Mössbauer investigations on Np3S5

The 59.5 keV Mössbauer resonance of ²³⁷Np has been measured in Np₃S₅ at 77 and 4.2 K. At 77 K, two different quadrupolar splittings are observed. The first one (δ₁ = −5(1) mm sec⁻¹/NpAl₂) is assigned to the Np⁴⁺ ions and the second one (δ₂ = 28(1) mm sec⁻¹/NpAl₂) is assigned to the Np³⁺ ions. At 4.2 K the spectrum gives a ratio of areas S(Np³⁺)/S(Np⁴⁺) of 2.0. These results clearly confirm the crystallographic data of this mixed-valence material.     

Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance studies of molecular motions of ClO3 and water diffusion in Ca(ClO3)2·2H2O

A ³⁵Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance (³⁵Cl-NQR) investigation of polycrystalline Ca(ClO₃)₂·2H₂O is described. The ³⁵Cl-NQR frequencies (ν_Q) for two resonance lines (ν_Q1 and ν_Q2), the spin lattice relaxation time (T_1Q) for ν_Q2 only and the line width δν_Q2 were measured in the temperature range 292–345 K, except for the frequency measured up to 455 K. The observed decrease in the resonance frequencies with increasing temperature permitted the determination of the frequencies of librations of the ClO₃⁻ ion about two axes perpendicular to the three-fold axis of the ion mainly responsible for this effect. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time T_1Q proved the occurrence of water diffusion and hindered rotation of ClO₃⁻ ions. The activation energies of these two molecular motions were determined, and their effect on the electric field gradient at the site of a chlorine nucleus was discussed. Temperature measurements of the line width δν_Q2 confirmed the conclusions drawn from the analysis of T_1Q(T).     

Electrons and holes in undoped Nd2CuO4

Nd₂CuO_4±δ is the non-superconducting prototype of the Re_2−xM_xCuO₄t−y family (Re=Pr, Nd, Sm and M=Ceor Th) of n-type oxide superconductors. Four-probe DC conductivity, EMF in P(O₂) gradient, and thermopower measurements have been used to characterise its electric transport and defect structure between 300 and 900°C and between 5×10⁻⁴ and 1 atm oxygen partial pressure.

The results show that Nd₂CuO_4±δ can be oxygen under-stoichiometric (with n-type conductivity), near-stoichiometric, and over-stoichiometric (with p-type conductivity) in different T, P(O₂) ranges.     

Two separate Li ionic motions observed by Li and B NMR in xLi2S + (1 − x)B2S3 glassy fast ionic conductors

Studies of ion dynamics in the highly conductive glassy fast ionic conductor (FIC) xLi₂S + (1 − x)B₂S₃ (x = 0.65 and 0.70) were made with NMR nuclear spin lattice relaxation (NSLR) R₁(ω, T) of both mobile ⁷Li and immobile ¹¹B ions, and ⁷Li NMR line narrowing δν(T). The possible dependence of ion dynamics on the short range order structures (SRO) and the distribution of activation energies (DAE) in this highly conductive FIC was investigated. Two Gaussian DAE were employed to fit ⁷Li NSLR data, where each Gaussian DAE was correlated to a separate ¹¹B NSLR in a BS₃ and in a BS₄ group. The long range diffusion of Li ions among BS₃ groups and a seemingly localized ionic hopping motion around BS₄ group is suggested as a microscopic model for the ion dynamics in thioborate glasses, namely a ‘two channel relaxation’.     

Magnetic anisotropy in the paramagnetic phase of TbAl2

The magnetic anisotropy of a single crystal of TbAl₂ has been measured by torque magnetometry from below the Curie point up to 170 K, well into the paramagnetic phase. Within a (110) plane the torque can be described by the expression L(θ) = {P sin 2θ} H² + {Q sin 2θ + S sin 4θ} H⁴ + {T sin 4θ} H⁶, where θ is the an gle formed by the magnetization vector with a [001] axis. The first term (in H²) is interpreted as produced by arrays of defects with axial symmetry. The second (in H⁴) and third (in H⁶) terms arise from anisotropic fourth and sixth rank tensor paramagnetic susceptibilities. On the other hand if the anisotropy is described in terms of effective conventional anisotropy constants K₁ and K₂ within the temperature range 90–170 K it is found that both constants change continuously across the Curie temperature and furthermore the [111] direction remains the easy direction in the paramagnetic range. Anisotropy measurements reveal themselves as a sensitive indicator of the level of macroscopic defects in magnetic crystals.     

