The T-contribution to the electrical resistivity at low temperatures in NiAs-type Ni1−xS1−ySey

The y(1−y)-like maxima in Ni_0.98S_1−ySe_y are found beyond y_c in the y-dependences of the coefficient of the T² contribution to the resistivity and of the residual resistivity. Here, the critical concentration of the antiferromagnetic and less-conductive phase is determined to be y_c = 0.095.     

Structural and compositional analysis of InBixAsySb(1−x−y) films grown on GaAs(0 0 1) substrates by liquid phase epitaxy

The growth of epitaxial InBi_xAs_ySb_(1−x−y) layers on highly lattice mis-matched semi-insulating GaAs substrates has been successfully achieved via the traditional liquid phase epitaxy. Orientation and single crystalline nature of the film have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron micrograph shows abrupt interface at micrometer resolution. Surface composition of Bi(x) and As(y) in the InBi_xAs_ySb_(1−x−y) film was measured using energy dispersive X-ray analysis and found to be 2.5 and 10.5 at.%, respectively, and was further confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Variation of the composition with depth of the film was studied by removing the layers with low current (20 μA) Ar⁺ etching. It was observed that with successive Ar⁺ etching, In/Sb ratio remained the same, while the As/Sb and Bi/Sb ratios changed slightly with etching time. However after about 5 min etching the As/Sb and Bi/Sb ratios reached constant values. The room temperature band gap of InBi_0.025As_0.105Sb_0.870 was found to be in the range of 0.113–0.120 eV. The measured values of mobility and carrier density at room temperature are 3.1×10⁴ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 8.07×10¹⁶ cm⁻³, respectively.     

Luminescence from Si-Si1−xGex/Si1−yCy-Si structures

Near band edge photoluminescence has been obtained from Si_1−yC_y quantum well (QW) and neighboring Si_1−xGe_x/Si_1−yC_y double QW (DQW) structures. Enhanced no-phonon recombination is observed from the DQW structures and it is attributed to a breaking of the k-selection rule in the presence of the heterointerface. The luminescence persists for measurement temperatures up to 30–50 K and the intensity exhibits a quenching behavior with an activation energy equal to 8–20 meV. In electroluminescence only recombination in the Si_1−xGe_x layer has been observed from neighboring Si_1−xGe_x and Si_1−yC_y DQW structures.     

Temporary phase segregation processes during the oxidation of (Fe0.7Mn0.3)0.99O in N2---H2O atmosphere

A two-step thermochemical cycle with the ternary metal oxide system (Fe_{1 − x}Mn_x)₃O₄/(Fe_{1 − x}Mn_x)_{1 − y}O is applied to convert solar energy to chemical energy. Experimental investigations on the water splitting reaction of (Fe_{1 − x}Mn_x)_{1 − y}O revealed temporary formation of a manganese rich rock salt phase and an iron rich spinel phase due to phase segregation processes.     

Scattering-controlled recombination of Δ2-light-hole indirect excitons and apparently enhanced quantum confined Stark effect in tensilely strained Si1−yCy/Si (0 0 1) quantum wells

Anomalies are found in the near-band-edge luminescence properties of Δ₂-light-hole indirect excitons in Si_1−yC_y-based tensilely strained quantum wells (QWs). The experimental spectra exhibit a clear signature of phonon-assisted transitions on the lower energy side of the “no-phonon” transition, which indicates the relevance of “virtual” indirect valleys and in-plane k-dispersion, as opposed to the theoretical prediction that the zone-centered Δ₂ valleys take over the conduction band edge. Intervalley scattering between [0 0 1]-Δ₂ valleys and in-plane Δ₄ valleys is suggested as the underlying mechanism. On the other hand, the experimental evidence was found for “apparently enhanced” quantum-confined Stark red shifts for Si_1−yC_y-based QWs. However, quantitative estimates are in conflict with the experimental results and predict a blue shift due to exciton weakening which masks the Stark effect as in the case of Δ₄-heavy hole excitons in Si_1−xGe_x-based QWs.     

