The dielectic response of K x Al x Ti8−x O16 and K x Mg x/2 Ti8−x/2 O16

Materials of the hollandite structure with the general formulae K_x Al_x Ti_8–x O₁₆ and K_x Mg_x/2 Ti_8–x/2 O₁₆ have been synthesized in the composition range 1.6x2.0 and their dielectric properties have been measured in the temperature range 77 to 800 K and the frequency range 10^–3 to 10⁶ Hz. The observed response shows a whole range of features characteristic for both charge carrier and dipolar polarization processes and these are seen as being associated with the one-dimensional transport in channels in the hollandite structure. At low temperatures the dominant response is the universal dielectric relation in which the loss follows the law x() ^n–1, with the exponent n<1 and equal specifically to approximately 0.7. This is followed at 120 to 180 K by a distinct loss peak superimposed on the above law, and finally at higher temperatures by a region of strong dispersion which is associated with strongly interacting many-body processes between charged carriers restricted by defects to move in limited regions of the channels.     

Pb1−x Bi x /Bi/Pb1−x Bi x Josephson junction

A superconductor/semimetal/superconductor (S/SM/S) Josephson junction has been developed. We have used an alloy of Pb_1–x Bi _x (0x 0.6) as the superconductor and Bi as the semimetal. By irradiating at X-band microwave of 10 GHz, Shapiro steps were observed for various bismuth barrier thicknesses inÅ and bismuth weight ratiosx. Finally, we obtained the empirical relationship for barrier thickness, below which microwaves could be detected for various bismuth weight ratiosx at the temperature of 4.2 K.     

Bond Angle Study of Self-compensating Y1−x Ca x Ba2−x La x Cu3O z System

Single-phase samples of a self-compensating Y_1?x Ca _x Ba_2?x La _x Cu₃O _z system were synthesized through a solid-state reaction method with x<0.4. The structure of all samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and refined by the Rietveld method. Superconducting properties have been investigated by the DC magnetization measurement. The critical temperature (T _c ) decreases evidently with the increment of x although the carrier concentration remains constant in the samples for different doping level. Careful study of the chemical bonds in the crystalline lattice demonstrates that the T _c is closely correlated to four pairs of bond angles in the unit cell. The analysis indicates that crystalline structure is one of the important factors to high-T _c superconductivity, and its influence is independent of the carrier concentration.     

Anomalous Behavior in Y1−x Pr x Ba2Cu3O7−δ

It is found that the samples of x=0.25 and 0.5 in the series samples of Y_1?x Pr _x Ba₂Cu₃O_7?δ demonstrate some anomalous behavior. First, the changes of T _c value of them are a bit different from their neighbor samples. Second, under a small magnetic field, i.e. 5–100 Oe, a little rise in the T _c value with the rise of the field is observed. The anomalous behavior is primitively explained by the local structure changes and the magnetic properties. It is attributed to local structural changes, i.e. the chemical bonds in the Cu–O₂ plane.     

A study on martensitic transformation in Ti50−x/2Ni50−x/2Cu x alloys with X≤10 at%

The effect of Cu additions on the martensitic transformation sequence and temperature in Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys with x: 1–10 at% are investigated by ER, DSC, X-ray and IF measurements. Experimental results show that the transformation sequence of Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys with x: 1–4 at% proceeding as two-stage B2RB19 transformation on cooling and Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys with x=5, 10 at% have no martensitic transformation. The addition of Cu in Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys assists the formation of R-phase, a behaviour which is quite different from that in Ti₅₀Ni_50–x Cu _x alloys. Both the Ms and T _R temperatures decrease rapidly with increasing Cu addition in Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys with x: 1–4 at%. It is proposed that the Cu+Ni effects on the Ms temperature in Ti_50–x/2Ni_50–x/2Cu _x alloys is similar as Cu +Ni effects in Ti₅₀Ni_50–x Cu _x alloys and as Ni effects in as-quenched Ni-rich TiNi alloys.     

