K-doping effect of the superconductivity in K2xFeTe1-xSx (0.07≤x≤0.3)

Bulk samples of K doping K_2xFeTe_1-xS_x with x = 0.07, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 are successfully prepared by using easy-to-use stable compound K₂S as the reactant. The lattice constant calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that K ions enter the Fe-Te-S layers. K doping is beneficial enhance the superconductivity transition temperature from the R-T curves. The apparent diamagnetic signal is observed in M-T curves when the content of K is smaller than 0.1. However, differential curves (dM/dT) in K-rich samples appear sharp slope mutations, which means that the Meissner effect signal is covered by the increased excess ferromagnetic ions. The number of excess Fe magnetic ions is proportional to K content, which may play an important role in determining the superconductivity.     

Superconductivity in Pb-1212–Cu1−xPbxSr2Y0.6Ca0.4Cu2O7 (x = 0.5–0.9)

We report synthesis and superconductivity of Pb-1212–Cu_1?xPb_xSr₂Y_0.6Ca_0.4Cu₂O₇ (x = 0.5–0.9) compounds. These compounds were synthesized through solid-state reaction route with optimized sintering temperatures and conditions. In particular, one needs to employ reducing atmosphere conditions to achieve superconductivity in higher Pb content samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveals that all the compounds are crystallized in space group P4/mmm RE-123 structure. Superconductivity at 56 K (onset) is achieved for Pb content as high as 90%. Our study reveals that superconductivity and structure stabilization in Pb-based are more critical to synthesizing conditions than other cuprates. It is concluded that superconductivity can be introduced in Pb-1212 compounds by synthesizing the same in reducing atmosphere and thus the Pb in lower (<+4) valence state. This ensures the replacement of Cu–O_x chains of RE-123 by Pb–O_x sheets acting as charge reservoir carrier donating blocks.     

Anomalous magnetic and superconducting properties in a Ru-based double perovskite

We have studied the double perovskite [1] structure Sr₂Y(Ru_1-x Cu_x)O₆ system. The parent compound is an antiferromagnetic insulator with Neel temperature ～ 26 K. Partially substituted the Ru ion by Cu the compounds increase their conductivity drastically and eventually become superconducting. More intriguingly is the observation of the coexistence of superconductivity and magnetic ordering. The superconducting transition temperature T _c and the magnetic ordering temperature T _m are of the same order. The observed magnetic structure and superconductivity of these compounds can be understood in terms of a plausible theoretical model based on the double exchange idea.     

Studies on the superconductivity for the “111” type iron arsenide superconductor

The “111” type Li _x FeAs (x ranges from 0.8 to 1.2) with Cu₂Sb type tetragonal structure was synthesized with T _c 18 K. The isostructure NaFeAs was further studied, which shows superconductivity with T _c up to 26 K. The effect of pressure on superconductivity was investigated.     

High-pressure synthesis of superconducting Nb1−xB2 (x=0–0.48) with the maximum Tc=9.2 K

Superconductivity with T_c above 9 K was found in metal-deficient NbB₂ prepared under 5 GPa, while no clear superconductivity was observed down to 3 K in stoichiometric NbB₂. The superconductivity was observed above x=0.04 in Nb_1−xB₂, and the lattice parameters also changed abruptly at x=0.04. As x increased, the transition temperature T_c slightly rose and fell with the maximum value of 9.2 K at x=0.24 for the samples sintered at 5 GPa and 1200 °C. The T_c-value changed in the range from 7 to 9 K, depending on the sintering pressure. A series of Ta_1−xB₂ (0⩽x⩽0.24) was also synthesized under high pressure to examine a special effect of high-pressure synthesis.     

Phase diagram and oxygen annealing effect of FeTe1−xSex iron-based superconductor

Phase diagrams of as-grown and O₂-annealed FeTe_1?xSe_x determined from magnetic susceptibility measurement were obtained. For as-grown samples, the antiferromagnetic order was fully suppressed in the range region x≥0.15, and weak superconductivity appeared when x≥0.1. Beginning at x=0.5, weak superconductivity was found to evolve into bulk superconductivity. Interestingly, for O₂-annealed samples, complete suppression of magnetic order and the occurrence of bulk superconductivity were observed when x≥0.1. We found that O₂-annealing induces bulk superconductivity for FeTe_1?xSe_x. Oxygen probably plays a key role in the suppression of the magnetic order and the appearance of bulk superconductivity.     

