Thermoelectric Power Studies on YBa2?xCaxCu3O7?δ System

The temperature dependence of the thermoelectric power of calcium substituted YBa_2–x Ca _x Cu₃O_7– pellets with 0x1.5 is presented between 60 K and 300 K. A metal–insulator transition was reported earlier by us in this system and was attributed to the ionic size-dependent localization effect. While the sign of thermoelectric power of all the calcium substituted samples was found to be positive, its magnitude increases significantly with calcium content in YBCO. The normal state thermoelectric power data of substituted YBa_2–x Ca _x Cu₃O_7– (0x1.5) are discussed in light of a two-band model originally proposed by Gottwick et al. for heavy fermion systems and later modified by Forro et al.     

Extraordinary behaviour of the Y1?xPrxBa2Cu3O7?δ system

Investigations of Y_1–x M _x Ba₂Cu₃O_7– (M=Ce, Th)c-axis oriented thin film specimens show that the rate of depression ofT _c withx is larger for M=Th, than for M=Ce and Pr, and suggest that Ce, like Th, is tetravalent in this compound. Hall effect measurements on Y_1–x Pr _x Ba₂Cu₃O_7– single crystals reveal aT ² dependence of the cotangent of the Hall angle in the normal state and a negative Hall anomaly belowT _c in the superconducting state, in agreement with recent reports. Our research shows that the depth, , of the negative Hall signal scales withT/T _c and that the maximum value of decreases linearly withx and vanishes atx0.24. Magnetoresistance measurements on Y_1–x Pr _x Ba₂Cu₃O_7– single crystals indicate that the irreversibility lineH(T ^*) obeys a universal scaling relation characterized by anm=3/2 power law nearT _c, with a crossover to a more rapid temperature dependence of belowT/T _c 0.6, similar to that observed for polycrystalline specimens.     

On the high-temperature superconductivity of SrxLa2?xCuO4?δ

The superconducting properties of Sr_xLa_2–xCuO_4– are analyzed by employing the model of interaction between charge carriers and the oxygen-displacive modes of the lattice. The role played by the hole concentration, as related to the Sr content x and oxygen deficiency, is thoroughly emphasized. The critical temperature, the ratio of twice the superconducting gap to the critical temperature, and the isotope shift are estimated as functions of the hole concentration and compared with the experimental data.     

Structural variation and recovery of superconductivity by Ca substitution in Y0.4Pr0.6Bs2?xCaxCu3

Y_0.4Pr_0.6Ba_2–xCa_xCu₃O_7– polycrystalline samples were prepared and investigated. The Ca substitution led to a structural variation toward tetragonal symmetry, possibly due to the structural modification within the Cu(1)O layer. Superconductivity and metallic conduction were recovered whenx0.2, giving one more evidence for the existence of the ion-size effect at the Ba site.     

Fabrication of bulk superconductors YBa2Cu3?xTexO7?δ with highly oriented layer structure using the melt-texture growth process

We report on the successful fabrication of bulk samples satisfying the nominal composition YBa₂Cu_3–x Te _x O_7– and containing highly single-crystal-like texture. While this type of crystal growing process is not new, our process requires only the existence of spatial temperature gradient in some parts of the common tube furnace. The samples with tellurium were found to be much more stable and better superconductors than the Y-123 specimen. Large layer textures with cross-section 50×500m² were observed to grow inside the usual bulk sample. The critical currents were measured by the d.c. magnetization method and found to be easily greater than 6000 A cm^–2 for the samples with Te.     

Normal state and superconductivity of ErBa2(Cu1?xCrx)O7?δ(x=0–0.1)

The effects of Cr in ErBa₂(Cu_1–x Cr _x )O_7– (x=0–0.1) superconductor have been investigated. The critical temperature, which was determined by DC electrical resistance measurements, showed no suppression of the onset temperature (T _{c onset}) within the substitution range. The transition width (T _c ) broadened as the Cr content is increased. The normal state changes from the metal-like to semimetal/semiconductor-like for x0.03. Micrographs from the scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction pattern, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis results are used to describe the superconducting properties of these materials. The orthorhombic structure was preserved throughout the substitution range. Some possible roles of Cr in the system are discussed.