more tightly aligned than indicated by the average overall orientational order in the system. Our study outlines how orientational order can be tuned in active microswimmer suspensions to a requested degree by doping with other species.     

Mixed-valence behaviour of impurities as a mechanism for superconductivity in IV–VI compounds

The properties of PbTe and SnTe doped with elements (indium and thallium), which create localized levels in an allowed band, are discussed from a point of view based on ideas from the theory of mixed-valence systems in the presence of the electron-lattice interaction. The qualitatively different properties of In and Tl in PbTe are attributed to different orders of the valence transition. It is shown that the electron-electron interaction induced by the virtual shift of the position of the localized level can explain the high superconducting transition temperature of PbTe doped with Tl and SnTe doped with In.     

The interplay of superconductivity and localization in Nd2−xCexCuO4+δ single crystal films

The influence of nonstoichiometric disorder on the in-plane resistivity and SC-transition has been investigated for Nd_2−xCe_xCuO_4+δ single crystal films (x=0.15 and 0.18). It is shown that with increasing of δ the in-plane normal state resistivity increases (the mean free path diminishes) and SC-transition temperature decreases with essential broadening of the transition region. The observed evolution from homogeneous metallic (and superconducting) Nd_2−xCe_xCuO_4+δ system to inhomogeneous dielectric one is described as Anderson-type disorder-induced transition in a two-dimensional electron system.     

Superconductivity and resistance behaviour of σ-phase alloys: Nb−Rh and Ta−Rh

Superconductivity, structure and electrical resistance behaviour of -phase alloys of Nb–Rh and Ta–Rh are investigated. The Ta–Rh alloys do not become superconducting above 1.2 K. The andH _c2 (0) values of a homogeneous alloy with the composition Nb_65.2Rh_34.8 are 2.95 K, 13.9 kG/K and 23 kG, respectively, whereas for an inhomogeneous alloy with the composition Nb_63.7Rh_36.3 these values are 4.24 K, 5.5 kG/K and 14 kG, respectively. Splat quenching results in a substantial increase in the andH _c2 (0) values of the Rh-rich sample. Annealing (900°C, 100 h) of the Rh-rich sample leads only to small changes in the superconducting properties but a small amount of Nb–Rh solid solution has been formed. The electrical resistance of Nb_65.2Rh_34.8 decreases with decreasing temperature and varies asT ^0.5 between 150 and 240 K and asT between 60 and 140 K. For Ta_70.0Rh_30.0 the temperature coefficient changes to negative values below 170K. values are calculated for Nb–Rh using McMillan's formula. An estimatedT _c value of Ta–Rh is 0.2 K. TheH _c2 (0) values of Nb–Rh are in good agreement with the theoreticalH _c ^2** (0) values.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. W. Buckel on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Spinglass behaviour of Zn1−xMnxSe and Zn1−xMnxTe semimagnetic semiconductors

The magnetic susceptibility of Zn_1−xMn_xSe (0.02 ≤ × ≤ 0.53) and Zn_1−xMn_xTe (0.07 ≤ × ≤ 0.21) was investigated in the temperature range 10 mK < T < 40 K. A paramagnetic spinglass transition was observed in the whole concentration range. The concentration dependence of the freezing temperature T_f was found to be compatible with a radial dependence of the exchange interaction between manganese ions of the type J(R) ∝ R^−6.8. It appears from the available data that this radial dependence is rather universal for all II–VI wide gap semimagnetic semiconductors. A comparison is also made with other semimagnetic semiconductors and the physical exchange mechanism is discussed.     

Effect of hydrostatic pressure on phase transition and superconductivity in LaAg x In1−x,LaCd and LaZn

Previous studies of phase transformation and superconductivity on LaAg under pressure are extended to further CsCl-compounds LaAg_0.5In_0.5, LaCd, and LaZn. The cubic-totetragonal transition temperatureT _M in LaAg_0.5In_0.5 and LaCd increases rapidly with pressure, whereas LaZn does not transform to 16 kbar. The present results are used to correct the dependence ofT _M onx in LaAg _x In_1–x to constant volume; the bell-shaped curveT _M (x) with maximum atx0.5 is thereby corrected to one whereT _M rises steeply with In concentration across the entire range. A possible correlation between the magnitude ofT _M and the extent ofd-band occupation is inferred. Above 1.17 K only LaZn is found to be superconducting withT _c (0)=1.65 K;T _c (P) passes through a shallow minimum at 6 kbar.     

