Structural,Electrical and Magnetic Behaviour of FeTe0.5Se0.5 Superconductor

We report the synthesis as well as structural and physical properties of the bulk polycrystalline FeTe and FeTe_0.5Se_0.5 compounds. These samples are synthesised by the solid state-reaction method via vacuum encapsulation. Both studied compounds are crystallized in a tetragonal phase with space group P4/nmm. The parent FeTe compound shows an anomaly in resistivity measurement at around 78 K, which is due to the structural change along with a magnetic phase transition. The superconductivity in the FeTe_0.5Se_0.5 sample at 13 K is confirmed by the resistivity measurements. DC magnetisation along with an isothermal (M–H) loop shows that FeTe_0.5Se_0.5 possesses bulk superconductivity. The upper critical field is estimated through resistivity ρ (T,H) measurements using Gingzburg–Landau (GL) theory and is above 50 T with 50 % resistivity drop criterion. The origin of the resistive transition broadening under magnetic field is investigated by thermally activated flux flow. The magnetic field dependence of the activation energy of the flux motion is discussed.     

NMR Studies of 3He Droplets in Dilute 3He-4He Solid Solutions

We have performed measurements of the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times (T ₁) for a wide range of ³He concentrations for dilute mixtures of ³He in solid ⁴He. The temperatures for phase separation are determined for ³He concentrations 500<x ₃<2000 ppm for a molar volume V _M =20.7 cm³. We report the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times for ³He in the droplets formed after phase separation at low temperatures. The temperature dependence suggests that the interface ³He atoms responsible for the relaxation are degenerate, not solid-like.     

Temperature dependence of ferroelectric and dielectric properties of textured 0.98(0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3)–0.02K0.5Na0.5NbO3 thick film

Textured 0.98(0.94Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃–0.06BaTiO₃)–0.02K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ thick film was prepared by reactive templated grain growth (RTGG) method. The effect of temperature on ferroelectric and dielectric behaviors of the thick film was investigated. Its dielectric constant as a function of temperature displayed typical relaxation behavior, which was similar to that of NBT-based bulk ceramics. Remnant polarization, saturation polarization, and coercive field of the thick film all decreased with increasing temperature. Dielectric constant and tunability of the film were also dependent on temperature. Electric field dependence of dielectric constant of the thick film suggested a transition from ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase at around the depolarization temperature. A strong increase in leakage current density with increasing temperature was observed, which could be related to the enhanced activity of conductivity carriers.     

Mechanical and Electrical Properties of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 Phase Added with Nano-Fe2O3

Superconducting samples of type (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)-1223 added with nano-Fe₂O₃ (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 wt.%) were prepared by solid-state reaction technique. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for phase analysis and microstructure examination. The elemental content of the prepared samples was determined using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), whereas the Oxygen-content of these samples was obtained using non Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy at 3 MeV proton beam. It was found that the Oxygen-content of (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)-1223 phase was not affected with the addition of nano-Fe₂O₃. The electrical resistivity measurements showed that the superconducting transition temperature (T _c ) increases up to x=0.2 wt.%, followed by a systematic decrease for x>0.2 wt.%. In addition, room temperature Vickers microhardness (H _v ) measurements were carried out at different applied loads (0.49–2.94 N) to study the performance of the mechanical properties of samples. The experimental results of H _v were analyzed using different models such as elastic, energy dissipation, energy balance and modified energy balance models. It has been found that the energy dissipation model is in a good agreement with the microhardness data.     

Structural and electrical characterizations of Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 doped lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric films with enhanced ferroelectric properties

Bi(Zn_0.5,Ti_0.5)O₃ (BZT) doped Pb(Zr_0.4,Ti_0.6)O₃ (PZT) films were fabricated using a chemical solution deposition method and were characterized intensively in the present work. It was discovered that the room temperature remnant polarization and zero-field longitudinal piezoelectric constant of the BZT-doped PZT film were enhanced by 23% and 30%, respectively, as compared with those of the undoped PZT film prepared under the same experiment conditions. In order to explain the improved ferroelectric properties, the phase structures of the BZT-PZT and undoped PZT films were experimentally investigated in a broad temperature range (from 30 to 600 °C) by using the high temperature two-dimensional X-ray diffraction method. It was found that the improvement in ferroelectricity does not correspond to an elevated Curie temperature (T_C) or a substantially larger tetragonality (c/a). The difference on the change of T_C by doping of Bi-based perovskites in PZT solid solutions between this work and some previous investigations was explained on the basis of Zr/Ti ratio, and the necessity of an in-depth theoretical investigation was addressed.     

