Coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in hybrid rutheno-cuprate superconductors RuSr2RCu2O8

I consider the extended two-band s–f model with additional terms, describing inter-site Cooper pairs interaction between two-subsystems s and f, respectively. Following Green’s function technique and equation of motion method self-consistent equations for superconducting order parameter (Δ) and magnetic order parameter (m_f) are derived. The expressions for specific heat, density of states, and free energy are also derived. The theory has been applied to explain the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in hybrid rutheno-cuprate superconductors RuSr₂RECu₂O₈ (RE = Gd, Eu). The theory shows that it is possible to become superconducting via a second order phase transition if the system is already ferromagnetic. The agreement between theory and experimental observations is quite satisfactory.     

Comment on magnetism and superconductivity in rutheno cuprates: RuSr2GdCu2O8 and RuSr2Gd1.5Ce0.5Cu2O10

Both RuSr₂GdCu₂O_8-δ (Ru-1212) and RuSr₂Gd_1.5Ce_0.5Cu₂O_10-δ (Ru-1222) exhibits magnetism and superconductivity, as seen by magnetization vs. temperature behavior measured in 5 Oe field. Zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetization data show branching at around 140 K and 100 K with a cusp at 135 K and 80 K and a diamagnetic transition around 20 K and 30 K in the ZFC part, for Ru-1212 and Ru-1222, respectively. The isothermal magnetization possesses a non-linear contribution due to a ferromagnetic component at low temperatures below 50 K for both samples. The resistance vs. temperature behavior of the samples in applied fields of 0, 3 and 7 T confirmed superconductivity, with a different type of broadening of the superconductivity transition under magnetic fields for Ru-1212 from that known for conventional high-T _c superconductors. The magnetoresistance (MR) is negative above the Ru magnetic ordering temperature at 135 K. Below the Ru magnetic ordering temperature, MR displays a positive peak at low fields and becomes negative at higher fields for Ru-1212. For Ru-1222, MR remains negative both above and below the ordering temperature. A maximum of 2% is observed for the negative MR value at the Ru magnetic ordering temperature. An electron diffraction pattern obtained for the Ru-1212 sample shows two types of superstructure: one has a weak spot at the centre of the a–b rectangle, and the other only along the b direction. Interestingly, Ru-1222 shows only clean a–b and a–c planes, without any superstructures.     

Synthesis under ambient pressure and tri-axial magnetic orientation in REBa2Cu4O8 (RE = Y,Sm, Eu,Gd, Dy,Ho, Er)

We report the rare-earth (RE)-dependent magnetization axes of REBa₂Cu₄O₈, which was synthesized by a flux method under ambient pressure, using powder samples tri-axially oriented in a modulated rotating magnetic field of 10 T. By optimizing the growth temperature and cooling rate, RE124 crystals were successfully grown for RE = Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Er. From the X-ray diffraction measurement, the magnetically oriented directions were largely dependent on the type of RE ions of RE124. However, the tri-axial magnetic anisotropies of RE124 could be qualitatively understood in terms of the magnitude relation between the single-ion magnetic anisotropy of RE³⁺ ions and the magnetic anisotropy generated by the CuO₂ plane and Cu–O chain. For the practical use of this magneto-scientific process, the control of magnetization axes and tri-axial magnetic anisotropies through crystallochemical control is indispensable.     

Magnetization, vortex state and specific heat in the superconducting state of RuSr2GdCu2O8

