Electrical,magnetic, and thermal properties of UCu5− x Pt x

We report measurements of the structural and electronic properties of UCu_{5??? x} Pt _x , a Pt-based analogue of the nFL system UCu_{5??? x} Pd _x , in the concentration range 0≤?x?≤?5. Forx?≤?2.5 and x?≥?4.5, the UCu_{5??? x} Pt _x system crystallizes in the AuBe₅ structure, but is mixed phase in the range 2.5?<?x?<?4.5. We observe a rapid suppression of long range antiferromagnetic order for small concentrations of Pt. The electrical resistivity, DC magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat of UCu_{5??? x} Pt _x in the concentration range 0.75?≤?x?≤?1 have temperature dependencies at low temperature (T?≤?10?K) consistent with the non-Fermi liquid behaviour found in UCu_{5??? x} Pd _x . Above x?=?1, there is a transition from non-Fermi liquid behaviour to Fermi liquid behaviour with no observation of any spin glass behaviour.     

Magnetic properties, magnetoresistance, and Raman spectra of CuV x Cr1 − x S2

The results of investigations of the magnetic and Raman spectra, magnetic properties, and magnetoresistance of vanadium-substituted chromium copper disulfides CuV _x Cr_{1 ? x} S₂ (x = 0.1) are presented.     

Optical spectroscopy and electronic structure of compounds HoNi5 − x Al x (x = 0, 1, 2)

The optical properties of the compounds HoNi_{5 ? x} Al _x (x = 0, 1, 2) have been investigated using the ellipsometric method in the wavelength range from 0.22 to 16 μm. The electronic structure of these intermetallic compounds has been calculated in the local electron-spin density approximation with the correction for strong electronic interactions in the 4f shell of the holmium ions. The experimental dispersion dependences of optical conductivity in the region of interband light absorption have been interpreted based on the results of the calculation of the electron density of states. The plasma and relaxation frequencies of electrons have been determined.     

Lattice,electrical, and magnetic effects in lanthanum manganites La1−x Sr x MnO3 (x = 0.125, 0.150, 0.175)

The temperature dependences of the velocities of transverse and longitudinal hypersound in lanthanum strontium manganites of the composition La_1−x Sr _x MnO₃ (x = 0.125, 0.150, 0.175) have been measured at frequencies of 0.5–0.7 GHz. The structural phase transitions have been revealed, and their positions have been confirmed by data on the electrical resistance and magnetic measurements performed using the same samples. The results obtained have been analyzed in the framework of the model of competing Jahn-Teller distortions and magnetic ordering. The anomalies observed in the behavior of the velocities of longitudinal hypersound have been attributed to the local Jahn-Teller distortions, and their suppression due to the magnetic ordering has been considered a possible factor responsible for the colossal magnetoresistance.     

Structural characterization,magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects of La0.75Sr0.25Mn1–x Cr x O3 (x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25)

The effect of Cr doping on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of perovskite manganites La_0.75Sr_0.25Mn_1–x Cr _x O₃ (x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25) has been investigated. Crystalline structure and magnetic properties are investigated by using X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements, respectively. All samples show a single phase and are found to crystallize in the distorted rhombohedral system with \( R\overline{3} \,c \) space group. A monotonous change of Curie temperature (T _C), from 314 to 253 K, is observed when content doping increases. Substantial magnetic entropy change reaching 4.20 J/kg K is revealed. Relative cooling power was estimated as well. It was found to reach 289, 323, and 386 J/kg for x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25, respectively. Field dependence of the magnetic entropy change showing the power law dependence \( \Delta S_{\rm M} \propto \,\,\left( {\mu_{ 0} \rm H} \right)^{n} \) is also analyzed and discussed.     

p, ρ, T,and x dependences for supercritical water-aliphatic alcohol mixtures

The p, ρ, T, and x relationships for water + aliphatic alcohol (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol) mixtures in near-critical and supercritical conditions obtained by compressibility measurements using the piezometric setup are analyzed. It is shown that the thermodynamic surface (p, ρ, T) _x or (Z, ρ, T) _x in the supercritical region can be satisfactorily described (average relative error 0.83%) by the equation of state in the form of polynomial decomposition of compressibility factor Z = p/(RT) to the series of degrees of density and temperature:      

Microstructure, magnetic and transport properties of magnetoresistive Cu80Fe x Ni20?x (x?=?5, 10 and 15 at.%) ribbons