Excess Conductivity Analysis of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 Substituted by Pr and La

Series of superconducting samples of type Cu_0.5Tl_0,5 Ba₂Ca_2?y R _y Cu₃O_10??? , where R=Pr and La with 0??y??0.20, were prepared in a sealed quartz tube via a single-step solid-state reaction technique. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electron dispersive X-ray (EDX). XRD studies indicated that the tetragonal structure of (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)-1223 phase does not change by Pr or La-substitutions whereas the lattice parameters a and c do. The elemental compositions analysis, determined from EDX, indicated that both Pr and La were successfully introduced into the microstructure of (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)-1223 phase. The electrical resistivity ??(T) was measured as a function of temperature using conventional dc four-probe technique. The fluctuation conductivity ????, above the superconducting transition temperature T _c, was analyzed as a function of temperature using Aslamazov and Larkin model. It exhibits four different fluctuation regions namely critical (cr), three-dimensional (3D), two-dimensional (2D), and short-wave (sw). The zero-temperature coherence length, effective layer thickness of the two-dimensional system and inter-layer coupling strength were estimated as a function of the substitution-content y. Furthermore, the thermodynamics critical field, lower critical magnetic field, upper critical magnetic field, critical current density and Fermi energy were calculated from the Ginzburg number. The data indicated that both Pr and La-substitutions have quite similar behaviors.     

Tantalum influence on physical properties of (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb1−xTax)O3 ceramics

Lead-free (K_0.5Na_0.5)(Nb_1−xTa_x)O₃ ceramics with x = 0.00-0.30 were prepared by the solid-state reaction technique. The effects of Ta on microstructure, crystallographic structure, phase transition and piezoelectric properties have been investigated. It has been shown that the substitution of Ta decreases Curie temperature T_C and orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transition temperature T_O-T, while increasing the rhombohedral-orthorhombic phase transition temperature T_R-O. In addition, piezoelectric activity is enhanced with the increase of Ta content. The ceramics with x = 0.30 have the high value of piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ = 205 pC/N. Moreover, k_p shows little temperature dependence between −75° C and 75 °C, and d₃₃ exhibits very good thermal stability over the range from −196 °C to 75 °C in the aging test.     

Ion Beam Analysis and Electrical Resistivity Studies of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 Phase with Added Nano-oxides

In this study, superconducting samples of type Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10??? added by SnO₂ and In₂O₃ in nano-scale were prepared by a solid-state reaction technique. The concentrations of both SnO₂ and In₂O₃ were 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0?wt% of the sample??s total mass. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for phase analysis and microstructure examination. The elemental content of the prepared samples was determined using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The results of elemental content, determined from EDX and PIXE, were compared and discussed. In addition, The oxygen content of these samples was obtained using non Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) at 3 MeV proton beam. It was found that the Oxygen-content of (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)-1223 phase was not affected by both SnO₂ and In₂O₃ nano-oxides addition. The electrical resistivity of the prepared samples was measured by the conventional four-probe technique from room temperature down to the zero superconducting transition temperature (T ₀). An increase in the superconducting transition temperature T _c from 106 to 119 K was observed as x was varied from 0.0 to 0.6?wt% for (SnO₂) _x Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10??? , followed by a systematic decrease with increasing nano-SnO₂ addition. On the other hand, the T _c values for (In₂O₃) _x Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10??? show a small variation with?x. Moreover, the variation rate of T _c with x, for both nano-additions, was found to be directly proportional to the variation of the volume fraction of the prepared samples.     

