Magnetic properties of highly dilutedPdFex andPtFex-alloys. Part II. Susceptibility at micro- and milli-kelvin temperatures

We have measured the 16 Hz susceptibility of the giant magnetic moments induced by Fe impurities in highly dilutedPdFe_x andPtFe_x samples with 2.5 ppm x 75 ppm in a wide temperature range, 30 K T 300 mK, and at static magnetic fields 0,01 mT B 25 mT. We find spin glass freezing at Tf(X)/X0,19mK/ppm Fe forPdFe_x and the larger value 0.26 mK/ppm Fe forPtFe_x. This is the first observation of spin glass freezing inPtFe_x. In the low-temperature range T 0.5T_f(x), the susceptibilities follow — ₀ T with small zero-temperature ₀ values forPdFe_X and vanishing ₀ values forPtFe_x. In the paramagnetic high-temperature range, we find (T — )^it-1 at T 10 mK independent of x forPdFe_x, and at T 2Tf(x) dependent of x forPtFe_x with vanishing values for both systems. The data compare well to the predictions of the Thouless-Anderson-Palmer TAP approach of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick SK model for spin glasses.     

Vortex Phase Diagram as a Function of Oxygen Deficiency in Untwinned YBa2Cu3O y

Magnetization and resistivity measurements were performed in un-twinned YBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _y (YBCO) single crystals with different oxygen content. We find that the vortex phase diagram is a strong function of the oxygen deficiency; (1) For fully oxidized YBCO (y 7, T _c 87.5 K), the first-order vortex lattice melting line T _m(H) is observed up to 30 T. (2) For slightly overdoped YBCO (T _c 92 K), T _m(H) and the vortex glass transition line T _g(H) terminate at the multicritical point and the field-driven disordering transition line separates the vortex solid phase into the Bragg glass and the vortex glass phases. (3) For slightly underdoped YBCO (T _c 92.3 K), T _g (H) terminates well below the critical point of T _m(H), indicating the existence of the vortex slush regime by the introduced oxygen deficiency.     

Vortex Phase Transition and Oxygen Vacancy in YBa2Cu3O y Single Crystals

The atomic images of YBa₂Cu₃O _y (YBCO, y6.94) single crystals are measured by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM). We find that the oxygen vacancies form clusters along the b-axis in the CuO chain layer. Near the clusters, the strong atomic distortion is observed along the a-axis. The vortex phase diagram is very sensitive to the amount of oxygen vacancies in the region between optimal and overdoped regions. For optimally doped untwinned YBCO (y6.92), we find a first-order transition T _L(H) in the vortex liquid above the terminal point H _mcp (7 T) of both the vortex glass line T _g (H) and the field-driven disordering transition line H*(T). The obtained small entropy change (0.02 kB/vortex/layer) and the critical endpoint H _cep (11 T) of T _L(H) indicate that the vortex liquid undergoes the vortex slush regime before the solidification into the vortex glass phase. Below H _mcp, the vortex liquid phase shows the first-order melting transition into the Bragg glass phase.     

Investigation of the dominant point defects in tetragonal YBa2Cu3Ox at elevated temperatures

The manner in which oxygen is incorporated into YBa₂Cu₃O _x (YBCO) at 800°C for values ofx close to 6 is shown to be in the form of neutral oxygen interstitials, O _i ^x . The experimental data on which this conclusion is based are obtained from measurements of oxygen partial pressure,P(O₂), as a function of compositionx and temperatureT (5.99x 6.35, 825T1120 K). The data are obtained by a solid-state electrochemical method. Other conclusions of this study include: (a) O _i ^x are noninteracting forx 6. (b) The stoichiometric composition of YBCO isx 6.0. (c) The reaction enthalpy of oxidation is 179 kJ/mol O₂. (d) The Fermi level changes by –0.2 eV asx increases from 6.05 to 6.35.     

