Thermodynamic properties of superconducting niobium

The thermodynamic properties of superconducting Nb are calculated numerically from the solution of the Eliashberg equations on the imaginary axis for several possible electron-phonon spectral densities ²()F(). Comparison with experiment is made in order to see which spectrum gives the best agreement, and functional derivatives with respect to ²()F() are used to estimate how this agreement might be improved by small changes in ²()F(). Possible gap anisotropy effects are also considered with the help of a simple model anisotropy for the interaction.Research supported by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.     

Magnetic field dependence of zero-sound attenuation close to the pair-breaking edge in3He-B due toJ=1−,J z =±1 collective modes

Our previous theory yielded for the Zeeman splitting of the imaginaryJ=1 collective mode in³He-B the result =2+0.25J _z ( is the effective Larmor frequency). In this paper we take into account the downward shift of the pair-breaking edge from 2 to 2₂– (₂ and ₁ are the longitudinal and transverse gap parameters). This leads to a complex Landé factor: the frequencies of theJ _z =±1 components become =2+0.39J _z , and the linewidths of these resonances become finite: =0.18. The coupling amplitudes of theJ _z =±1 components to density are found to be proportional to gap distortion, (₁–₂/(/)². Our results for the ultrasonic attenuation due to theJ _z =±1,J=1 modes are capable of explaining the field dependence of the attenuation close to the pair-breaking edge as observed by Dobbs, Saunders, et al. The observed peak is caused by theJ _z =–1 component: its height increases due to gap distortion as the field is increased, and the peak shifts downward in temperature and its width increases with the field due to the complex Landé factor. TheJ _z =+1 component gives rise to a corresponding dip relative to the continuum attenuation.     

Ultrasonic dispersion and attenuation near the liquid-gas critical point of 3He

We report ultrasonic dispersion and attenuation measurements near the liquid-gas critical point of ³He at frequencies from 0.5 to 5.0 MHz and densities from 0.89 _c to 1.15 _c . The singular part of the sound attenuation and the dispersion on the critical isochore _c = 0.0414 g/cm³ are analyzed in terms of the Kawasaki-Mistura theory. If the Ornstein-Zernike order parameter correlation function is assumed in the analysis, good agreement with our data is achieved, except close to the critical temperature T _cin the high-frequency region, where ^* = /_D 1. Here _D is the characteristic relaxation rate of the critical fluctuations. From a fit of the theory to our data, and assuming the inverse correlation length is expressed by = ₀, where = (T–T_c)/T_c with = 0.63, we obtain ₀ = (3.9 ± 0.4) × 10⁹ m^–1. It is found that a more realistic form of the correlation function, as proposed by Fisher and Langer and calculated by Bray, yields even poorer agreement with out data than does the classical Ornstein-Zernike form for ^* > 10. The same difficulties appear in the analysis of the available data for xenon. Thus, the present mode coupling theory is unable to satisfactorily describe the acoustic experiments on fluids near the liquid-vapor critical point over a large range of reduced frequencies ^*. In the appendix, we reanalyze previously reported ultrasonic data in ⁴He, taking into account the nonsingular term of the thermal conductivity. Using = 0.63, we obtain a good fit of the experiment to the theory in the hydrodynamic region with ₀ = (5.5 ± 1) × 10⁹ m^–1.Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.     

Dynamic scaling and ultrasonic attenuation in 4He near the superfluid transition point

Attenuation of first sound has been measured in ⁴He under saturated vapor pressure near the lambda temperature T at frequencies /2 ranging from 10.2 to 271 MHz. The frequency dependence of the critical part of the attenuation is determined and the dynamic scaling hypothesis is examined. Above the lambda point, it is found that the critical attenuation is described by a scaling function (, ) = ^1+y F(), where = ₀^–x and = T/T – 1, with the results x = 1.02±0.05 and y = 0.33±0.03. The characteristic frequency of the order-parameter fluctuation with the wave number k equal to the inverse correlation length is then proportional to ^x , which is in an excellent agreement with the prediction of dynamic scaling. Below the lambda point, a characteristic relaxation time or times shorter than previously expected at lower frequencies appears to exist in the present frequency range.Based on a Ph.D dissertation submitted by K. Tozaki to the University of Tokyo (1977).     