Magnetotransport and superconductivity of α-uranium

We have measured the electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance and Hall effect on several new single-crystal samples and one polycrystalline sample of α-U. The residual resistivity ratios of these samples vary from 13 to 315. Matthiessen's law appears to hold above the onset of the charge-density wave phase transitions that begin near 43?K, but not below this temperature. Sharp features at all three charge-density wave transitions are observed and the effects of high magnetic fields on them are presented and discussed. The magnetoresistance is anisotropic, reaches 1000% at 2?K and 18?T and does not exhibit Kohler scaling. The Hall coefficient is positive, independent of magnetic field and slightly temperature dependent above about 40?K in agreement with earlier studies. Below 40?K the Hall coefficient changes sign as the temperature falls, varies with field and becomes much more strongly negative at the lowest temperatures than has been reported. Some of our results suggest that a spin-density wave may coexist with the charge-density wave states. Superconductivity is observed in two of our samples; we argue that it is intrinsic to α-U and suggest that it is consistent with a two-band model. Several parameters characterizing the transport and superconductivity of α-U are estimated.     

The thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluids in water, ethylene glycol, and ethylene glycol + water mixtures

We present new data on the thermal conductivity of nanofluids consisting of alumina nanoparticles dispersed in water, ethylene glycol, and ethylene glycol + water mixtures. We also demonstrate that our previously published model is able to describe the temperature, particle size, and particle volume fraction dependence of these nanofluids without any adjustable parameters, irrespective of the base fluid used (water, ethylene glycol, or water + ethylene glycol mixtures). Furthermore, we demonstrate how the model may be used to check the consistency of literature data on all alumina nanofluids.     

Magnetic properties of (Mn1 − x Fe x )1.68Sn solid solutions

Solid solutions in the (Mn_{1 ? x} Fe _x )_1.68Sn system (x ≤ 0.5) with a Ni₂In-type structure are synthesized by the solid-phase reaction method in a stepwise temperature regime. The unit cell parameters a and c decrease with an increase in the iron concentration in the alloys and become equal to a = 0.430 nm and c = 0.538 nm for the (Mn_0.5Fe_0.5)_1.68Sn alloy. A superstructure with the unit cell parameters a _ss = 3a and c _ss = c is revealed in alloys of the system under investigation. The specific magnetization of the alloys increases nonlinearly from 53 G cm³ g^?1 in the Mn_1.68Sn alloy to 72 G cm³ g^?1 in the (Mn_0.5Fe_0.5)_1.68Sn solid solution. The Curie temperature changes from 270 K in the initial alloy of the composition Mn_1.68Sn to 365 K in the alloy of the composition (Mn_0.5Fe_0.5)_1.68Sn. All solid solutions in the (Mn_{1 ? x} Fe _x )_1.68Sn (x ≤ 0.5) system exhibit metallic conductivity in the temperature range from 77 to 450 K.     

Lattice distortion in the solid solutions of UAsxSe1−x

The solid solutions of UAs_xSe_1−x for x = 0.10−0.40 were studied by X-ray diffraction at the temperature region 130–200 K. A rhomboedrical distortion of the crystal structure below T_c was observed. A dependence of an intersitial angle and coefficient of spontaneous magnetostriction on the temperature or the composition of samples was determined.     

Effect of annealing conditions on high temperature superconductivity in La2−xSrxCuO4

Abstract

Besides investigating a number of oxides of the series La_2?xM_xCuO₄ (M=Ba, Pb, Sr), we have, in this investigation emphasised on the studies of the effect of annealing conditions on superconducting properties of composition La_1.8Sr_0.2CuO₄. The effect is remarkable and is di'scuss'ed in the light of X-ray diffraction results. These samples, studied after a gap of two months, showed interesting changes which has been discussed in the present paper.     

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)     

Electrical conductivity of LiNb1−xTaxWO6

Polycrystalline LiNb_1−xTa_xWO₆, which is a lithium ionic conductor, is fabricated. This system forms a solid solution throughout the range of 0⩽x⩽1. The electrical conductivity of the LiNb_1−xTa_xWO₆ system is studied by the ac and the dc methods. LiNb_0.75Ta_0.25WO₆ shows the highest conductivity in the system, 1.0 × 10^-3 (S/m) at 150°C. The electronic transference number of this solid solution is generally less than 10^-3, and LiNb_0.75Ta_0.25WO₆ shows the smallest electronic transference number, 6 × 10^-5. In addition, the activation energy of lithium ionic conductivity is found to become higher as the Ta content increases.