Observation of unrecoverable domains in two-dimensional-arrayed Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3−y junctions

Two-dimensional-arrayed 14×14 sandwich-type junctions of Au–Pr_1−xCa_xMnO_3−y (PCMO, x=0.5)–SrRuO₃ were fabricated on SrTiO₃ (0 0 1) substrates. The resistivity–voltage (ρ–V) characteristics of each junction was measured by a two-probe method. The junctions that return to the insulating state after removing the voltage (recoverable) and the ones that remain metallic (unrecoverable) were found to co-exist in one PCMO film. The variation in the lattice constant of the PCMO film, rather than the variation of the composition, is thought to be related to the separation of recoverable–unrecoverable domains. Among several samples with a PCMO layer fabricated under various conditions, the junctions with thin PCMO layers deposited at low temperature showed a pronounced hysteresis in their ρ–V characteristics. The clear hysteresis and good crystallinity of PCMO films were correlated.     

Effect of cobalt substitution on cationic distribution in LiNi1 − y CoyO2 electrode materials

A crystal chemistry study of LiNi_{1 − y}Co_yO₂ phases, used as positive electrode in lithium batteries, is presented. These materials crystallize in the rhombohedral system (space group: R m) with a layered structure. Rietveld profile refinement of the X-ray data shows that for low substitution amounts ( ≤ 0.20) extra-nickel ions are always present leading to the Li_{1 − z}Ni_{1 + z − t}CotO₂ (t = y(1 + z)) formula (z * > 0), while for y ≥ 0.30, a pure 2D structure is obtained (z = 0). The stabilization of the 2D character of the structure by cobalt substitution in lithium nickelate leads to the improvement of the electrochemical properties.     

Spectroscopic study of BixEu1−xVO4 and BiyGd1−yVO4 mixed oxides

The mixed oxides Bi_xEu_1−xVO₄ and Bi_yGd_1−yVO₄ crystallize in a zircon-type structure, for 0 <x < 0.6 and 0 < y < 0.64, and in a fergusonite-type structure, for 0.94 < x < 1 and 0.93 < y < 1. A process of competition between the dominant and the constrained effects of the lone-pair 6s² of Bi³⁺ is discussed. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopic studies of these mixed oxides are presented. The observed broad bands are attributed to charge transfer processes and the sharp peaks in the Bi_xEu_1−xVO₄ spectra are ascribed to intra-configurational 4f – 4ftransitions of the Eu³⁺ ion. The broad absorption shift in BiLnVO₄ (Ln : Eu and Gd) compounds to the longer wavelengths range, when Bi is introduced in the LnVO₄ lattice, is ascribed to charge transfer processes in a Bi-VO₄ center and are interpreted assuming a Jahn-Teller effect in the excited state of Bi³⁺. The concept of an internal pressure of Bi³⁺ ions is also used to explain the broad A-band shifts.     

Very strong interlayer exchange coupling in epitaxial Fe/Fe1−xSix/Fe trilayers (x=0.4–1.0)

Fe/Fe_1−xSi_x/Fe (x=0.4–1.0) wedge-type epitaxial trilayers with improved homogeneity are grown by co-evaporation from two electron-beam sources. The coupling strengths of the bilinear (J₁) and biquadratic (J₂) coupling terms are derived from Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectra and longitudinal MOKE hysteresis loops. The total coupling strength J=J₁+J₂ increases dramatically with increasing x and reaches values in excess of 6 mJ/m².     

Magnetic properties of the pyrite type FexCo1−x−yNiyS2 system

The magnetic phase diagram of the Fe_xCo_1−x−yNi_yS₂ system was determined. Ferromagnetic (F)-, antiferromagnetic (AF )- and paramagnetic (P) phases were found. In the triangular diagram, the F-phase appears along the CoS₂-FeS₂ line, the AF-phase around NiS₂ and the P-phase between the F- and AF-phases. Discussions are given on the F-phase.     

