Very strong interlayer exchange coupling in epitaxial Fe/Fe1−xSix/Fe trilayers (x=0.4–1.0)

Fe/Fe_1−xSi_x/Fe (x=0.4–1.0) wedge-type epitaxial trilayers with improved homogeneity are grown by co-evaporation from two electron-beam sources. The coupling strengths of the bilinear (J₁) and biquadratic (J₂) coupling terms are derived from Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectra and longitudinal MOKE hysteresis loops. The total coupling strength J=J₁+J₂ increases dramatically with increasing x and reaches values in excess of 6 mJ/m².     

Effect of Co doping on the magnetic properties of La0.85Ag0.15(Mn1−yCoy)O3

The mixed valent manganites (La_0.85Ag_0.15)MnO₃ with perovskite structure has been prepared by doping up to 50% of Co at the Mn site. Paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) transitions have been observed in all the prepared materials. However, the long-range magnetic ordering observed in (La_0.85Ag_0.15)MnO₃ is systemically reduced to cluster glass-type (short-range) of FM ordering due to the introduction of Co. The FM transition temperature was found to decrease with increase in Co doping up to 20% and for further increase in Co doping, the T_c was found to increase. They are explained on the basis of competition between FM double exchange interactions in Mn–O–Mn and Co–O–Co networks. In addition to PM–FM transition, evidences of FM to antiferromagnetic (AFM), and AFM to reentrant spin-glass transitions have been observed. The shift in spin-glass freezing temperature, T_f has been observed from the frequency variation of ac susceptibility measurements. The observed magnetic transitions are explained on the basis of magnetic interactions in different Mn–O–Mn, Mn–O–Co and Co–O–Co networks and such transitions are also observed from the measurement of third harmonic susceptibility. Metal–insulator transition and colossal magneto-resistivity have been observed up to 10% of Co doping.     

Effect of WO3 on the spectroscopic properties in Er/Yb co-doped bismuth–borate glasses

The spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃–WO₃ (BBW) glasses were analyzed and discussed. The effect of WO₃ content on the absorption spectra, the Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω_t (t=2, 4, 6), emission spectra and the lifetime of the ⁴I_13/2 level and the quantum efficiency of Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition were also investigated. With the substitution of WO₃ for B₂O₃, the measured lifetime of the ⁴I_13/2 level and the quantum efficiency of Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition increase from 0.98 to 1.31 ms and from 38.2% to 49.2%, respectively. The effective width of emission band and the emission cross-section both decrease slightly. And the emission spectra is analyzed via the different curve (σ_e−σ_a) of BBW glasses, the influence of OH⁻is also discussed.     

Angular dependence of the ferromagnetic resonance spectrum in continuous/heterogeneous multilayers

We present here a study of the angular dependence of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra in trilayers formed by two continuous ferromagnetic layers, Fe and Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ (permalloy), separated by a granular film of Fe(x)–SiO₂(1–x). The study of the Fe/Fe-SiO₂/Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ trilayer was made for an Fe volume concentration x=0.75 and two thicknesses (t=1 and 18 nm) of the granular layer. One microwave absorption line is in general found close to the field expected for Fe, while the other is coincident with the resonance field of permalloy. However, the Fe-like absorption is considerably wider than what is usually observed in pure Fe films, which suggests the presence of a strong exchange interaction between this layer and the granular spacer. The angular dependence of the resonance field and the line width could be very well fitted with a model that assumes an effective in-plane anisotropy for each layer, indicating that the shape anisotropy dominates the angular response of both modes. When the excitation frequency is increased, the line width of the permalloy-like mode increases by a similar factor. The width of the Fe-like mode is very similar at different frequencies because of the effect of the granular layer.     

Binding energies of elements at the interface between oxygen-ion-irradiated ZrO2–Y2O3 films and an iron substrate

Binding energies of elements at the interface of oxygen-ion-irradiated ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ films on an iron substrate were investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with ion etching. In addition to Zr or Fe simple binary suboxides, it is found that some Zr–O–Fe-like bonding configuration is formed due to ion irradiation, which has a favorable effect on the adhesion of the film to the substrate.     