Differential scanning calorimeter studies on Pb modified Ge–Se–Te glasses

Bulk glasses Pb _x Ge_{42 – x} Se₄₈Te₁₀(0 x 15) and Pb₂₀Ge _x Se_{70 – x} Te₁₀(17 x 24) have been prepared by quenching the melt. The non-isothermal properties of these glasses have been determined using a Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The composition dependence of the glass transition temperature, crystallisation temperature, excess heat capacity at glass transition, glass forming tendency and activation energy of glass transition and crystallisation show anomalous features near the composition at which the p- to n-type transition occurs. These observations reflect the changes occurring in the chemical bonding and the nature of the glassy network in these glasses. The results have been interpreted in terms of existing models and the majority charge carrier reversal phenomenon occurring in these glasses.     

Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of NaNbO3-Based Solid Solutions

Detailed data are presented on the structure and electrical properties of Na_{1 – x} Li _x NbO₃ (0 x 0.145), Na_{1 – x} K _x NbO₃ (0 x 1.0), and (Na_{1 – x} Pb _x )(Nb_{1 – x} Ti _x )O₃ (0 x 1.0) solid solutions prepared by solid-state reactions followed by hot pressing. The sequences of phase changes and the stability ranges of the resulting phases are identified. The results are used to map out the compositional phase diagrams of the NaNbO₃-based binary systems.     

Structure and Diamagnetic Properties of (Pb0.6SnyCu0.4 ? y)Sr2(Y1 ? xCax)Cu2Oz

The effect of Sn doping in (Pb_0.6Sn _y Cu_{0.4 – y} )Sr₂(Y_{1 – x} Ca _x )Cu₂O _z with 0 y 0.3 and 0 x 0.7 was investigated. It was established that a nearly pure 1212 phase can be obtained at 0 y 0.1 and 0 x 0.3. The obtained XRD patterns as well as the results of the EDX and ICP-AES analyses showed that Sn substitution is possible in the (Pb,Cu)-1212 phase. Superconductivity was observed at 0.4 x 0.7. The onset of the diamagnetic transitions varied from 10 to 30 K. The influence of the strong Pb deficiency on the superconducting properties of the samples was discussed.     

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.     

IR Spectra of La1.85Sr0.15Cu1?xMxO4?δ(M = Zn, Ni, Mg)

Polycrystalline samples La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xZn_xO_4– (0 x 0.3), La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xNi_xO_4– (0 x 0.3), and La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xMg_xO_4– (0 x 0.3) were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure and phonon vibration were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectrum. Zn, Ni, and Mg doping results in the lattice parameter c decreasing and a (b) increasing. The change of the phonon modes around 504 cm^–1 and 681 cm^–1 can be satisfactorily interpreted in terms of the change of the crystal structure and the itinerant nature of charge carrier in CuO₂ sheet. The relation between the structure and phonon vibration is discussed.     

IR Spectra of La1.85Sr0.15Cu1?xMxO4?δ(M = Zn, Ni, Mg)

Polycrystalline samples La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xZn_xO_4– (0 x 0.3), La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xNi_xO_4– (0 x 0.3), and La_1.85Sr_0.15Cu_1–xMg_xO_4– (0 x 0.3) were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure and phonon vibration were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectrum. Zn, Ni, and Mg doping results in the lattice parameter c decreasing and a (b) increasing. The change of the phonon modes around 504 cm^–1 and 681 cm^–1 can be satisfactorily interpreted in terms of the change of the crystal structure and the itinerant nature of charge carrier in CuO₂ sheet. The relation between the structure and phonon vibration is discussed.     

Antiferromagnetic Ordering in the One-Dimensional Edge-Sharing CuO2 Chain System Ca2+x Y2−x Cu5O10

We have investigated the spin state of the one-dimensional edge-sharing chain system Ca_2+x Y_2–x Cu₅O₁₀ with 0x1.667 by means of the magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements, using the large-size single-crystals. It has been found that the magnetic ground state is an antiferromagnetically ordered state for 0x1.0, while a spin-gap state seems to be formed for x1.5. Accordingly, it appears that the quantum critical point is located between x=1.0 and 1.5 in Ca_2+x Y_2–x Cu₅O₁₀.     