Mixed electronic and ionic conductivity of LaCo(M)O3 (M=Ga, Cr, Fe or Ni).: V. Oxygen permeability of Mg-doped La(Ga, Co)O3−δ perovskites

The LaGa_1−x−yCo_xMg_yO_3−δ solid solutions with rhombohedrally-distorted perovskite structure were ascertained to form in the concentration range of 0≤y≤0.10 at x=0.60 and 0≤y≤0.20 at x=0.35–0.40. Increasing cobalt content results in increasing electrical conductivity and thermal expansion of the perovskites. Thermal expansion coefficients of the LaGa_1−x−yCo_xMg_yO_3−δ ceramics were calculated from the dilatometric data to vary in the range of 12.4–19.8×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 300–1100 K. Doping La(Ga,Co)O_3−δ solid solutions with magnesium leads to increasing oxygen nonstoichiometry, electronic and oxygen ionic conductivity. Oxygen permeation fluxes through LaGa_1−x−yCo_xMg_yO_3−δ membranes were found to be limited by the bulk ionic conduction and to increase with magnesium concentration, being essentially independent of cobalt content.     

Annealing effects on the magnetization of Co–Ni–B amorphous nanoparticles

Chemically prepared (Co_xNi_1−x)_1−yB_y (x=0.5, 0.75, 1; y≈0.4) amorphous fine particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, DTA and TGA, and in situ magnetic measurement as a function of annealing temperature in an inert atmosphere. Magnetic measurement performed in as-prepared and 150°C annealed samples shows an increase of the saturation magnetization and magnetic moment after thermal treatment. Room temperature magnetization increases by factors of 3.5, 1.8, and 1.5, for x=0.5, 0.75, and 1, respectively. These measurements may indicate a local re-ordering of the amorphous phase at temperatures much lower than the full crystallization temperature.     

The anomalous behaviour of Gd atoms (Fe1−xMnx)2 compounds

The educed Gd atoms in the X-structure (Th₆Mn₂₃-type) of Gd(Fe_1−xMn_x)₂ were magnetically investigated by comparing with Gd₆(Fe_1−yMn_y)₂₃ whose structure is Th₆Mn₂₃-type. The magnetic properties of Gd(Fe_1−xMn_x)₂ (0.4≤x≤0.7) were observed to be quite similar to those of Gd₆(Fe_1−yMn_y)₂₃ (0.4≤y≤0.7).     

Magnetic properties of Sm–Co–B-based nanocomposite magnets

The magnetic properties of nanocomposite melt-spun magnets with composition Sm_16−xCo_68+xB₁₆ (x=0–10, 2 at% interval) and Sm₈Co_92−yB_y (y=10–18, 2 at% interval) have been studied systematically. Several ribbons were fabricated with a wheel speed of 50 m/s, followed by annealing in the temperature range of 700–800°C for 2.5–40 min. XRD results and magnetization versus temperature curves showed that almost all of the samples were composed of the tetragonal Sm₂Co₁₄B and rhombohedral SmCo₁₂B₆ phases which are not magnetically hard at room temperature. However, a relatively high coercivity in the range of 3.5–5.5 kOe has been obtained in these samples. The highest coercivity of 5.5 kOe and a very promising β value of −0.28%/°C were obtained in Sm₈Co₇₄B₁₈ ribbons annealed at 750°C for 5 min. The high coercivities are attributed to the small grain size of the 2 : 14 : 1 phase, in which the large surface areas enhance its effective anisotropy, and make it uniaxial type.     

Perovskite-like system (Sr,La)(Fe,Ga)O3−δ: structure and ionic transport under oxidizing conditions

The maximum solid solubility of gallium in the perovskite-type La_1−xSr_xFe_1−yGa_yO_3−δ (x=0.40–0.80; y=0–0.60) was found to vary in the approximate range y=0.25–0.45, decreasing when x increases. Crystal lattice of the perovskite phases, formed in atmospheric air, was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction and identified as cubic. Doping with Ga results in increasing unit cell volume, while the thermal expansion and total conductivity of (La,Sr)(Fe,Ga)O_3−δ in air decrease with gallium additions. The average thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) are in the range (11.7–16.0)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 300–800 K and (19.3–26.7)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 800–1100 K. At oxygen partial pressures close to atmospheric air, the oxygen permeation fluxes through La_1−xSr_xFe_1−yGa_yO_3−δ (x=0.7–0.8; y=0.2–0.4) membranes are determined by the bulk ambipolar conductivity; the limiting effect of the oxygen surface exchange was found negligible. Decreasing strontium and gallium concentrations leads to a greater role of the exchange processes. As for many other perovskite systems, the oxygen ionic conductivity of La_1−xSr_xFe_1−yGa_yO_3−δ increases with strontium content up to x=0.70 and decreases on further doping, probably due to association of oxygen vacancies. Incorporation of moderate amounts of gallium into the B sublattice results in increasing structural disorder, higher ionic conductivity at temperatures below 1170 K, and lower activation energy for the ionic transport.     