Optical and electrical properties of binary WO3–Pb3O4 glasses

A glass system of the composition xWO₃+(100−x)Pb₃O₄, with x=5, 10, 20 and 30 mol.% was prepared. The optical absorption, ac and dc conductivities are the subject of the present work. The optical absorption indicates that the electronic transition is indirect and is associated with phonon assisted transition. The exponential dependence of the absorption coefficient as a function of the incident photon energy suggests that the Urbach rule is obeyed, and indicates the formation of a band tail. On the other hand, ac conductivity measurements are performed in the frequency range 0.1–100 kHz, and in the temperature range 300–600 K. The results of the electrical conductivity are discussed on the basis of electronic glass conduction models. Correlated narrow-band limit for random sites and single polaron hopping model are found to describe the experimental results effectively. The dielectric constant was correlated to the optical band gap and a satisfactory relation was found. It was also possible to calculate the thermochromic properties from independent ac and dc measurements, and it was possible to evaluate the optical gap at 0 K by extrapolation.     

Laser irradiation of AISI 316L stainless steel coated with Si3N4 and Ti

AISI 316L stainless steel was laser surface treated with different compositions of Si₃N₄ and Ti under various laser-processing parameters to improve its surface hardness through reinforcement of Ti-based silicides. The laser-treated regions exhibited improved surface hardness (250–1000 HV), variations in the surface morphology (smooth and bowl like) and presence of cracks and pores depending upon the Si₃N₄–Ti composition and laser-processing parameters. The study shows that when the Si₃N₄–Ti composition is 75–25 wt% and laser parameters are 1.5 kW laser power and 1.0 m min⁻¹ scan speed, a laser-treated region with high hardness of about 800 HV and smooth surface morphology as well as free from pores and cracks is observed. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses show that the laser surface-treated region has reinforced phase of Ti₅Si₃ and retained austenitic structure. The reinforced phase gives rise to very high hardness (or wear resistance) and also a corrosion resistance.     

Chiral unitary approach to the K–deuteron scattering length

Starting from a recent model where the amplitudes are evaluated from the chiral Lagrangians using a coupled-channel unitary method, we evaluate here the scattering length for K⁻–deuteron scattering. We find that the double scattering contribution is very large compared to the impulse approximation and that the charge-exchange contribution of this rescattering is as large as the sequential K⁻ scattering on the two nucleons. Higher-order rescattering corrections are evaluated using coupled channels with K⁻ and within the integral form of the fixed centre approximation to the Faddeev equations. The higher-order corrections involving intermediate pions and hyperons are found negligible.     

Effects of microalloying with Cd and Ag on the precipitation process of Al–4Cu–0.3Mg (wt%) alloy at 200°C

The present work investigates the effects of individual and combined additions of Cd and Ag on precipitation processes in an Al–4Cu–0.3Mg (wt%) alloy. Analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that microalloying with Cd stimulates nucleation of θ′ phase on {001} planes and that Cd-rich particles form on the rim and broad facets of the θ′ platelets. We interpret these observations to suggest that Cd nucleates heterogeneously at the θ′– interface and that θ′ can also nucleate heterogeneously at the Cd– interface. In the quinary alloy, it was observed that Ag and Cd additions seem to work independently resulting in a fine and uniform dispersion of both Ω and θ′. Furthermore, the hardening effect of the {111} Ω phase appears to be more potent than other precipitates formed in this system since the hardness of the quinary alloy was intermediate between the Al–Cu–Mg–Ag and the Al–Cu–Cd alloys.     

On cobalt magnetization suppression at bimetallic interfaces

We study theoretically the Co magnetization suppression at the Co–M (M=Ti, Nb, Mo, Re, Os, Ir and Pt) interface. We consider (1) M(1×1) overlayer on the FCC(1 1 1) or HCP(0 0 0 1) slab, (2) c(2×2) Co–M alloy above the same surfaces. In the latter case, the Co magnetization is reduced to about 0.5 μ_B by Ti, Nb, Mo and Re, but the effect is probably an overestimation because of compression of M–Co bonds. At Co atoms below the M(1×1) overlayer, the Co magnetization does not drop below 1 μ_B. We discuss also the Co–M antiferromagnetic coupling.     