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.     

The crystallographic symmetries of single BaPb1−xBixO3 crystals grown from BaCO3-PbO2-Bi2O3 solutions

Single crystals of Perovskite-type oxide BaPb_1−xBi_xO₃ are grown from BaCO₃-PbO₂-Bi₂O₃ solutions which are weighed in two kinds of mixing ratios: X/2 mol % BaCO₃ − (100−X) mol % PbO₂ − X/2 mol % Bi₂O₃ and (10+X/2) mol % BaCO₃ − (90−X) mol % PbO₂ − X/2 mol % Bi₂O₃ These room temperature crystal structures are examined by using an X-ray powder diffraction method. The crystals grown from X/2−(100−X)−X/2 mol % solutions are orthorhombic at room temperature, while the structures are tetragonal with crystals grown from relatively Ba rich and Pb poor ( (10+X/2)−(90−X)−X/2 mol % ) solutions. This result indicates that the difference in the mixing ratio of the initial materials brings about a drastic structural change. The orthorhombic and the tetragonal crystals of x0.25 exhibit superconducting transition at 10K and 12K, respectively. The transition temperature in the latter is 2K higher than the former. In the light of this result, some difference between orthorhombic and tetragonal crystals is considered to influence superconductivity in this system.     

Properties of rubidium nitrate in ion-conducting RbNO3-Al2O3 nanocomposites

Properties of RbNO₃ in (1 − x)RbNO₃-xAl₂O₃ nanocomposites were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction, conductivity measurements, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. All the experimental techniques used indicate the presence of an amorphous RbNO₃ layer at the RbNO₃---Al₂O₃ interface in addition to a crystalline RbNO₃ phase. Its concentration was determined from the phase transition enthalpies. The amorphous layer thickness estimated by means of a simple brick-wall model is 4 nm.     

Field induced flux pinning in Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O7−δ single crystal

The flux pinning behavior of a Nd_1+xBa_2−xCu₃O_7−δ (Nd123) single crystal, which exhibited a peak effect, has been studied by monitoring the time decay of the magnetic moment. The apparent pinning energy (U₀^*) was deduced from flux creep data on the basis of the Anderson-Kim model. The magnetic field dependence of U₀^* showed maxima at peak fields which depended on the temperatures, in a similar manner to those of critical current densities. In addition, the temperature dependence of U₀^* showed several features. To explain the increase in U₀^* with the field as well as its temperature and field dependence, we made a numerical calculation by introducing an additional pinning energy which increased with increasing field. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data, especially at temperatures above 60 K, where the contribution of field induced pinning centers is believed to be dominant.     

Fabrication and growth rate estimation of PrBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystal by the modified top seeded crystal pulling method

Recently, we succeeded in fabricating single crystals of PrBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ by a modified top seeded crystal pulling method called the SRL-CP (Solute Rich Liquid-Crystal Pulling) method. Y₂O₃ and MgO polycrystalline crucibles and a MgO single crystal crucible were used to grow the single crystals. The crystal growth temperature was set in the range of 968°C to 972°C. The grown crystals were identified as PrBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ by X-ray diffraction. In the case of using Y₂O₃ crucibles the composition of the grown crystals was Y_xPr_1−xBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (0.48 < x < 0.57) and in the case of using MgO crucibles a relatively small amount of Mg contamination to the grown crystals occurred at a typical concentration of approximately 1 at.% of the sum of cations. According to the crystal growth model of the SRL-CP method [1–5], a maximum growth rate of 1.7 × 10⁻⁵ cm/s was calculated with the aid of the phase diagram studies we reported earlier [6]. This value is reasonably in agreement with the experimental results.     

Structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated Bi2Te3 films

Bi₂Te₃ films were prepared by thermal evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction analysis for as-deposited and annealed films in vacuum at 150 °C were polycrystalline with rhombohedral structure. The crystallite size is found to increase as the film thickness increases and has values in the range 67–162 nm. The optical constants (the refractive index, n, and absorption index, k) were determined using transmittance and reflectance data in the spectral range 2.5–10 μm for Bi₂Te₃ films with different thicknesses (25–99.5 nm). Both n and k are independent on the film thickness in the investigated range. It was also found that Bi₂Te₃ is a high refractive index material (n has values of 4.7–8.8 in the wavelength range 2.5–10 μm). The allowed optical transitions were found to be direct optical transitions with energy gap  eV. The optical conductivities σ₁ = ƒ(hν) and σ₂ = f(hν) show distinct peaks at about 0.13 and 0.3 eV, respectively. These two peaks can be attributed to optical interband transitions.     

Duree de vie et depolarisation par collisions avec l''helium des niveaux 5P3/2 Et 5P1/2 de l''ion Cd

The lifetimes of the Cd⁺ 5²P_3/2 and 5²P_1/2 states have been measured by the Hanle effect. The Cd⁺ ions are produced in a d.c. discharge in cadmium vapor, with helium as buffer gas. The results are: τ(5²P_3/2) = (2.60±0.20) ×10⁻⁹sec, and τ(5²P_1/2) = (3.05 ± 0.13) × 10⁻⁹sec.

We measured also the cross sections for the destruction of the orientation in the 5²P_1/2Cd⁺ state (<5Ų), of the orientation (18±10Ų) and of the alignment (46±10Ų) in the 5²P_3/2 state due to collisions with the helium atoms.     

Chiral symmetry amplitudes in the S-wave isoscalar and isovector channels and the σ, f0(980), a0(980) scalar mesons

We use a non-perturbative approach which combines coupled channel Lippmann-Schwinger equations with meson-meson potentials provided by the lowest order chiral Lagrangian. By means of one parameter, a cut off in the momentum of the loop integrals, which results of the order of 1 GeV, we obtain singularities in the S-wave amplitudes corresponding to the σ, f₀ and a₀ resonances. The ππ → ππ, phase shifts and inelasticities in the T = 0 scalar channel are well reproduced as well as the π⁰η and mass distributions in the T = 1 channel. Furthermore, the total and partial strong decay widths of the f₀ and a₀ resonances are properly reproduced. The results seem to indicate that chiral symmetry constraints at low energy and unitarity in coupled channels is the basic information contained in the meson-meson interaction below GeV.     

NMR study of monomethylammonium cation in (CH3NH3)5Bi2Cl11 ferroelectric polycrystal

Spin-lattice relaxation times T₁ and T_1ρ are determined for protons in three polycrystals (CH₃NH₃)₅Bi₂Cl₁₁, (CD₃NH₃)₅Bi₂Cl₁₁ and (CH₃ND₃)₅Bi₂Cl₁₁. The temperature dependencies of the relaxation times obtained for (CH₃NH₃)₅Bi₂Cl₁₁ and (CD₃NH₃)₅Bi₂Cl₁₁ are interpreted as a result of correlated motions of the three-proton groups of the monomethylammonium cation. The minimum of the T_1ρ relaxation time is explained as a result of the oscillations of the symmetry axis of the whole cation.     

Measurement of electro-optic coefficients of low-symmetry crystal YbCa4O(Bo3)3

In this paper, we report on all the electro-optic coefficients of the low-symmetry crystal YbCa₄O(BO₃)₃ measured by the interferometric method. The new sample orientations, which have not been reported so far, have been used for measuring the skew electro-optic coefficients γ₅₁, γ₅₃, γ₄₂ and γ₆₂ independently. The results obtained are γ₁₁=0.6, γ₂₁=0.4, γ₃₁=0.3, γ₁₃=0.3, γ₂₃=0.2, γ₃₃=2.2, γ₅₁=0.9, γ₅₃=4.1, γ₄₂=0.8 and γ₆₂=0.4×10⁻¹² m/V.     