The generation of copper nanoparticles in an arc furnace by the evaporation/condensation method is systematically investigated. The evaporation/condensation process is advantageous because it allows direct synthesis using pure metals as starting materials avoiding reactions of expensive and potentially poisonous precursors. In the presented system, a transferred direct current arc provides the energy for evaporation of the metal target. In order to prevent an oxidation of the particles in the process, the synthesis is conducted in an atmosphere of inert gases (purity grade 5.0). The arc stability and its effect on particle synthesis are investigated. The experiments reveal excellent long-term arc stability for at least 8?h continuous operation delivering aerosols with high reproducibility (±10?% of average particle size). The influences of the arc current and length, the flow rates of the applied gases and the injection of hydrogen in the plasma zone on the particle size distributions and the agglomerate structure are studied. The produced copper nanoparticles are characterized by scanning mobility particle sizing and scanning electron microscopy. The average particle size could be well controlled in a size range 4?C50?nm by selecting appropriate operating parameters.     

Microstructure and Mössbauer studies on magnetostrictive Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95 − x Nb x (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.075)

³⁵Cl NQR measurements were carried out between 77 and 209 K for 3-chlorothiophene, which has a glass transition in a stable crystalline state. An NQR signal with full widths of about 100 kHz at half maximum was observed in this temperature range. The spin-lattice relaxation time T ₁ was measured at the peak frequencies. The activation energy Δε _a obtained from the results of the T ₁ measurements showed a good agreement with those estimated from calorimetric measurements.     

Oxygen non-stoichiometry, redox thermodynamics, and structure of LaFe1 − x Co x O3 − δ

The oxygen non-stoichiometry and redox thermodynamic properties of the LaFe_{1 ? x} Co _x O_{3 ? δ} system (x?=?0.25 and 0.75) are studied. At low temperatures, the LaCoO₃ and LaFeO₃ systems show partial solid solubility. At 1,273 K (in air), both compounds are single phases and are orthorhombic and rhombohedral for x?=?0.25 and 0.75, respectively. Thermogravimetry has been used to measure the oxygen non-stoichiometry versus oxygen partial pressure at three temperatures, 1,223, 1,273, and 1,323 K. Redox thermodynamic quantities are extracted directly from the oxygen non-stoichiometry curves. The extracted enthalpies of oxidation do not vary significantly with stoichiometry, and for x?=?0.25 and 0.75, they are ?640?±?60 and ?440?±?60 kJ (mol O₂)^?1, respectively. Ideal solid solution thermodynamic models are used to analyze the redox mechanisms.     

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.     

Glass transition,thermal stability and glass-forming ability of Se90In10− x Sb x (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) chalcogenide glasses

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been employed to investigate the glass transition activation energy E _g, thermal stability and glass-forming ability (GFA) of Se₉₀In_{10? x} Sb _x (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) chalcogenide glasses. DSC runs were performed at six different heating rates. Well-defined endothermic and exothermic peaks were obtained at glass transition and crystallization temperature. The dependence of glass transition temperature T _g on heating rate (α), as well as composition of Sb, has been studied. From the dependence of glass transition temperature on heating rate, the E _g has been calculated on the basis of the Kissinger [Anal. Chem. 29 (1957) p.1702] and Moynihan [J. Phys. Chem. 78 (1974) p.267] models. Thermal stability has been monitored through the calculation of temperature differences T _c–T _g, the stability parameter S, and the enthalpy released during crystallization H _c. The GFA has been investigated on the basis of the Hruby parameter H _r, which is strong indicator of GFA. Results for GFA are in good agreement with fragility index F _i calculations, indicating that Se₉₀In₆Sb₄ is an excellent glass-former.     

Structural and magnetic heterogeneities, phase transitions, 55Mn NMR, and magnetoresistive properties of La0.6Sr0.3 − x Bi x Mn1.1O3

The structural, resistive, magnetic, and magnetoresistive properties of the La_0.6Sr_{0.3 ? x} Bi _x Mn_1.1O₃ ceramics have been studied. The substitution of Bi ions for Sr ions increases the lattice parameter of the rhombohedral perovskite structure, decreases the metal-semiconductor and ferromagnet-paramagnet phase transition temperatures and the peak of the magnetoresistive effect, and increases the resistivity, approaching the system to the ferroelectric state. The ⁵⁵Mn NVR study indicates on the high-frequency Mn³⁺ ? Mn⁴⁺ superexchange and heterogeneity of the valence and magnetic states of manganese due to the nonuniformity of distribution of all ions and defects. The phase diagram has been constructed, which shows a strong correlation between the structural, magnetic, and magnetoresistive properties.     