Green and red up-conversion emissions of Er–Yb Co-doped TiO2 nanocrystals prepared by sol–gel method

In this paper, green and red up-conversion emissions of Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ nanocrystals were reported. The phase structure, particle size and optical properties of Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ nanocrystals samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis–NIR absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Green and red up-conversion emissions in the range of 520–570 nm (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2) and 640–690 nm (⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2) were observed for the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ nanocrystals. The visible up-conversion mechanism and temperature dependence of up-conversion emission for Er³⁺ in TiO₂ nanocrystals were discussed in detail.     

Nature of intrinsic luminescence in the glasses of CaO–Ga2O3–GeO2 system

The intrinsic luminescence of glasses of the CaO–Ga₂O₃–GeO₂ system has been investigated. High chemical purity and optical quality glasses, both undoped and doped with transition and rare-earth ions with different compositions, were obtained by high-temperature synthesis. The influences of the basic glass composition, impurities (Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺, Ho³⁺, Er³⁺, and Ce³⁺) and different kinds of excitation, on the intrinsic luminescence of the CaO–Ga₂O₃–GeO₂ glasses were investigated. The nature and possible mechanisms of the intrinsic luminescence in glasses of this system are discussed. The proposed models of intrinsic luminescence are supported by electron spin resonance spectroscopy.     

Effects of substitution of Ti for Fe in BiFeO3 films prepared by sol–gel process

Ti substituted BiFe_1−xTi_xO_3+δ films have been prepared on indium–tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates by the sol–gel process. The films with x=0.00–0.20 were prepared at an annealing temperature of 600 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that all films adopt R3m structure and the films with x=0 and 0.10 show pure perovskite phase. Cross-section scanning shows the thickness of the films is about 300 nm. Through 0.05 Ti substitution, the 2P_r increases to 8.30 μC/cm² from 2.12 μC/cm² of the un-substituted BiFeO₃ film and show enhanced ferroelectricity at room temperature. The 2P_r values are 2.63 and 0.44 μC/cm² for the films with x=0.01 and 0.2, respectively. Moreover, the films with x=0.05 and 0.10 show enhanced dielectric property since the permittivity increases near 150 at the same measuring frequency. Through the substitution of Ti, the leakage conduction is reduced for the films with x=0.05–0.20.     

The effects of a trace addition of silver upon elevated temperature ageing of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy

Microalloying additions of Ag (0.1 at.%) increase the hardening response of Al–Zn–Mg alloys to elevated temperature ageing in the range 100–200°C due to the formation of a high density of very fine η′ precipitate plates. The present study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and three-dimension atom probe (3DAP) to study the early stages of ageing in the alloy Al–1.8Zn–3.4Mg–0.1Ag (at.%) in an attempt to identify the role of Ag in stimulating precipitation hardening. During isothermal ageing at 90°C, the hardening response is attributed to a high density of Zn–Mg–Ag rich solute clusters and GP zones. During ageing at 150°C, η′ precipitates nucleate at Zn–Mg–Ag rich solute clusters, the former growing as {111} platelets with an average composition of approximately 20 at.% Zn, 20 at.% Mg and 1.4 at.% Ag. The 3DAP data indicates that the co-segregation of Zn and Ag and subsequently Zn and Mg atoms precedes the formation of the Zn–Mg–Ag rich solute clusters. The GP zones and η′ precipitates were observed to possess a Zn:Mg ratio close to 1:1, whereas the equilibrium η precipitates possessed compositions consistent with MgZn₂. Furthermore, partitioning of Ag was observed inside all precipitate phases, viz. G.P. zones, η′ and η.     

Magnetic properties and huge magnetic impedance of permalloy/ copper/permalloy film elements

Magnetic properties, special features of magnetic anisotropy, magnetic domain structure, and huge magnetic impedance of permalloy/copper/permalloy film elements fabricated by the method of ion-plasma sputtering are investigated. Elements with different plane geometry of layers are analyzed. In the first case, all layers of the element have identical sizes of 10 × 0.5 mm, and in the second case, the width of the copper layer is narrowed down to 0.2 mm. The magnetic properties and the magnetic impedance of the examined film elements allow them to be used as detectors of low magnetic fields. The elements of the first type are more adapted to low excitation current frequencies (up to 150 MHz), and those of the second type are more adapted to high frequencies (above 150 MHz).     