Based on field-cooled dc-magnetization measurements in a SQUID magnetometer with carefully controlled magnetic-field profiles, we present evidence that diamagnetism is missing in the superconducting state (T < 50 K) of the (weakly) ferromagnetic (T_M ≈130 K) superconductor RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈ (Ru1212). Nevertheless, taking into account the granular nature of the samples investigated so far, this cannot be taken as evidence for the lack of a Meissner state or bulk superconductivity. It is shown that for low applied magnetic fields a vortex state most probably involves the intergrain area (area between the grains) rather than the individual grains (bulk Ru1212). Furthermore, the wide superconducting transition of Ru1212 (T_c,onset = T_c ≈48 K, T_s(R = 0) = T_s = 32 K) realized in resistance measurements in zero applied magnetic field can be readily understood as the effect of resistive grain contacts and is not necessarily related to the movement of spontaneously induced vortices in bulk Ru1212, as it has been suggested previously. A comparison of the low-temperature specific heat of Sr₂GdRuO₆ (Sr2116), the precursor for the preparation of Ru1212 and thus a possible impurity phase, with previously reported data for Ru1212 shows that it is unlikely that Sr2116 is responsible for the specific-heat features attributed to the superconductivity of Ru1212 and supports the existence of a bulk superconducting state in the latter compound.     

Blue emission in Eu2+ activated MgXAl10O17 (X = Sr,Ca) phosphors

Here we reported photoluminescence properties of Eu²⁺ activated in novel and existing MgXAl₁₀O₁₇ (X = Sr, Ca) phosphor which has been prepared by combustion synthesis at 550 °C under UV and near UV excitation wavelength. The PL emission properties of MgSrAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺ were monitored at 254 nm and 354 nm respectively keeping emission wavelength at 469 nm. Whereas novel MgCaAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺ exhibit emission band at 452 nm keeping excitation at 378 nm. These blue emission corresponds to 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ ions. Further phosphor was analyzed by XRD for the confirmation of desired phase and purity.     

Intrinsic Josephson effects in the magnetic superconductor RuSr2GdCu2O8

We have measured interlayer current transport in small-sized RuSr2GdCu2O8 single crystals. We find a clear intrinsic Josephson effect showing that the material acts as a natural superconductor-insulator-ferromagnet-insulator-superconductor superlattice. Thus far, we detected no unconventional behavior due to the magnetism of the RuO2 layers.     

Luminescent properties of codoping Y2O3: Eu,Me (Me = Mg,Ca) nanorods

Journal of Nanoparticle Research - Phosphors of nanorods Y2O3: Eu (Mg, Ca) have been prepared by the hydrothermal method. The effect of Mg, Ca co-dopants on the Y2O3: Eu phosphor photoluminescence...     

BaT2As2 single crystals (T = Fe,Co, Ni) and superconductivity upon Co-doping

The crystal structure and physical properties of BaFe₂As₂, BaCo₂As₂, and BaNi₂As₂ single crystals are surveyed. BaFe₂As₂ gives a magnetic and structural transition at T_N = 132(1) K, BaCo₂As₂ is a paramagnetic metal, while BaNi₂As₂ has a structural phase transition at T₀ = 131 K, followed by superconductivity below T_c = 0.69 K. The bulk superconductivity in Co-doped BaFe₂As₂ below T_c = 22 K is demonstrated by resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat data. In contrast to the cuprates, the Fe-based system appears to tolerate considerable disorder in the transition metal layers. First principles calculations for BaFe_1.84Co_0.16As₂ indicate the inter-band scattering due to Co is weak.     

Semiconducting TlSr2RCu2O7 (R=rare earth) and its superconducting derivatives

Semiconducting TlSr₂RCu₂O₇ (R=Pr or Er) with a 1212-type structure has been synthesized in the single-phase form. Partial substitution of Sr²⁺ for R³⁺ converts this semiconductor to a 90 K superconductor TlSr₂(R_1–y Sr _y )Cu₂O₇. A combination substitution, Sr²⁺ for R³⁺ and Pb⁴⁺ for Tl³⁺, leads to the Ca-free 100 K superconductor (Tl, Pb)Sr₂(R, Sr)Cu₂O₇. The results are explained in the framework of the mixed Cu²⁺/Cu³⁺ valence.     