Superconductivity in Ba1−x KxBiO3: Possible scenario of spatially separated Fermi-Bose mixture

We propose a new scenario for the metal-insulator phase transition and superconductivity in the perovskite-like bismuthates Ba_1?x K_xBiO₃ (BKBO) based on our EXAFS studies. We show that two types of charge carriers, the local pairs (real-space bosons) and the itinerant electrons, exist in the metallic compound Ba_{1? x} K_xBiO₃ (x≥0.37). The real-space bosons are responsible for the charge transport in semiconducting BaBiO₃ and for superconductivity in the metallic BKBO. The appearance of the Fermi liquid state as the percolation threshold is overcome (x≥0.37) explains the observed metal-insulator phase transition. Because bosons and fermions occupy different types of the octahedral BiO₆ complexes, they are separated in real space, and therefore, the spatially separated Fermi-Bose mixture of a new type is likely to be realized in the bismuthates. The nature of superconductivity is consistently explained in the framework of this scenario. A new superconducting oxide Ba_1?x La_xPbO₃ has been successfully synthesized to check our conclusions.     

Superconductivity induced by doping Ru in SrFe2−xRuxAs2

Using one-step solid state reaction method, we have successfully synthesized the superconductor SrFe_1−xRu_xAs. X-ray diffraction indicates that the material has formed the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure with a space group I4/mmm. The systematic evolution of the lattice constants demonstrates that the Fe ions are successfully replaced by the Ru. By increasing the doping content of Ru, the spin-density-wave (SDW) transition in the parent compound is suppressed and superconductivity emerges. The maximum superconducting transition temperature is found at 13.5 K with the doping level of x = 0.7. The temperature dependence of DC magnetization confirms superconducting transitions at around 12 K. Our results indicate that similar to non-isoelectronic substitution, isoelectronic substitution contributes to changes in both the carrier concentration and internal pressure, and superconductivity could be induced by isoelectronic substitution.     

Non-magnetic impurity effect on the optimally carrier doped superconductor BaFe1.87Co0.13As2 prepared at ambient pressure

We report properties of the Zn-substituted polycrystalline superconductors BaFe_1.87?xZn_xCo_0.13As₂ (x = 0, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08) prepared at ambient pressure condition. Electrical conductivity and magnetization measurements revealed that the superconductivity is suppressed by at most 2% substitution of Zn, which shows typical behavior of an anisotropically gaped superconductivity rather than an isotropically gaped superconductivity. With increasing the amount of Zn, weak change in superconductivity was observed. It is likely impossible to obtain BaFe_1.87?xZn_xCo_0.13As₂ crystals with x > 0.04 at ambient pressure condition. On the basis of the structural and the physical properties of the present system, we discuss a possible mechanism of the superconducting pairing.     

Metal-insulator transition and superconductivity in Hg-doped BaPb0.75Bi0.25O3

The effects of mercury doping on the superconductivity, crystal structure, and electronic structure have been investigated in Hg-doped BaPb_0.75Bi_0.25O₃ (BaPb_0.75−xHg_xBi_0.25O₃, BPHBO) by magnetic measurement, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). At lower doping levels, the system is metallic and superconducting. However, the superconductivity is fully suppressed by Hg doping at x>0.25 and recovered with further increase in Hg content at x>0.3, showing a superconductivity reentrant phenomenon. XPS analysis reveals that BPHBO experiences dual metal-insulator transitions (MITs) at these two superconductivity points, which are accompanied by lattice distortions, suggesting that they may be driven by Peierls transitions. The first MIT may be a Mott-transition, while the second may be due to competition between the band filling effect and modification of the charge-disproportionate state.     

A new (Hg,V)-based 1212-type cuprate (Hg,V) Sr2(Y,Ca) Cu2Oz with Tc(onset) up to 110 K

We have successfully synthesized a new (Hg, V)-based 1212-type cuprate (Hg_1?x V _x )Sr₂(Y_1?y Ca _y )Cu₂O _z . The electrical resistance measurements showed that some of the as-synthesized materials with proper Hg/V and Y/Ca ratios exhibit weak superconductivity. Oxygen-annealing significantly improved their superconducting behavior, andT _c(onset) up to 110 K was observed. The lattice parameters of (Hg,V)-1212 were found to be in the order ofa=3.8415(1) Å andc=11.8514(6) Å. Substitu ting mercury atoms by vanadium ones results in an important increase of thea parameter and an important decrease of thec parameter compared to the known Hg-based Sr-bearing compounds. The crystal structure of (Hg, V)-1212 was refined by Rietveld refinement against X-ray powder data using the tetragonal symmetry of space groupP4/mmm. The V and Cu valence states and superconductivity in this new (Hg, V)-1212 cuprate are briefly discussed.     

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.     