Peculiarities of permalloy thin film microcore hysteretic magnetization process in high space resolution fluxgate device

Magnetization processes of the sectioned thin film permalloy core were examined in relation with its geometrical dimensions using magnetooptical Kerr technique and ferrofluid observation. It is shown quantitatively the intermediate case between Stoner–Wohlfarth and zero internal field contradicting models takes place. Ferrofluid investigation had shown the stable quasi-saturated state with closing domain structures at permalloy bar edges. Magnetization reversal occurs by hysteretic manner but the hysteresis loop parameters are reproducible and depend strongly upon core geometry. Hysteresis is characterized by parallelogram form with clear critical field and loop slope depending on bars dimensions and their mutual position in array. Loop shape approaches the rectangular form and critical field increases if bar thickness t, width w and bar density in array are decreased. The critical field value H_cr is defined by demagnetizing field at bar edges while the saturation field H_s depends only on width w at of a bar in array. Variation of the bar form or shift of every second bar in array possesses to increase the core thickness to enhance the stray field without increase of the saturating exciting current. The core described can be used with magnetooptical garnet film or Hall sensor in fluxgate regime for magnetic field measurement with space resolution 10–100 mcm.     

Domain state model for exchange bias: thickness dependence of diluted antiferromagnetic Co1−yO on exchange bias in Co/CoO

The thickness dependence of different diluted antiferromagnetic Co_1−yO layers on the exchange bias (EB) in ferro/antiferromagnetic Co/Co_1−yO bilayers is investigated. For undiluted samples the EB decreases above a layer thickness of 5 nm whereas it increases and saturates for AFM layers thicker than 20 nm for diluted samples. These findings support the domain state model for EB.     

Transition edge sensor system for material analysis using transmission electron microscope

We have developed a Transition Edge Sensor (TES) – Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) based on a dilution refrigerator. The dilution refrigerator was cooled by liquid helium (L-He), which was supplied from an L-He container separated from the dilution refrigerator. We adopted the hybrid magnetic shields combining a permalloy shield and a NbTi/Nb/Cu superconducting shield to operate the TEM–TES system under a magnetic field of 200 mT. The permalloy shield was used to prevent the ambient magnetic field until the NbTi superconducting shield cooled from room temperature (RT) to 2 K. The critical magnetic field was 220 mT for the TES change from a superconducting state to a normal state. The SQUID – current vs. bias current curve, under the condition that the snout was inserted in the TEM, was equal to the curve of the snout that was out of the TEM. The C (0 0 2) planes could be observed at 120 kV under the condition the snout was inserted in the TEM.     

Characterization of metal/GaN Schottky interfaces based on I–V–T characteristics

Interface properties of metal/n- and p-GaN Schottky diodes are studied by I–V–T and C–V–T measurements, and simulation of their characteristics. On the basis of the previously proposed “surface patch” model, the gross behavior of I–V–T characteristics, which includes Richardson plots together with temperature dependence of the effective Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) and n-values, can be well reproduced. Furthermore, the dependence of the true SBH on the metal work function was also deduced from high-temperature I–V curves, giving S-values of 0.28 and 0.20 for n- and p-GaN samples, respectively, and the interface Fermi level tends to be pinned at a characteristic energy of about two-third of the bandgap.     

Thermodynamic modeling of the ZrO2–YO1.5 system

In the present work, an optimized set of Gibbs energy functions is proposed for the Y–Zr–O ternary system. We focus on the ZrO₂–YO_1.5 quasi-binary system, but reoptimizations of the Zr–O and Y–O binary systems are included as well. The parameters for the Y–Zr binary system were taken from a previous assessment.

The ZrO₂–YO_1.5 system was treated as a quasi-binary section of the Y–Zr–O ternary system. The existing experimental data on the ZrO₂–YO_1.5 system were carefully reviewed. The related parameters were optimized using both thermodynamic data and phase diagram data. A calculated phase diagram of the ZrO₂–YO_1.5 system is presented. Our optimization agrees well with most experimental data. Two calculated isothermal sections of the Y–Zr–O system at 1500 and 2000 K are also included.