Electron spin resonance study of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility of CuO, Cu1−x Zn x O, and Cu1−x Li x O single crystals

Results are presented of studies of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility of CuO, Cu_1?x Zn _x O (x ≈ 1.5%), and Cu_1?x Li _x O (x ≈ 1%) single crystals. The orientational dependence of the ESR spectra was investigated at room temperature. The results for CuO are analyzed using a model of a quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet (S = 1/2) with anisotropic exchange interaction between Cu²⁺ spins in the chains and exchange coupling between the chains allowing for one-dimensional spin diffusion and spinon excitations. The estimated line width is of the same order of magnitude as the experimental data. Substituting Cu with Zn scarcely alters the spin dynamics of the Cu²⁺ ions, as in weakly diluted magnets. Lithium doping substantially increases the ESR line width and this is attributed to excess holes forming rapidly relaxing spin complexes with copper ions.     

Structural and magnetic inhomogeneity, phase transitions, magnetoresonance and magnetoresistive properties of La0.6 − x Pr x Sr0.3Mn1.1O3 (x = 0–0.6)

Ceramic samples of manganite perovskites La_{0.6 ? x} Pr _x Sr_0.3Mn_1.1O₃ (x = 0?0.6) have been studied using the X-ray diffraction, resistive, magnetic (χ_ac, ⁵⁵Mn NMR), microscopic, and magnetoresistive methods. It has been found that an increase in the praseodymium concentration x leads to a transition from the rhombohedral R $\bar 3$ c (x = 0–0.3) to orthorhombic Pbnm (x = 0.4–0.6) perovskite structure. It has been shown that the real perovskite structure contains anion and cation vacancies, whose concentrations increase with an increase in the praseodymium concentration x. A decrease in the metal-insulator phase transition temperature T _mi and the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition temperature T _c with increasing x correlates with an increase in the concentration of vacancies weakening the high-frequency electronic exchange Mn³⁺ ? Mn⁴⁺. For compositions with x = 0 and 0.1, when the lattice contains not only vacancies but also nanostructured clusters with Mn²⁺ in the A-positions, there is an anomalous hysteresis. An analysis of the asymmetrically broadened ⁵⁵Mn NMR spectra of the compounds has revealed a high-frequency electronic exchange of the ions Mn³⁺ Mn⁴⁺ in the B-positions and a local heterogeneity of their surrounding by other ions (La²⁺, Pr³⁺, Sr²⁺) and vacancies. The phase diagram has demonstrated that there is a strong correlation between the composition, imperfection of the perovskite structure, phase transition temperatures T _mi and T _c , and magnetoresistive properties.     

Superconductivity,crystallization, and structural relaxation of the new metallic glass system La1−x Si x (0.15≤x≤0.27)

New metallic glass alloys have been prepared by melt spinning of La–Si samples in a pumped system. The superconducting transition temperature,T _c , increases linearly with the La concentration, from 3.00 K at 73 at. % La to 3.80 K at 85 at. %. Three new metastable phases: -, -, and -La₃Si, were formed by annealing and crystallizing amorphous La₃Si. Their crystal structures are orthorhombic (a=6.32 Å,b=8.06 Å,c=9.96 Å), hcp (a=10.55 Å,c=5.05 Å), and tetragonal (a=6.92 Å,c=5.05 Å) resp.T _c increased to 3.75 K, 6.00 K and 6.80 K, resp. During low temperature anneals of an amorphous La₃Si alloy,T _c changed logarithmically with time.On leave from Institute of Physics, Academica Sinica, Beijing, China     

Structural,morphologic and optical characterization of In(2−x)Al x S3

Aluminum-doped indium sulfide thin films are deposited on glass by spray pyrolysis technique. The structure and the surface morphology of these films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The effects of aluminum ratio z and substrate temperature T _s, on the film structure and grain size are discussed. The influence of aluminum ratio on surface morphology is revealed by scanning electron microscope. Besides, energy dispersive spectrometry technique is used to compare atomic aluminum concentration in the film with aluminum ratio z in spray solution. Optical properties are studied by a spectrophotometer in the wavelength range 350–850 nm, at room temperature. Optical transmission and grain size are found to be maximal for z = 1.8 %. Moreover, band-gap energy is found to increase with aluminum ratio.     

Negatron effects in CdSe1 − x Te x and ZnS1−x Se x films

Various negatron effects in films of alloys of II–VI compounds deposited from solutions as a function of the deposition mode and heat treatment are studied. It is found that the negative photocapacitance effect, which was first discovered in ZnS_1?x Se _x films, and the slowly relaxing negative photoelectric effects, which are caused by the transition of electrons located in a nanoscale surface layer from the shallow energy levels of trapping centers to deeper levels with a lower polarizability and by the presence of nanoscale clusters in these materials, which play the role of a “reservoir” for minority charge carriers, occur according to a single mechanism. A model to explain the basic laws of negative photoconductivity in CdSe_{1 ? x} Te _x films deposited from a solution is proposed. Negative residual conductivity is explained in terms of double-barrier relief model, while negative differential photoconductivity is attributed to the presence of nanoscale electric domains.     