A new (Hg,V)-based 1212-type cuprate (Hg,V) Sr2(Y,Ca) Cu2Oz with Tc(onset) up to 110 K

We have successfully synthesized a new (Hg, V)-based 1212-type cuprate (Hg_1?x V _x )Sr₂(Y_1?y Ca _y )Cu₂O _z . The electrical resistance measurements showed that some of the as-synthesized materials with proper Hg/V and Y/Ca ratios exhibit weak superconductivity. Oxygen-annealing significantly improved their superconducting behavior, andT _c(onset) up to 110 K was observed. The lattice parameters of (Hg,V)-1212 were found to be in the order ofa=3.8415(1) Å andc=11.8514(6) Å. Substitu ting mercury atoms by vanadium ones results in an important increase of thea parameter and an important decrease of thec parameter compared to the known Hg-based Sr-bearing compounds. The crystal structure of (Hg, V)-1212 was refined by Rietveld refinement against X-ray powder data using the tetragonal symmetry of space groupP4/mmm. The V and Cu valence states and superconductivity in this new (Hg, V)-1212 cuprate are briefly discussed.     

Superconductivity of hydrides Ti3SbHx

The effect of interstitially dissolved hydrogen on the transition temperature T_c of superconductivity has been investigated in cubic A-15 type (Cr₃Si type) hydrides Ti₃SbH_x, 0 ? x ? 2. The transition temperature T_c decreases with increasing hydrogen content x from 5.6 K in Ti₃Sb to 1.0 K in Ti₃SbH_1.0.     

Superconductivity in sputtered thin films of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O

Films of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O have been made by multi-target magnetron sputtering. The best films show an onset of superconductivity at ≈ 110 K and zero resistance at 96 K. Preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis suggests the films to be predominantly oriented with the c-axis perpendicular to the film surface with the lowest multiple of lattice spacing along the c-axis being ∼ 2.94 nm, consistent with the Tl₂Ba₂CaCu₂O_x (2212) phase.     

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.     

Electrical properties of (SN)x films

The temperature dependence of the thermopower S and the conductivity σ of (SN)_x films has been investigated as a function of the substrate temperature during film deposition T_s. In contrast to the transport properties of SN_x films previously reported, films made with high T_s have metallic-like transport properties approaching those of (SN)_x crystals. For low substrate temperatures σ and S are found to increase strongly with rising temperature and thermopower values up to 0.9 mV/K are observed. This conduction behavior is explained by a heterogeneous model with areas having different electronic gaps. Annealing as well as decomposition effects suggest that the gap width is correlated to the (SN)_x chain length. No evidence was seen for superconductivity in these films.     

Magnetism on Mg1−xZnxCyNi3

The magnetic phase diagram for Mg_1−xZn_xC_yNi₃ has been tentatively constructed based on magnetization and muon spin relaxation (μSR) measurements. The superconducting phase was observed to fade as x (y) increases (decreases). The low y samples show early stages of long-range ferromagnetism, or complete long-range ferromagnetism. In the phase diagram, the ferromagnetic phase exists in addition to the superconducting phase, suggesting that there is some correlation between superconductivity and ferromagnetism, even though the coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity is not observed from the μSR measurements down to 20 mK for the superconducting sample (T_c=2.5 K, (x, y)=(0, 0.9)).     

Structural and superconductivity study on α-FeSex

We have successfully synthesized the α-FeSe_x binary tetragonal superconductors with nominal composition of FeSe_x (x=0.6-1.0) via conventional solid state reactions between Fe and Se sealed in quartz tubes. Fe and β-FeSe are the most commonly seen impurities in this binary system. A low-temperature annealing at 400 °C is found to be crucial to remove β-FeSe, which is the thermodynamic stable phase with hexagonal symmetry. For all the samples of FeSe_x, superconductivity is confirmed by magnetic measurements as well as resistivity measurements with their T_c at around 8 K. We noticed that their T_c does not vary with the different nominal Se amount. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the unit cell parameters of all these samples do not change within the error range, and their structure only tolerate the same very small amount of Se deficiency. Based on this study, we concluded that the α-FeSe_x superconductor only exist in a very narrow deficiency range.     

Magnetism and superconductivity in Eu(Fe<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Ni<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>)As<Subscript>2</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis> = 0, 0.04)

We report Eu-local-spin magnetism and Ni-doping-induced superconductivity (SC) in a 112-type ferroarsenide system Eu(Fe_1?xNi_x)As₂. The non-doped EuFeAs₂ exhibits two primary magnetic transitions at ~100 and ~40 K, probably associated with a spin-density-wave (SDW) transition and an antiferromagnetic ordering in the Fe and Eu sublattices, respectively. Two additional successive transitions possibly related to Eu-spin modulations appear at 15.5 and 6.5 K. For the Ni-doped sample with x = 0.04, the SDW transition disappears, and SC emerges at T_c = 17.5 K. The Eu-spin ordering remains at around 40 K, followed by the possible reentrant magnetic modulations with enhanced spin canting. Consequently, SC coexists with a weak spontaneous magnetization below 6.2 K in Eu(Fe_0.96Ni_0.04)As₂, which provides a complementary playground for the study of the interplay between SC and magnetism.