Lattice-matched epitaxial Pb1 − x Mn x Se/PbSe1 − x S x heterojunctions

This paper examines the possibility of producing lattice-matched p-n heterojunctions based on epitaxial n-Pb_{1 ? x} Mn _x Se (x = 0.02) and p-PbSe_{1 ? x} S _x (x = 0.04) films. The heterojunctions have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy in a single processing cycle, without breaking the vacuum, using a compensating Se vapor source in the growth process. Optimal conditions have been found for the growth of structurally perfect (W _1/2 = 90″-100″) epitaxial films and fabrication of lattice-matched heterojunctions based on such films, photosensitive in the IR spectral region.     

Polymorphism in Sr3Fe2O7−x

The compound Sr₃Fe₂O_7–x , with variable iron valence, was investigated by X-ray powder techniques, both at room and at high temperatures. If the material is examined in massive form, a single phase called -Sr₃Fe₂O_7–x appears as previously reported in the literature. This -phase is tetragonal and exhibits the lattice parameters: a=3.874 and c=40.314 Å. Two other phases, called and -Sr₃Fe₂O_7–x , respectively, can be obtained on heating the finely powdered material when laid on a flat platinum support. The form is stable up to 1275° C, while the form is revealed only above 1275° C and changes always into -Sr₃Fe₂O_7–x when quenched. Both and phases are tetragonal, with a=4.001 and c= 58.251 for the form and a=4.013, c=57.092 Å for the form. The transition involves a true phase equilibrium, while the transformation is possible only by means of a suitable mechanical treatment of the material.     

Terahertz Conductivity of Overdoped Y1−x Ca x B2Cu3O7−δ

In the current work we have investigated the terahertz response of Ca overdoped YBaCuO thin films using both time and frequency domain spectroscopy methods. For both methods a basic data analysis was performed using the two fluid and a variable dielectric function (VDF) models. The imaginary part of the conductivity was proportional to 1/ω, known from the delta-function response. The real part of conductivity showed a well known frequency and temperature dependence, where it increases below T _c and obtains maxima at about 50 K. However, a sharp decrease of the real part of the conductivity was observed at about 10 cm^?1. This decrease occurs below T _c and becomes dominant as temperature decreases. It was observed on the 5% and 10% Ca doped samples but it was more dominant on the 10% case. Moreover, this sharp decrease in σ ₂(ω)at 10 cm^?1 was not observed in optimally doped YBCO samples. We would like to stress at this point that these values are much smaller than those obtained by Microwave and Tunneling measurements, arguing for the existence of a complex order parameter in the overdoped regime with an imaginary component of about 1.8 meV.     

Microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Sn x Zn(1−x)/3Nb(1−x)2/3)O3 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.32) ceramics

The dielectric properties of the (1–x)Ba(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–xBaSnO₃ (0 x 0.32) composition at microwave frequencies were investigated in this study. With the addition of BaSnO₃, the dielectric Q(Q _d) value of Ba(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (BZN) can be improved and a small temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (_f) can be achieved. When 22.6 mol % of Sn is added to BZN, the characteristics of the Ba(Sn_0.226Zn_0.258Nb_0.516)O₃ ceramics sintered at 1500°C are as follows: dielectric constant _r = 32, _f = + 12 p.p.m.°C¹ and high Q _d value of 9700 at 10 GHz. Based on the classical dispersion theory and the logarithmic mixing rule, the effects with additions of substitutional element of BaSnO₃ on the microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ can be mostly explained.     

Fabrication of (La1−x Gd x )2/3Sr1/3MnO3 Manganite Perovskite Nanorods by Sonication-Assisted Coprecipation

(La_1?x Gd _x )_2/3Sr_1/3MnO₃ manganite perovskite nanorods were synthesized by sonication-assisted coprecipitation. Lower sintering temperatures were required for all the samples to crystallize. The fully crystallize samples of (La_0.5Gd_0.5)_2/3Sr_1/3MnO₃ and (La_0.4Gd_0.6)_2/3Sr_1/3MnO₃ show the formation of nanorods upon their synthesis with an average length and width of 160 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The structural, electrical, and magnetic transport properties were investigated.     