Structural and magnetic inhomogeneities, phase transitions, 55Mn NMR, and magnetoresistive properties of La0.6Sr0.2Mn1.2 − x Nb x O3 ceramics

Ceramic samples of lanthanum strontium manganite perovskites La_0.6Sr_0.2Mn_{1.2 ? x} Nb _x O₃ (x = 0–0.3) annealed at temperatures of 1260 and 1500°C have been investigated using the X-ray diffraction, electron microscopic, resistive, magnetoresistive, and magnetic (χ_ac, ⁵⁵Mn NMR) methods. It has been found that there is a correlation between the increasing unit cell parameter a of the rhombohedral R $\bar 3$ c structure and the average ionic radius with increasing niobium concentration x and annealing temperature for the case where the lattice contains anion vacancies, cation vacancies, and nanostructured clusters. The observed increase in the electrical resistivity and decrease in the temperatures of metal-semiconductor phase transition T _ms and ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition T _C with an increase in the niobium concentration x and the annealing temperature have been explained by the decrease in the content of the ferromagnetic phase, as well as by changes in the ratio Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺, the oxygen nonstoichiometry, and the concentration of defects weakening the high-frequency electronic exchange of the ions Mn³⁺ ? Mn⁴⁺. The presence of nanostructured clusters in the lattice has been confirmed by an anomalous hysteresis associated with the unidirectional exchange anisotropy of the interaction between the ferromagnetic matrix and antiferromagnetic clusters with Mn²⁺ and Nb³⁺ in distorted A-positions. An analysis of the asymmetrically broadened ⁵⁵Mn NMR spectra and their computer decomposition have revealed a high-frequency electronic exchange and an inhomogeneity of the magnetic and valence states of manganese due to the nonuniform distribution of all ions and defects. Two types of magnetoresistive effects have been found: one effect, which is observed near the phase transition temperatures T _C and T _ms, is caused by scattering at intracrystalline nanostructured heterogeneities of the imperfect perovskite structure, and the other effect, which is observed in the low-temperature range, is induced by tunneling through intercrystalline mesostructured boundaries. The phase diagram has demonstrated that there is a strong correlation between the composition, structure, resistive and magnetic properties of rare-earth manganites.     

Spectroscopic, Phototropic, and Lasing Properties of Cd1−x Mn x Te Single Crystals Doped With Chromium Ions

The spectroscopic properties of Cr²⁺ ions in Cr:Cd_1–x Mn _x Te (CMT) crystals are studied, and the possibility of using these impurity crystals as active media and saturable absorbers of solidstate lasers of medium IR range is demonstrated. The bands of absorption with a maximum at 1.9 m and of luminescence with a maximum at 2.6 m correspond to the transitions between the levels ⁵ T ₂ and ⁵ E of the tetracoordinated Cr²⁺ ions with more than 1·10^–18cm² cross sections. The pulsed and continuous lasing modes of a Cr:CMT laser are realized in the 2.6m region. The Cr:CMT crystals are characterized by effective saturation of impurity absorption. The cross sections of absorption from the ground and excited states of the Cr²⁺ ions at = 2.09 m are determined: _gsa = 1.1·10^–18 cm²; _esa/_gsa < 0.1. With the use of the Cr:CMT crystals as a passive gate the regime of Qswitching of the Cr,Tm,Ho:YAG laser emitting at = 2.09 m is obtained.     

Superparamagnetic properties of La1 − x Sr x Mn0.925Zn0.075O3 (x = 0.075, 0.095, and 0.115) lanthanum manganites

Lanthanum-strontium manganites doped with zinc are studied by the method of electron magnetic resonance. Nano-objects with ferromagnetically correlated spins, which behave themselves like superparamagnetic particles in the magnetic resonance spectrum, have been found in the paramagnetic phase. The temperature dependences of the resonance magnetic field and magnetic resonance linewidth for La_{1 ? x} Sr _x Mn_0.925Zn_0.075O₃ ceramic samples at temperatures ranging from 100 to 340 K have been analyzed on the basis of the Raikher-Stepanov theory of superparamagnetic particles. The magnetic moment, anisotropy field, and characteristic size of the regions of the ferromagnetically correlated spins have been determined.