Magnetic Phase Diagram of Ca1?xMnxO

Alternating current susceptibility and direct current magnetization have been studied for polycrystalline Ca_1–x Mn _x O. On increasing the Mn content, magnetic ordering changes from spin glass behavior for 0.25 x 0.4 to antiferromagnetic order. The paramagnetic/antiferromagnetic transition is of second order for 0.5 x 0.65 and of first order for x 0.7. For low Mn concentrations, the high-temperature alternating current susceptibility can be described by a diluted Heisenberg magnet model developed for diluted magnetic semiconductors.     

Relaxation phenomena in EDAMn<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cd<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cl<Subscript>4</Subscript> perovskite; 0≤ <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis> ≤ 1 perovskite

The electrical properties measurements were carried out for the complex (CH₂)₂Mn_1–xCd_xCl₄, 0.0 x 1.0 at different temperatures as a function of frequency (100–1000 kHz). Four transition points were obtained for x = 0.5, which were assigned as thermochroism, interlayer exchange interaction, order-disorder and chain melting transition. The presence of more than one straight line in the conductivity data clarifies the presence of more than one conduction mechanism, and the calculated values of the activation energy indicate the semiconducting characteristics of the investigated complexes. The values of the relaxation time depend on Cd-content as well as the heating temperature. The expected critical concentration at x = 0.5 agrees well with the percolation theory of Mont-Carlo group. The IR spectra indicate that, the force constant of the bonds and the atomic mass vibration are affected by Cd-content.     

Crystalline structure and dielectric properties of (Sr1−1.5x Bi x ) TiO3 ceramics

The crystalline structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of the (Sr_1–1.5x Bi _x )TiO₃ (0 x 0.267) ceramics were studied. Cubic solid solutions were determined for x 0.2 at room temperature. However, lattice distortion was detected by Raman spectra. A dense microstructure with the grain sizes of 2–4 m was obtained for (Sr_1–1.5x Bi _x )TiO₃ (0 x 0.2) ceramics. The Bi concentration was examined and found to be in agreement with the nominal composition and overall uniformly distributed in the sample. Different from the observations in the earlier literature for other doped quantum paraelectrics, where only an induced dielectric anomaly was reported, there are three Bi induced dielectric modes A, B, and C in the Bi doped SrTiO₃ samples. The occurrence of the impurity modes and the ferroelectric relaxor mode and their evolution are demonstrated as a function of Bi concentration.     

Low-temperature specific heat of YBa2Cu3O7, YBa2Cu3O6, Y2BaCuO5, YBa3Cu2O7, BaCuO2, and CuO

We have measured the low-temperature specific heat (1.3T20 K) and the dc magnetic susceptibility (100T250 K) of eight samples of the high-T _c superconductor Y _x Ba_3–x Cu₃O_7– (x=0.9, 1.0, 1.1) and of two samples of nonsuperconducting YBa₂Cu₃O₆₊. We have also performed specific heat measurements on the possible impurity phases: YBa₃Cu₂O₇, Y₂BaCuO₅, CuO, and BaCuO_2+x . The superconducting samples all have a nonzero, sample-dependent linear term * and an upturn inC/T at very low temperature. We show that this anomalous behavior is at least partly due to the presence of a small amount (1%) of BaCuO_2+x impurity phase in the measured samples. This is evidenced by the correlation between * and the Curie component of the susceptibility, which is proportional to the amount of paramagnetic impurities.     

Possible Superconductivity in Ba-Rich Pr123

Polycrystalline (Pr_1–xBa_x)Ba₂Cu₃O_7– samples with 0.0 x 0.6 are prepared by the standard solid state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction and resistivity measurements are performed. For x 0.3, the 123 phase is formed, but for x > 0.3, due to the solubility limit, the 123 phase is not the dominant phase. The normalized resistivity increases with the increase of Ba doping to about x = 0.08, and then decreases in the 123 phase up to x = 0.3. The existence of an extremum in the resistivity is explained as the competition between scattering by impurities and increase of the number of carriers by Ba doping. For x > 0.3, due to a large increase in the non-123 phase formation, the resistivity increases drastically. The normalized resistivity results suggest possible observation of superconductivity in Pr123 system by Ba doping. It also indicates that the reported superconductivity in Pr123 could be as the result of extra Ba concentration positioning at Pr site.     