Excess Conductivity Analysis of Tl1−x Y x Ba2Ca2Cu3O10−δ Superconductors

Excess conductivity analyses of resistivity data of Tl_1?x Y _x Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10?δ (x=0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1) samples have been carried out by following Lawrence & Doniach (LD) and Maki-Thompson (MT) models. In the critical regime important superconductivity parameters have been elucidated by employing Ginzburg-Landau number N _G of Ginzburg Landau theory. Our samples have shown a decrease in the T _c (R=0) and magnitude of diamagnetism with increased Y-doping. The cell parameters and volume of the unit cell increase with doping of Y⁺³ in Tl_1?x Y _x Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10?δ (x=0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1) which shows a decrease in the density of charge carriers in the conducting CuO₂ planes. Since the Fermi vectors of the carriers, K _F=[3π ² N/V]^1/3=[3π ² n]^1/3, their coherence length along the c-axis, ξ _c=?K _F/2mΔ, and the Fermi velocity, V _F=?K _F/m depend on density of mobile charge carriers, the doping of Y⁺³ suppresses it and hence the superconductivity parameters. We have confirmed these conjectures with the excess conductivity analyses (FIC) of our conductivity data. The FIC analysis of conductivity data has shown a decrease in the values of ξ _c, V _F, B _c(0), B _c1(0) and J _c(0) with increase doping of Y (except for the samples with x=0.04). The width of two dimensional conductivity regimes is shrunken with increased Y-doping. From these studies it is concluded that presence of Y⁺³ in the unit cell of TlBa₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10?δ impedes the flow of the mobile charge carriers to the conducting CuO₂ planes which induce suppression in the superconductivity parameters. The studies also stress the vital role of mobile charge carriers in the mechanism of high temperature superconductivity.     

Superconductivity of YBa2−x Nd x Cu3O y Solid Solution

The solubility of Nd at the Ba sites and the superconductivity of YBa_2?x Nd _x Cu₃O _y were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and measurements of the electrical resistance and ac susceptibility. The single Re123 phase was obtained for x≤0.30. The onset transition temperature $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{on}}}$ is insensitive to the Nd content x in the region of x≤0.40. All are higher than 95 K. The zero resistance transition temperatures $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ , however, exhibits two-step variation with the increase of x. For x≤0.25, $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ are all above 92 K. The highest $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ of 94 K was obtained for x=0.25. For x≥0.3 $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ drops sharply to about 84 K. Finally $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ falls to 30 K and $T_{\text{c}}^{{\text{zero}}}$ is below 10 K for x=0.5. The two-step variation of T _c might be an indication of the existence of two trap levels for holes.     

Dielectric properties of the Sr1−x La x Sn1−x Co x O3 system

The possibility of the formation of a solid solution in the Sr_1–x La _x Sn_1–x Co _x O₃ system has been explored. Single-phase solid solution forms in the compositions for x0.10. All single-phase solid solution compositions have a cubic structure similar to SrSnO₃. The dielectric behaviour of these solid solution compositions has been studied as a function of temperature and frequency. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss in these materials indicates that space charge polarization contributes significantly to their observed dielectric parameters. Microstructural studies show the presence of well-faceted grains. The average grain size in these samples is small.     

Suppression of superconductivity in the Er1− x Pr x Ba2Cu3O7−δ

Measurements of electrical resistivity. X-ray diffraction patterns, magnetic susceptibility and thermoelectric power of the Er_1-x Pr _x Ba₂Cu₃O_7- system have been made. The superconducting transition temperature was found to decrease monotonically with praseodymium concentration, x. From the susceptibility data, it was determined that the valence of praseodymium lies between +3 and +4. The thermoelectric power was found to increase with x, and the slopes of dS/dT were negative except for the case x= 0. The. tendency of the thermopower to change with increasing praseodymium concentration has been qualitatively explained using the theory for strongly correlated systems.     