Synthesis and Superconductivity of New BiS2 Based Superconductor PrO0.5F0.5BiS2

We report synthesis and superconductivity at 3.7 K in PrO_0.5F_0.5BiS₂. The newly discovered material belongs to the layered sulfide based REO_0.5F_0.5BiS₂ compounds having a ZrCuSiAs-type structure. The bulk polycrystalline compound is synthesized by the vacuum encapsulation technique at 780 ^°C in a single step. Detailed structural analysis has shown that the as synthesized PrO_0.5F_0.5BiS₂ is crystallized in a tetragonal P4/nmm space group with lattice parameters a=4.015(5) Å, c=13.362(4) Å. Bulk superconductivity is observed in PrO_0.5F_0.5BiS₂ below 4 K from magnetic and transport measurements. Electrical transport measurements showed superconducting transition temperature (T _c ) onset at 3.7 K and T _c (ρ=0) at 3.1 K. The hump at T _c related to the superconducting transition is not observed in the heat capacity measurement and rather a Schottky-type anomaly is observed at below ～6 K. The compound is slightly semiconducting in a normal state. Isothermal magnetization (MH) exhibited typical type II behavior with a lower critical field (H _c1) of around 8 Oe.     

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of alkaline-earth titanate doped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 ceramics

(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃ (KNN) and 0.995(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃-0.005AETiO₃ (AE = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) were successfully prepared by conventional ceramic processing and without the cold-isostatic-pressing (CIP) process. The effects of low AETiO₃ (AET) concentration on crystal structure, density, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the KNN based ceramics were evaluated. The results show that adding MgTiO₃(MT) and BaTiO₃(BT) to KNN can lead to the appearance of a trace amount of second phase(s), reduced density and deteriorated electrical properties. Adding CaTiO₃(CT) and SrTiO₃(ST) to KNN can promote densification and optimize electrical properties. Two phase transitions at T_t-o ( the temperature at which the phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal occurs) and T_c (the Curie temperature) were observed in KNN and all KNN-AET ceramics, by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and dielectric characterization. Adding AET to KNN caused the variations of T_t-o and T_c.     

Dielectric and impedance characteristics of Ba(Bi0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics

A lead free polycrystalline material Ba(Bi_0.5Nb_0.5)O₃ was prepared using a high-temperature mixed oxide technique using high purity ingredients. The formation of the material in monoclinic crystal structure was confirmed by an X-ray structural analysis at room temperature. The nature and texture of microstructure by scanning electron microscopy show that the compound has well defined grains uniformly distributed throughout the surface of the sample. Detailed studies of dielectric and impedance properties of the material, carried out in the frequency range of (1 kHz–1 MHz) at different temperatures (30 °C to 475 °C), have shown many interesting properties. Dielectric study showed an existence of diffuse phase transition around 317 °C. The temperature dependence of impedance parameters (impedance, modulus etc.) of the material exhibits a strong correlation of its micro-structure (i.e., bulk, grain boundary, etc.) with the electrical parameters. An existence of negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) type behavior in the material similar to that of semiconductors was also observed. The complex electric modulus analysis indicates the existence of hopping conduction mechanism in the system with non-exponential type of conductivity relaxation. The nature of variation of dc conductivity with temperature confirms the Arrhenius behavior of the material. The ac conductivity spectra show a typical signature of an ionic conducting system, and are found to obey Jonscher’s universal power law. The temperature dependent pre-exponential factor (A) shows peak and frequency exponent (n) possesses a minimum at transition temperature.     

Two-stage enthalpy relaxation behaviour of (Fe0.5Ni0.5)83P17 and (Fe0.5Ni0.5)83B17 amorphous alloys upon annealing