Response of a spinning liquid column to axial excitation

Summary The response of a solidly rotating finite liquid column consisting of frictionless liquid is subjected to axial harmonic excitation. The response of the free liquid surface elevation and velocity distribution has been determined in the elliptic (>2 ₀) and hyperbolic frequency range (>2 ₀).Notation a radius of liquid bridge - h length of liquid bridge - I ₀,I ₁ modified Besselfunctions - J ₀,J ₁ Besselfunctions - P liquid pressure - r, ,z cylindrical polar coordinates - t time - u, v, w velocity distribution in rotating liquid - axial excitation amplitude - elliptic case (>2 ₀) - hyperbolic case (>2 ₀) - liquid density - surface tension - liquid surface displacement - acceleration potential - ₀ rotational speed - axial forcing frequency - natural frequency of rotating system - _02n –1 natural frequency of harmonic axial response With 8 Figures     

Axi-symmetric natural frequencies and response of a spinning liquid column under strong surface tension

Summary The response of a solidly rotating anchored finite liquid column consisting of frictionless liquid is subjected to axial harmonic excitation. The response of the free liquid surface elevation and velocity distribution has been determined analytically in the elliptic (>2 ₀) and hyperbolic frequency range (>2 ₀). For the liquid surface displacement the response has been evaluated numerically as a function of the forcing frequency/2 ₀. In addition the first natural stuck-edge frequency has been determined and compared with the slipping case.List of symbols a radius of liquid bridge - h length of liquid bridge - I ₀,I ₁ modified Besselfunctions - J ₀,J ₁ Besselfunctions - p liquid pressure - r, ,z cylindrical polar coordinates - t time - u, v, w velocity distribution in rotating liquid - Weber number - z₀ axial excitation amplitude - elliptic case (>2 ₀) - hyperbolic case (>2 ₀) - liquid density - surface tension - liquid surface displacement - acceleration potential - ₀ rotational speed - axial forcing frequency - natural frequency of rotating system - _0n natural frequency of harmonic axial response     

The optical properties and a.c. conductivity of magnesium phosphate glasses

Magnesium phosphate [X MgO-(100–X) P₂O₅] glasses in the composition range [X=20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50 mol %] have been made. The optical properties and a.c. conductivities were measured and their amorphous nature confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The variation of relative density with x was anomalous. In the ultraviolet/visible regions it was found that the fundamental absorption edge is a function of glass compositions and lower absorption coefficients, () follow the so-called Urbach edge. At lower absorption levels (1<<10⁴cm^–1), the width of the tail of localized states in the band gap, E _g, did not vary significantly with glass composition and lay in the range (0.26–0.343) eV. In the high absorption region (()>10⁴ cm^–1), the behaviour of () suggests that there are two different transition energies for electrons in k-space, namely direct allowed transitions and non-direct transitions. In the infrared region at wavelengths =2.5–30 m, the transmission spectrum has four absorption bands. Using the Kramers-Kronig theory, the optical constants (refractive index n and extinction coefficient k) have been determined from the transmission spectrum. The a.c. conductivity, (), real and imaginary dielectric constants, ₁, ₂, and loss factor, tan , have been determined at room temperature in the frequency region, = 2×10⁴–10⁶ Hz. It has previously been established theoretically that () ^s and s was found to be in the range 0.64–0.73, depending on glass composition.     