Normal-State Gap, Supercarrier Mass Anisotropy and Isotope Effects in La2?xSrxCuO4

Magnetization measurements have been performed on the oxygen-isotopeexchanged samples (¹⁶O and ¹⁸O) of the one-layer cuprate superconductorsLa_2–x Sr _x CuO₄ (0.06x0.20). We find that there is an oxygen-isotopeeffect on the effective supercarrier mass m**, which is huge for x=0.06,and reduced to a smaller value for x=0.15. We also find that there coexistsmall (bi)polarons and free carriers for x0.09, but only small (bi)polaronsare present for x0.09. The normal-state gap is related to the bipolaronbinding energy which is inversely proportional to x for 0.05x0.15. Theobserved isotope effects, supercarrier mass anisotropy, normal-state gap,and mid-infrared spectra for x0.09 can be quantitatively explained by the small(bi)polaron theory of superconductivity proposed by Alexandrov, Kabanov, andMott (AKM).     

Transport properties of (La,Pr)Sn3 alloys at low temperatures

We report on measurements concerning the transport properties of polycrystalline (La_1–x Pr _x )Sn₃samples with impurity concentrations 0.07 x 0.2 in the temperature range 0.3 T 12 K. The experimental results of the electrical resistivity, the thermopower, and the thermal conductivity show pronounced anomalies which are referred to crystal-field effects and a Kondo effect of excited levels. A quantitative comparison with existing theories confirms the importance of the aspherical Coulomb scattering in addition to the isotropic spin-exchange scattering of the conduction electrons by the magnetic ions. Taking into account the Kondo effect in a phenomenological ansatz, we are able to fit the magnetic part of the resistivity. Furthermore, we present the first experimental proof of the theoretically predicted influence of crystal-field split impurities on the thermal conductivity in dilute magnetic alloys. The thermopower is qualitatively discussed by a model including both the effect from inelastic scattering on the crystal-field levels and the Kondo effect. Finally the temperature dependence of the Lorenz number is compared with a calculation in the framework of crystal-field theory.Work supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

The Interplay of Electronic and Nuclear Magnetism in PtFe x at Milli-, Micro-, and Nanokelvin Temperatures

We have measured ac susceptibility, nuclear magnetic resonance, and nuclear heat capacity of two PtFe _x samples with concentrations of magnetic impurities x = 11 ppm and 41 ppm at magnetic fields (0 ± 0.05) mTB248 mT. The susceptibility data have been measured at temperatures of 0.3 KT100 mK, no hint for nuclear magnetic ordering could be detected to a temperature of 0.3 K. The nuclear heat capacity data taken at 1.4 KT10 mK show enhanced values which scale with x at low polarization. This effect is described by a model assuming an internal magnetic field caused by the impurities. No indication for nuclear magnetic ordering could be detected to 1.4 K. The nuclear magnetic resonance experiments have been performed on these samples at 0.8 KT0.5 mK and 2.5 mTB22.8 mT as well as on three other samples with x = 5, 10, 31 ppm in a different setup at 40 KT0.5 mK and at 5.4 mTB200 mT. Spin-lattice and effective spin-spin relaxation times ₁and ₂ ^* of ¹⁹⁵ Pt strongly depend on x and on the external magnetic field. No temperature dependence of ₁and ₂ ^* could be detected and the NMR data, too, give no hint for nuclear magnetic ordering to 0.8 K.     

Synthesis and characterization of indium intercalation compounds of molybdenum sulphoselenide

The synthesis, structure and properties of indium-intercalated compounds of molybdenum sulphoselenide, In_1/3MoS_xSe_2–x (0x 2) compounds were investigated. X-ray analysis shows that all these compounds possess layer-type structure with hexagonal symmetry. Studies of room-temperature magnetic susceptibility, thermoelectric power experiments and two-probe conductivity measurements in the temperature range 25–350 °C, confirmed that these are diamagnetic semiconductors with In_1/3MoS₂, In_1/3MoS_1.5Se_0.5 and In_1/3MoS_xSe_2–x (0x1.5) exhibiting n- and p-type conductivity, respectively. These results have been explained on the basis of existing band models. Thermal stability behaviour of these compounds in an air atmosphere and X-ray analysis of the oxidized product were also studied.