High field magnetization of the Laves phase compounds M(Co1−xAlx)2 (M = Y, Lu)

Magnetization measurements have been carried out on the Laves phase compounds M(Co_1−xAl_x)₂(M = Y, Lu) up to 42 T. Sharp metamagnetic transitions with small hysteresis are found in Y(Co_1−xAl_x)₂, while broad transitions with large hysteresis are found in Lu(Co_1−xAl_x)₂. The results suggest that the former compounds are magnetically homogeneous but the latter inhomogenous.     

Magnetic order in palladium-based Heusler alloys part 3: The effects of disorder in Pd2MnIn1−xSn and Pd2MnIn1−ySb

Magnetization, susceptibility, X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements have already been reported in parts 1 and 2 on the two alloy series Pd₂MnIn_1−xSn_x and Pd₂MnIn_1−ySb_y when chemically ordered in the Heusler structure, with the Mn atoms on an fcc sublattice and carrying a moment of about 4.2μ_B ordered antiferromagnetically or ferromagnetically depending upon the conduction electron concentration. Results are presented here of similar measurements on the same samples, but after heat-treatments designed to produce maximum disorder between the Mn and In/Sn or In/Sb sites, respectively, whilst retaining the Pd order. In this disordered, B2, structure the Mn atoms retain the same magnetic moment but now occupy a simple cubic sublattice and form a new antiferromagnetic structure, simple cubic type 1. The results are discussed in terms of current indirect double resonance exchange interactions.     

Itinerant electron ferromagnetism in the Laves phase compounds Se(Co1−xAlx)2 and Lu(Co1−yAly)2

Typical weak itinerant ferromagnetism has been found in Sc(Co_1−xAl_x)₂, which a magnetism and higher Curie temperatures. Magnetic for X = 0.10. Lu(Co_1−yAl_y)₂ also shows ferromagnetism with much larger moments anad higher Curie temperatures. Magnetic and nonmagnetic Co atoms coexist in 0.06 < y < 0.12.     

Influence of Nd substitution on the superconducting properties of ceramics in the 2212 system Bi2−wPbwSr2−xCa1−yNdx+yCu2O8+z

In the system Bi_2−wPb_wSr_2−xCa_1−yNd_x+yCu₂O_8+z different fractions of Nd are substituted on either Sr of Ca sites in order to introduce intrinsic insulating pinning centres. It is shown that a Nd concentration around x or y = 0.2 is likewise favourable with an average Nd---Nd distance in the range of the coherence length in the a, b-plane. However, clear evidence of flux pinning is only present for charge compensation with Pb²⁺. A simultaneous substitution of the Bi-based 2212 superconductor with moderate amounts of Nd³⁺ and Pb²⁺ improves the superconducting properties by strengthening the flux pinning forces.     

Effect of Pr and Ca substitution on superconductivity in Y(1−x−yPrxCay)Ba2Cu3O7−δ

Pr substituted at constant Ca concentration for Y in (Y_1−x−yPr_xCa_y)Ba₂Cu₃O_7−δ superconductors have been prepared under identical conditions and the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of these samples are measured. The resistively determined values of T_c decrease linearly with increasing x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) for constant y = 0.10 and 0.15 which provides convincing evidence that the suppression of superconductivity by Pr is mainly due to magnetic pair breaking. The suppression of superconductivity can also be correlated to the observed changes in oxygen content determined by iodometric analysis and to the average Cu-valences. However, it is found that the observed suppression of T_c cannot be compensated by appropriate hole doping with Ca.