Paramagnetic resonance in a “dirty” spin-glass

For a spin-glass with nonmagnetic defects (n _m ^1/3l 1, where n _m is the magnetic impurity concentration and l is the mean free path) an absorption function () is derived. Three ranges of temperature and external magnetic field are considered. In the vicinity of the transition the value of () d is estimated as a function of temperature and field.     

Response of differently axially excited spinning liquid columns

Summary A solidly rotating finite liquid column consisting of frictionless liquid is subjected to various axial excitation modes. The response of the free liquid surface displacement and velocity distribution has been determined in the elliptic (>2₀) and hyperbolic range (<2₀). Differences of the various cases are presented.List of symbols a radius of liquid bridge - h length of liquid bridge - I ₀,I ₁ modified Besselfunctions - J ₀,J ₁ Besselfunctions - p liquid pressure - r, ,z cylindrical polar coordinates - t time - u, v, w velocity distribution in rotating liquid - axial excitation amplitude - elliptic case (>2₀) - hyperbolic case (<2₀) - liquid density - surface tension - liquid surface displacement - _n damping factor - phase angle - acceleration potential - ₀ rotational speed - , ₁,₂ axial forcing frequency - natural frequency of rotating system - _0n natural frequency of harmonic axial response     

Response of a spinning liquid column to pitch excitation

Summary The response of a solidly rotating liquid bridge consisting of inviscid liquid is determined for pitch excitation about its undisturbed center of mass. Free liquid surface displacement and velocity distribution has been determined in the elliptic (>2₀) and hyperbolic (<2₀) excitation frequency range.List of symbols a radius of liquid column - h length of column - I ₁ modified Besselfunction of first kind and first order - J ₁ Besselfunction of first kind and first order - r, ,z cylindrical coordinates - t time - u, v, w velocity distribution in radial-, circumferential-and axial direction resp. - mass density of liquid - free surface displacement - velocity potential - ₀ rotational excitation angle - ₀ velocity of spin - forcing frequency - _1n natural frequency - surface tension - acceleration potential - for elliptic range >2₀ - for hyperbolic range >2₀     

Superconducting state in M3C60: Strong vs. weak coupling

The superconducting state in the doped fullerenes is due to strong coupling (e.g.,2.1 for Rb₃C₆₀) to low-frequency intramolecular modes _L 250 cm^–1 (^21/2). The analysis is based on an equation describingT _c for any strength of the coupling and on recent isotope effect and NMR data.     

Dependence of Hertzian fracture angle on Poissons ratio and indentation techniques

Sub-parallel concentric conic fractures can be produced consecutively in Perspex by liquid indentation. There is a linear relationshp between the conic angle, , of Hertzian fracture and the Poisson's ratio, , of the material. This angle is about 10 higher than the calculated path of the principal stress trajectory for a given . decreases with the increase of stress application rate. This dependence of is very marked in materials with high Poisson's ratios.     

Amplifier based on a field-effect triode with negative current feedback

Conclusions A field-effect triode amplifier with series negative current feedback allows a voltage gain of the order of 200–300 to be obtained for a load resistance R_s1 M. The coefficient K_u begins to decrease noticeably only for a feedback resistance above 500 .The current gain reaches (8–10)·10³. Increasing the resistances R_s and R_L to hundreds of ohms has practically no effect on K_i. For a further increase of R_s and R_L the coefficient K_i decreases.The power gain reaches its maximum value (of the order of 10⁴ or more) for R_s100 and R_L=10–100 k. An increase in R_s leads to a reduction of K_pmax and to a shift of the extremum of the function K_p=f(R_L) into the range of higher values of R_L.A large input resistance of the amplifier (tens of megohms and higher) is obtained when R_s increases to 10–100 M. The maximum input resistance is obtained for R_L and R_s and may exceed values of from hundreds of megohms to several gigaohms. The minimum input resistance is hundreds of kilohms for R_L and R_s0.The minimum input resistance (5–10 k or less) is ensured for R_g and R_L0. An increase of the output resistance to hundreds of megohms or higher occurs for R_g and R_s.Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 9, pp. 67–70, September, 1971.     