Measurement of electro-optic coefficients of low symmetry crystal GdCa4O(BO3)3

In this paper, we report all of the electro-optic coefficients of the low symmetry crystal GdCa₄O(BO₃)₃ measured by the interferometric method. The new sample orientations, which have not been reported so far, have been used for measuring the skew electro-optic coefficients γ₅₁, γ₅₃, γ₄₂ and γ₆₂ independently. The results obtained are γ₁₁=0.4, γ₂₁=0.5, γ₃₁=0.6, γ₁₃=0.1, γ₂₃=0.4, γ₃₃=2.0, γ₅₁=0.7, γ₅₃=1.5, γ₄₂=0.5, γ₆₂=0.8×10⁻¹²m/V.     

Dielectric and magnetic properties of xNiFe2O4+(1−x)Ba0.9Sr0.1TiO3 composites

Magnetoelectric composites, namely, xNiFe₂O₄+(1−x)Ba_0.9Sr_0.1TiO₃ were prepared by standard double sintering ceramic method. The X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to check the phases formed during sintering and to calculate the lattice parameters. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs were taken to understand the microstructure of the samples. The dielectric constant (ε′) and loss tangent (tan δ) were measured as a function of frequency in the frequency range 100 Hz–1 MHz. Variation of dielectric constant and loss tangent with temperature and composition has been reported. The hysteresis measurements were done to determine saturation magnetization (M_S) and coersivity (H_c). The variation of saturation magnetization and magnetic moment is interpreted in terms of composition.     

Influence of the ferroelastic twin domain structure on the {100} surface morphology of LaAlO3 HTSC substrates

LaAlO₃ crystals have been investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high-precision X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning force microscopy (SFM). The DSC measurements show the second-order phase transition of LaAlO₃ at 544°C, where LaAlO₃ changes its symmetry from the cubic Pm3m high-temperature phase to the pseudocubic rhombohedral low-temperature phase. This paraelastic to improper ferroelastic phase transition causes twinning in the {100} and {110} planes of the pseudocubic lattice. The twin angles between the surface {100}_pseudocubic planes of twin domains were measured by SFM on the surface of a macroscopic (100)_cubic cut crystal plate. The misorientation angle ω₁₀₀ between {100} twins is 0.195(8)°, while {110} twinning gives an angle of ω₁₁₀=0.276(7)°. The two twin kink angles correspond to a rhombohedral angle of the pseudocubic cell of the phase as ₁=90.0973(40)° and ₂=90.0975(30)°, respectively. The XRD result for this rhombohedral angle is =90.096(1)°. The orientation of the misfit steps formed during annealing after mechanical surface polishing depends on the domain orientation and pattern during polishing. Any heating close to or above T_c changes the domain pattern. Footprints of previous domain patterns can thus be found on the surface in the form of surface corrugation and changes in the shape and orientation of misfit steps.     

Synthesis and investigation of the complex copper oxides Bi2Sr2R2−xCexCu2O10+δ (R=rare earth)

Bi-2222 phases were prepared by solid state reactions and were studied using X-ray diffraction, chemical and EDS-analysis. Compounds with composition Bi₂Sr₂R_1.33Ce_0.67Cu₂O_10+δ were obtained for R=Pr, Nd, Sm-Er. The phases Bi₂Sr₂Cu₂O_10+δ with similar structure but without Ce were prepared for R = Pr, Sm-Dy. For Bi₂Sr₂Eu_2−xCe_xCu₂O_10+δ the solubility limit was determined and the effect of treatment under different oxygen pressures was investigated. Weak diamagnetic signals (<3%) were detected for some of these samples.     

Evidence for pinning by (Sr,Ca)2CuOy particles in partial-melting processed bulk Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ ceramics

Flux distributions of partial-melting processed Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ ceramics are obtained using magneto-optic imaging. In remanent states (μ₀H_a=0 T), large amounts of trapped flux are observed along (Sr,Ca)₂CuO_y particles embedded in the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ matrix. Despite the relatively large size of these particles (up to 30 μm), the pinning effect is similar to that of Y₂BaCuO₅ particles in melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ. Furthermore, we discuss how the pinning capability of non-superconducting particles of different sizes and densities will show up in magneto-optic images.