Microscopic model of the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in the hybrid ruthenate-cuprate oxide RuSr2GdCu2O8

A microscopic t-J-I model with competing antiferromagnetic (J) and ferromagnetic (I) exchange interactions is proposed for strongly correlated electrons in RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈. It is assumed that for CuO₂ layers and for RuO₂ layers. A superconducting solution of $d_{x^2 - y^2 }$ symmetry was obtained for the CuO₂ layers while competition between ferromagnetism and p-type triplet superconducting pairing is obtained for RuO₂ layers. It is shown that the RuO₂ layers have a lower carrier concentration in the Hubbard subband formed by coupled ((d _xy -p)-π) orbitals compared with a bulk Sr₂RuO₄ crystal, which leads to stabilization of the ferromagnetic state in the RuO₂ layer.     

Magnetization scaling in the ruthenate-cuprate RuSr2Eu1.4Ce 0.6Cu2O10-δ (Ru-1222)

The magnetic properties of the superconducting ruthenate-cuprate RuSr₂Eu _1.4Ce_0.6Cu₂O_10-δ (Ru-1222) have been studied by a scaling analysis of the dc magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements. Non-linear M(H) curves reveal the presence of nano-size clusters with a net magnetic moment of ∼10² μ_B at 180 K, near the deviation from a Curie-Weiss behavior. On cooling, no scaling was observed down to 90 K, discarding the possibility of magnetic phase separation of collinear ferromagnetic particles. We explain this result in terms of a variable number of contributing particles, with a temperature dependent net magnetic moment. For 70 K ≤T≤ 90 K the scaling plots evidence the emergence of a system of non-interacting particles, which couple on further cooling. The observed cluster-glass features are preserved down to the lowest measured temperature (10 K); no signature of long-range order was detected. The frequency shift of the peak in the real part of the ac susceptibility does not follow the Vogel-Fulcher type dependence, as previously reported. The puzzling temperature dependence of the coercive field, H_C(T), is correlated with the changes in the scaling factors.     

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of M2Mn3O8 (M = Ca,Cu) compounds and derivatives

M₂Mn₃O₈ (M = Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺) compounds were synthesized and characterized in lithium cells. The M²⁺ cations, which reside in the van der Waals gaps between adjacent sheets of Mn₃O₈⁴⁻, may be replaced chemically (by ion-exchange) or electrochemically with Li. More than 7 Li⁺/Cu₂Mn₃O₈ may be inserted electrochemically, with concomitant reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu metal, but less Li can be inserted into Ca₂Mn₃O₈. In the case of Cu²⁺, this process is partially reversible when the cell is charged above 3.5 V vs. Li, but intercalation of Cu⁺ rather than Cu²⁺ and Li⁺/Cu⁺ exchange occurs during the subsequent discharge. If the cell potential is kept below 3.4 V, the Li in excess of 4 Li⁺/Cu₂Mn₃O₈ can be cycled reversibly. The unusual mobility of + 2 cations in a layered structure has important implications both for the design of cathodes for Li batteries and for new systems that could be based on M²⁺ intercalation compounds.     

Anomalous X-ray scattering studies on superionic glassy (As2Se3)-(AgX) systems (X = halides)

Anomalous X-ray scattering experiments for glassy room-temperature superionic conductors (As₂Se₃)_0.4 (AgI)_0.6 and (As₂Se₃)_0.4(AgBr)_0.6 were performed close to the As, Se, Ag, and Br K edges using a third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, ESRF. The differential structure factors, Δ_iS(Q), were obtained from detailed analyses, indicating that Δ_AsS(Q) and Δ_SeS(Q) of both the glassy superionic semiconductors are similar to those of glassy As₂ Se₃ except the prepeak in Δ_SeS(Q). The Δ_AgS(Q) spectrum of (As₂Se₃)_0.4 (AgI)_0.6 looks molten salt-like. However, the Δ_Ag S(Q) of (As₂Se₃)_0.4(AgBr)_0.6 glass have quite different features from that of (As₂Se₃)_0.4 (AgI)_0.6 glass in the low Q range, and the Δ_BrS(Q) has even a pre-shoulder around 13 nm^? 1 unlike molten salts. In the differential pair distribution functions Δ_ig(r) obtained from the Fourier transforms of Δ_iS(Q), the first peaks of Δ_Asg(r) and Δ_Seg(r) show no correlation with those of Δ_Agg(r) and Δ_Brg(r), and vice versa. From these results, it can be concluded that a pseudo-binary mixture of the As₂Se₃ network matrix and AgX-related ionic conduction pathways is a good structural model for these superionic glasses. Differences between the AgBr- and AgI mixtures were found in the second-neighbor structures around the Ag atoms, which may reflect those in the crystal structures of the AgX salts.     