The specific heat and critical magnetic field of superconducting PdH(D)

From the solution of the Eliashberg equations on the imaginary axis, the thermodynamic properties, specific heat, and critical magnetic field of PdH(D) have been calculated. The Eliashberg kernels ²()F() were constructed using a published value of ²(), and F() was obtained from inelastic neutron scattering data. The results for the specific heat are in good agreement with published experimental data. The critical magnetic field shows a nearly parabolic behavior as a function of temperature, in disagreement with the linear experimental behavior. The deviation function D(t) and the ratios C(T _c)/T _c and [T _c/H _c(0)]² indicate that the PdH(D) system is BCS-like. The functional derivative of T _c with respect to changes in the kernel is also calculated.On sabbatical leave from the Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Mexico.     

Frequency and temperature dependencies of a.c. conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-CoCl2 composites

The a.c. conductivity for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-CoCl₂ composites prepared by a casting method has been measured at different frequencies (0.1–10 kHz) in the temperature range 300–450 K. At constant temperature, the frequency dependence of a.c. conductivity, (), was found to fit the established equation () = A ^s quite well. On the other hand, the temperature dependence of a.c. conductivity suggested an electronic hopping conduction mechanism in a thermally assisted electric field. Various theoretical mechanisms have been discussed to clarify the conduction processes in these samples. The correlated barrier hopping (CBH) mechanism, proposed by Elliott, was found to be the most appropriate one.     

Electron-phonon coupling as a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity

We have solved the Eliashberg gap equations which are valid for arbitrary phonon frequency, (_ph), electron-phonon coupling constant, (), and screened Coulomb interaction, ( ^*). We have used values of (_ph),, and ( ^*) appropriate to the cuprate superconductors, and calculated the density of states, the pair potential., and the value of the gap at T=0 K. Using the linearized Eliashberg equations in the matrix representation, we have calculatedT _c and 2/k T _c . We have found that we can account for the highT _c 's in the cuprates with reasonable values for, ^*, and _ph.     

Temperature and randomness dependence of the pair-breaking parameter in superconducting aluminum films

Magnetoconductance and excess conductance due to superconducting fluctuations in aluminum films are measured in order to study the temperature dependence of the pair-breaking parameter at temperatures nearT _c . The parameter _M is estimated from the relation =/8k _B T_in, where _in is the inelastic scattering time deduced from the analysis of the magnetoconductance. The parameter _F is determined by fitting theories to data on the excess conductance at zero magnetic field. It is shown that: (1) For films with a wide range of the sheet resistanceR , 12R 200 /, the temperature dependence of _M nearT _c agrees well with the theory of Brenig et al. (2) For clean films withR 100 /, the value of _F analyzed with theories including the correction term to the Maki-Thompson contribution shows almost the same temperature dependence as _M . In a film withR 200 /, however, a discrepancy between _M and _F remains.On leave from College of General Education, Kyushu University, Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka, Japan.     

Rejuvenation procedures to recover creep properties of nickel-base superalloys by heat treatment and hot isostatic pressing techniques