The anneal-induced enthalpy relaxation behaviour for (Fe_0.5Ni_0.5)₈₃P₁₇ and (Fe_0.5Ni_0.5)₈₃B₁₇ amorphous alloys was examined calorimetrically. Upon heating the sample annealed at temperatures belowT _g, an excess endothermic reaction (enthalpy relaxation) occurs aboveT _a. The C _p,endo evolves reversibly in a continuous manner with Int _a. The changes in the magnitude of C _p,endo and H _endo withT _a show clearly two distinct stages; a low-temperature one which peaks at aboutT _g-200 K and a high-temperature peak just belowT _g. The activation energy,Q _m, increases with the peak temperature of C _P,T _m, from 1.7 to 2.5 eV for the Fe-Ni-P and from 1.8 to 2.0 eV for the Fe-Ni-B for the low-temperature peak, and from 2.6 to 5.0 eV for the Fe-Ni-P for the high-temperature peak. The reversible change inT _c for the Fe-Ni-P alloy pre-annealed for 1 min at 640 K as a function ofT _a was also found to show two stages; a low-temperature stage ranging from 400 to 550 K whereT _c rises, and a high-temperature one above 550 K whereT _c lowers. From the almost complete agreement of the temperature region and the peak temperature for each stage as well as the marked contrast in the change ofT _c, it was proposed that the low-temperature endothermic peak is attributed to local and medium range rearrangements of metallic (iron and nickel) atoms and the high-temperature reaction to the long-range cooperative regroupings of metallic and metalloid atoms. The mechanism for the appearance of the two-stage enthalpy relaxation was investigated based on the new concept of two-stage distribution in relaxation times (or glass transitions) centring atT _g1 andT _g2 which arise respectively from the metal atoms and from the metal-metalloid atoms and the distinct two-stage splitting was interpreted to generate by the distinctly distinguishable difference in the easiness of structural relaxation between metal-metal and metal-metalloid. It was further found that the present irreversible and reversible enthalpy relaxation results are fairly well interpreted by a possible mechanism of two-stage relaxation processes consisting of as-quenched amorphous local and medium range relaxation of metal atoms cooperative relaxation of metal and metalloid atoms.     

Seebeck Coefficient Measurement and Its Narrow Band Model Interpretation in FeTe<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Se<Subscript>0.5</Subscript> Superconductor

We have measured Seebeck coefficient (S) of FeTe_0.5Se_0.5 superconducting sample from 10 to 300 K. The variation of Seebeck coefficient with temperature of this system was found to be very anomalous, and the overall experimental observation of the S(T) was studied in the outline of a narrow-band model. In high-temperature region, the Seebeck coefficient is almost independent of temperature. Further, from the study of high-temperature magnitude of S, sample undergoes a change in sign in the Seebeck coefficient, wherein, appearance of a negative peak around 22 K and subsequently, its Seebeck coefficient goes to zero in the superconducting transition temperature regime around 11 to 13 K. It is revealed that the bandwidth and a small asymmetry involved in narrow bands give a realistic explanation to the anomalous temperature dependence of Seebeck coefficient of FeTe_0.5Se_0.5 system.     

Fluctuation Induced Conductivity in (Cu0.5Tl0.5)Ba2Ca2Cu3O10?δ Superconductor Synthesized at Different Temperatures

The fluctuation induced conductivity (FIC) analysis of (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10?δ superconductor synthesized at different temperatures has been carried out in the frame work of Aslamazov-Larkin (AL) theory. Almost all the superconducting parameters studied in this research work have been improved with the increase of synthesis temperature up to 850°C, which is most likely due to (Cu_0.5Tl_0.5)Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10?δ superconducting phase stability at this synthesis temperature. The parameters calculated from FIC analysis are cross-over temperature (T ₀), zero temperature c-axis coherence lengths ξ _c (0), interlayer coupling strength (J) and the exponents (λ _3D and λ _2D). The FIC analysis has shown an increase in T ₀ and the shift of three dimensional (3D) Aslamazov-Larkin (AL) regions to the higher temperature with the increase in synthesis temperature up to 850°C.     

Spin-glass state in hexagonal Li2.5Co0.5N

Polycrystalline lithium nitridocobaltate Li_2.5Co_0.5N was prepared by solid-state reaction. Both field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetization were measured, in which irreversibility between the ZFC and FC processes was observed and the freezing temperature (T_f) shifted to low temperature with increasing of the applied field. This indicates lack of long range magnetic order in Li_2.5Co_0.5N .We studied the effect of frequency on the ac susceptibility. It was found out that there was a peak and the peak position shifting with the frequency. A criterion parameter δ, ΔT'/[T'Δlogv], is calculated to be 0.04(1) based the experimental data. The observed magnetic behavior indicates a spin-glass ground state in Li_2.5Co_0.5N.     