Evolution of the tetragonal to rhombohedral transition in (1 − x)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 − xBaTiO3 (x ≤ 7%)

Abstract

(1 ? x)(Bi_1/2Na_1/2)TiO₃ ? xBaTiO₃ has been the most studied Pb-free piezoelectric material in the last decade; however, puzzles still remain about its phase transitions, especially around the important morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). By introducing the strain glass transition concept from the ferroelastic field, it was found that the phase transition from tetragonal (T, P4bm) to rhombohedral (R, R3c) was affected by a strain glass transition at higher temperature for x ≥ 4%. In these compositions, the T–R transition was delayed or even totally suppressed and displayed huge thermal hysteresis upon cooling and heating. Also, isothermal phase transitions were predicted and realized successfully in the crossover region, where the interaction between the T–R transition and the strain glass transition was strong. Our results revealed the strain glass nature in compositions around the MPB in this important material, and also provide new clues for understanding the transition complexity in other (Bi_1/2Na_1/2)TiO₃-based Pb-free piezoelectric materials.     

Sintering of YBa2Cu3O7−x compacts

Heating of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x compacts above about 930°C is shown to induce liquid formation. Presence of the liquid phase results in excellent densification, but limited superconducting properties. Sintering below 930°C occurs primarily by solid-state diffusion. Although the density of these samples is low, the superconducting properties are similar to those of the dense materials produced via liquid-phase sintering. The highest current densities (≈ 500 A/cm²) have been obtained in these solid-state sintered samples.     

Room-temperature multiferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling in Bi4−x Sm x Ti3−x Co x O12−δ ceramics

We present the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric studies of lead free; single phase Bi_4?x Sm _x Ti_3?x Co _x O_12?δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.07) ceramics, synthesized using a standard solid-state reaction technique. Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals the relaxation of distortion in TiO₆ octahedron. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the growth of plate-like grains. It is observed that with the substitution of Sm³⁺ and Co³⁺ ions the dielectric constant, loss tangent and ferroelectric transition temperature decreases. Electrical dc resistivity, remnant polarization and magnetization increases with increasing Sm³⁺ and Co³⁺ contents. The magnetoelectric coupling co-efficient, α = 0.65 mV cm^?1 Oe^?1 is realized for Bi_4?x Sm _x Ti_3?x Co _x O_12?δ (x = 0.07) ceramic sample. Our results clearly demonstrate the lead free, multiferroic nature of Sm/Co-substituted Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂, which may find useful application in designing cost-effective electromagnetic devices.     

Thermodynamic properties of Ca1 − x Er x F2 + x and Ca1 − x Yb x F2 + x heterovalent solid solutions

The heat capacity of single crystals of the Ca_{1 ? x} Er _x F_{2 + x} (x = 0.05, 0.10) and Ca_0.95Yb_0.05F_2.05 fluorite solid solutions was determined by adiabatic calorimetry in the temperature range 55–300 K. The results were used to obtain temperature dependences of the Debye characteristic temperature, entropy, and enthalpy for the solid solutions.     

Two distinct structural phases in Sr3−x Ca x Ru2O y

Non-cuprate layered perovskite Sr₂RuO₄, which is an analogue of (La,Sr)₂CuO₄, exhibits superconductivity below T_c1K. We have synthesized a new system Sr_3–xCa_xRu₂O_y and found the solubility of Ca to be at least as much as x = 2. These samples are not superconductive down to 2K but magnetically ordered. The x dependence of the lattice parameters and that of T_mag clearly indicate that there are at least two distinct structural phases in Sr_3–xCa_xRu₂O_y.On leave from Hiroshima University.     

Infrared laser-induced piezo-optics in Sb2Se3− x Te x –BaCl2–PbCl2 glass

IR-induced elasto(piezo)-optical (PO) triggering effects in complex chalcogenide glasses with general formula Sb₂Se_{3- x} Te _x ?BaCl₂–PbCl₂ (with x = 0.2, 0.8, 1.3) were found under the influence of a pulsed 190 ns CO₂ laser with wavelength 10.6 μm. It was shown that increasing x leads to an increase of the PO efficiency. This is caused by appearance of enhanced excited dipole moments due to variations of polarizability. Simultaneously variations of the PO versus pump–probe delay times in the nanosecond time range were explored. A substantial role of the electron–phonon subsystem in the observed IR-induced PO triggering is demonstrated. The investigations were done both for diagonal as well as off-diagonal PO tensor components.