The rejuvenation procedures to recover the creep properties of nickel-base superalloys by atmospheric pressure heat treatment and hot isostatic pressing techniques have been reviewed in detail. It is very important that such treatments be applied at an optimum stage in the service life of a turbine blade. In other words, the rejuvenation procedures must be applied early enough to prevent catastrophic failures or irreparable damage and late enough to give a cost-effective benefit. The optimum stage at which to undertake a rejuvenation procedure to extend the creep lives of superalloys is immediately prior to the tertiary stage. By using these techniques it is not possible to extend the creep lives of superalloys indefinitely because of the accumulation of some permanent damage incurred during service conditions.Nomenclature ERF Economic repair factor - P _r Price of repaired and rejuvenated part - P _n Price of new part - L _n Potential operational life of new part - L _r Potential operational life of repaired/rejuvenated part - N Cavity density or number of cavities per unit area (mm^–2) - n _v Number of cavities per unit volume (mm^–3) - Creep strain - ₁ Maximum principal stress (MPa) - ¯ von Mises effective shear stress (MPa) - t _f Time to failure - t _t Time to commencement of tertiary creep - Creep damage tolerance parameter - _f Strain at fracture (or failure) - T _m Absolute melting temperature - ₀ Friction stress - r Spherical radius of cavities - 2x Intercavity spacing - Grain boundary width - P _I Cavity gas pressure - P _H External hydrostatic pressure - Atomic volume - k Boltzmann constant - T Absolute temperature - Surface energy of the cavity - D _b Grain boundary diffusion coefficient - _d Ductility recovery parameter - Strain to reach the same acceleration after recovery annealing - ₀ Strain necessary for standard material to reach a given acceleration of the secondary-creep rate in the tertiary region - _t Strain needed to have produced the reduced cavity volume after rejuvenation annealing - Creep rate - Secondary or minimum creep rate - ₁ Strain previous to the regenerative annealing period - n Total number of strain/regenerative anneal cycles - _v Recovery parameter for cavity volume - V ₀ Original total cavity volume at the start of the recovery - V _t Cavity volume after recovery annealing for a timet     

On the maximum reduced upper critical magnetic field in Eliashberg theory

Consideration of the functional derivative of the zero-temperature reduced upper critical magnetic fieldh _c2(0) with electron-phonon spectral density ² F() suggests that its value can be maximized, for a given areaA under ² F(), with the choice of a delta-function spectral density. We show thath _c2(0) is then independent ofA and that it increases steadily as the Einstein frequency _E of the delta function is lowered. We argue that there is a local maximum inh _c2(0) at _E=0. The value at maximum is very sensitive to impurity content and increases sharply from a clean-limit value of 1.5 atT _c /_E=1.33 to more than 3.45 in the dirty limit.     

Effect of phase transitions in copper-germanium thin film alloys on their electrical resistivity

An investigation was carried out to study the phase transitions in Cu-Ge thin films (80–200 nm in thickness) containing 0, 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 at% Ge, and the corresponding effects on electrical resistivity. For these films, the phase transitions were found to follow the sequence: -phase (disordered face centred cubic, fcc, solid solution); 5 at% Ge -phase (disordered hexagonal close packed, hcp); 15 at% Ge -phase + ₁-phase (ordered orthorhombic, Cu₃Ge); 20 at% Ge ₁-phase; 25 at% Ge (₁-phase + progressively increasing proportions of a disordered Ge-rich solid solution); 30–50 at% Ge. Germanium was found to have no marked effect on grain size of all films studied excluding grain boundaries as electron scattering centres. Transition of the -phase into the -phase was found to occur in a highly coherent manner, which could be related to the reduced stacking fault energy of Cu by the addition of Ge. Most evidence pointed out that the initial increase in resistivity within the -phase range was related to hcp scattering centres, which could be associated with a localized high concentration of Ge. At 15 at% Ge, the resistivity reached a maximum value of about 50 cm associated with the complete transformation of -phase into the -phase. With continued increase in Ge concentration, the resistivity was found to gradually decrease reaching a minimum value of about 10 at 25 at% Ge, which was correlated with complete transition of the -phase into the ordered ₁-phase (Cu₃Ge). It was shown that the superlattice of Cu₃Ge could directly be derived from the disordered -phase by minor atom rearrangement on the [0 0 0 1]_hcp plane. Even though, minor proportions of a Ge-rich solid solution containing a small concentration of Cu were formed at Ge concentrations above 25 at%, the minimum resistivity of 10 cm was maintained as the Ge concentration was increased to 35 at%. Subsequently, the resistivity was increased reaching about 46 cm at 50 at% Ge.