Structure and ferroelectric properties in (K0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-BiScO3-PbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramic system

(K_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃-BiScO₃-PbTiO₃ ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state method. A morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was confirmed with the aid of structural analysis. Two dielectric anomalous peaks were observed, the one around dielectric maximum temperature (T_m) due to phase transformation from ferroelectric to paraelectric while the second one could be ascribed to space charges. Furthermore, the existence of space charges also resulted in the independence of T_m with frequency at low lead composition. A new high temperature piezoelectric ceramic, 0.30(K_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃-0.30BiScO₃-0.40PbTiO₃ close to MPB exhibited excellent electrical properties with T_m of 384 °C, d₃₃ of 247 pC/N, k_p of 38.9%, P_r of 19.41 μC/cm², and E_c of 2.25 kV/mm, indicative of a candidate for high temperature application.     

Improvement on ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 ceramic with Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6 addition

(1 ? x)(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃–xSr_0.53Ba_0.47Nb₂O₆ [(1 ? x)KNN–xSBN] ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction analysis of samples indicated that a single orthorhombic perovskite phase was formed as the x value is ≤0.02. Optimized piezoelectric properties with d ₃₃ = 126 pC/N, K _p = 0.39, Q _m  = 201 were obtained for 0.98KNN–0.02SBN ceramic. The dielectric properties studies illustrated that both peaks of orthorhombic to tetragonal (T _O–T ) and ferroelectric tetragonal to paraelectric cubic (T _C ) phase transition shifted to lower temperature. The maximum remanent polarization (P _r  = 22.5 μC/cm²) for 0.98KNN–0.02SBN was obtained by the polarization versus electric field (P–E) researches. AC conductivity of samples increased with increasing the temperature. The calculated activation energy of the dc conductivity was 0.9654 eV, which may be due to thermal activation.     

Structure and electrical properties of (1 − x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-xBi0.5K0.5TiO3 ceramics near morphotropic phase boundary

The binary lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with the composition of (1 − x)Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃-xBi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ were synthesized by conventional mixed-oxide method. The phase structure transformed from rhombohedral to tetragonal phase in the range of 0.16 ≤ x ≤ 0.20. The grain sizes varied with increasing the Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ content. Electrical properties of ceramics are significantly influenced by the Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ content. Two phase transitions at T_t (the temperature at which the phase transition from rhombohedral to tetragonal occurs) and T_c (the Curie temperature) were observed in all the ceramics. Adding Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ content caused the variations of T_t and T_c. A diffuse character was proved by the linear fitting of the modified Curie-Weiss law. Besides, the ceramics with homogeneous microstructure and excellent electrical properties were obtained at x = 0.18 and sintered at 1170 °C. The piezoelectric constant d₃₃, the electromechanical coupling factor K_p and the dielectric constant ?_r reached 144 pC/N, 0.29 and 893, respectively. The dissipation factor tan δ was 0.037.     

Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of (1-x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-xBaTiO3 ceramics

(1-x)(Na_0.5K_0.5)NbO₃-xBaTiO₃ ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction approach, and their dielectric and ferroelectric properties were evaluated together with the crystal structure. Three phase transitions at T_t1, T_t2 and T_t3 were observed by the combination of DTA analysis and dielectric characterization. These phase transitions corresponded to those of (Na_0.5K_0.5)NbO₃, and they were greatly pulled down by forming solid solution with BaTiO₃. The phase transition around T_t1 was incompletely diffusive and the appearance of diffusiveness of non ferro-paraelectric phase transition was an exception. The hysteresis loops changed their shapes from “square” into “thin square” with increasing x.     

Structural and dielectric properties of ferroelectric Sr1−xBaxBi2(Nb0.5Ta0.5)2O9 and Sr0.5Ba0.5Bi2(Nb1−yTay)2O9 ceramics

Ferroelectric Sr_1−xBa_xBi₂(Nb_0.5Ta_0.5)₂O₉ and Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Bi₂(Nb_1−yTa_y)₂O₉ were synthesized by solid state reaction route. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the formation of single phase layered perovskite solid solutions over a wide range of compositions (x=y=0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1). The lattice parameters and the Curie temperature (T_c) have been found to have linear dependence on x and y. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggest the lowering of orthorhombic distortion with increasing Ba²⁺ substitution. Variations in microstructural features as a function of x and y were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dielectric constant at room temperature increases with increase in both x and y. Interestingly Ba²⁺ substitution on Sr²⁺ site induces diffused phase transition and diffuseness increases with increasing Ba²⁺ concentration.