Encapsulating MAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ (M = Sr,Ca, Ba) phosphors with triethanolamine to enhance water resistance

Traditional aluminates phosphors with persistent luminescence are chemically unstable to water or moisture. Thus, how to improve the water-resistance of these phosphors is becoming a key issue in their practical applications. In this work, a series of alkaline earth aluminate phosphors including MAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ (M = Sr, Ca, Ba) have been prepared by a co-precipitation synthesis and postannealing approach, using 8-hydroxyquinoline and sodium oxalate as precipitants. The samples before and after encapsulation were well characterized by means of XRPD, FESEM, FT-IR, TGA-DTG and PL techniques as well as water resistance measurements. The precipitants involved can react with Al³⁺ and Sr²⁺ (or Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺) to form complex compounds in aqueous solution, which further convert into porous phosphors by postannealing method under reducing atmosphere. Next, triethanolamine encapsulation at room temperature was conducted onto their surfaces to improve the water resistance. The results reveal that the encapsulation of aluminate phosphors with triethanolamine can effectively enhance the water resistance, and minimally affect on persistent phosphorescence.     

Oxide ion conduction mechanism in RE9.33(SiO4)6O2 and Sr2RE8(SiO4)6O2 (RE = La,Nd) from neutron powder diffraction

The oxide ion conduction mechanism was clarified for high purity RE_9.33(SiO₄)₆O₂ and Sr₂RE₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ (RE = La and Nd) by Rietveld and maximum entropy method (MEM) analysis using neutron powder diffraction data collected at room temperature. All the compounds had an apatite-type structure in the space group P6₃/m. Neither site splitting nor interstitial sites of the oxide ion was observed. RE_9.33(SiO₄)₆O₂ had cation vacancies only at the 4f site. In Sr₂RE₈(SiO₄)₆O₂, the 4f sites were fully occupied by strontium and rare earths with a molar ratio of 1 : 1. Also, in RE_9.33(SiO₄)₆O₂, the oxide ion at the hexagonal channel site had a large displacement along the c-axis. This large displacement is induced by cooperative rotation of SiO₄ tetrahedra around rare earths at the 4f site through oxide ion polyhedra around another rare earth at the 6h site. The displacement, enhanced by a vacancy in the 4f site, is directly related to oxide ion conduction in RE_9.33(SiO₄)₆O₂.     

NMR Study on Coexistence of Magnetic Order and Superconductivity in RuSr2GdCu2O8

Electronic and magnetic properties of RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈ have been investigated by resistivity, magnetization and NMR measurements. Magnetic order (T _C=133 K) and superconducting transition (T _S(onset) 52 K) have been confirmed in RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈. We observed two kinds of Ru-NMR signals (the hyperfine fields of ¹⁰¹Ru are 590 kOe and 290 kOe), suggesting a possible charge segregation of Ru⁴⁺(S=1) and Ru⁵⁺(S=3/2) in the RuO₂ layers. Holes can be inherently doped in the CuO₂ layers from the (Ru⁴⁺, Ru⁵⁺)O₂ layers, and the superconductivity can occur under weak magnetic interactions between Ru and Cu spins in RuSr₂GdCu₂O₈.