Ferromagnetism out of charge fluctuation of strongly correlated electrons in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2Br

We perform magnetic susceptibility and magnetic torque measurements on the organic κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Hg(SCN)2Br, which is recently suggested to host an exotic quantum dipole-liquid in its low-temperature insulating phase. Below the metal-insulator (MI) transition temperature, the magnetic susceptibility follows a Curie–Weiss law with a positive Curie–Weiss temperature, and a particular $$M\propto \sqrt{H}$$ M ∝ H curve is observed. The emergent ferromagnetically interacting spins amount to about 1/6 of the full spin moment of localized charges. Taking account of the possible inhomogeneous quasi-charge-order that forms a dipole-liquid, we construct a model of antiferromagnetically interacting spin chains in two adjacent charge-ordered domains, which are coupled via fluctuating charges on a Mott-dimer at the boundary. We find that the charge fluctuations can draw a weak ferromagnetic moment out of the spin singlet domains.

Use of the Ferroelectric Ceramic Bismuth Titanate as an Ultrasonic Transducer for High Temperatures and Nuclear Radiation

Ultrasonic transducers are often used in the nuclear industry as sensors to monitor the health and process status of systems or the components. Some of the after-effects of the Fukushima Daiichi earthquake could have been eased if sensors had been in place inside the four reactors and sensed the overheating causing meltdown and steam explosions. The key element of ultrasonic sensors is the piezoelectric wafer, which is usually derived from lead-zirconate-titanate (Pb(Zr, Ti)O3, PZT). This material loses its piezoelectrical properties at a temperature of about 200 °C. It also undergoes nuclear transmutation. Bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12, BiTi) has been considered as a potential candidate for replacing PZT at the middle of this temperature range, with many possible applications, since it has a Curie–Weiss temperature of about 650 °C. The aim of this article is to describe experimental details for operation in gamma and nuclear radiation concomitant with elevated temperatures and details of the performance of a BiTi sensor during and after irradiation testing. In these experiments, bismuth titanate has been demonstrated to operate up to a fast neutron fluence of 5 ×1020 n/cm2 and gamma radiation of 7.23 × 1021 (gamma/cm2). The results offer a perspective on the state-of the-art for a possible sensor for harsh environments of high temperature, Gamma radiation, and nuclear fluence.

Synthesis, Optical, Magnetic and Thermodynamic Properties of Rocksalt Li1.3Nb0.3Mn0.4O2 Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Since the discovery of the reversible intercalation of lithium-ion materials associated with promising electrochemical properties, lithium-containing materials have attracted attention in the research and development of effective cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Despite various studies on synthesis, and electrochemical properties of lithium-based materials, fairly little fundamental optical and thermodynamic studies are available in the literature. Here, we report on the structure, optical, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of Li-excess disordered rocksalt, Li1.3Nb0.3Mn0.4O2 (LNMO) which was comprehensively studied using powder X-ray diffraction, transient absorption spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and low-temperature heat capacity measurements. Charge carrier dynamics and electron–phonon coupling in LNMO were studied using ultra-fast laser spectroscopy. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat data are consistent with the onset of long-range antiferromagnetic order at the Néel temperatures of 6.5 (1.5) K. The effective magnetic moment of LNMO is found to be 3.60 μB. The temperature dependence of the inverse magnetic susceptibility follows the Curie–Weiss law in the high-temperature region and shows negative values of the Weiss temperature 52 K (3), confirming the strong AFM interactions.

Direct observation of excitonic instability in Ta2NiSe5

Coulomb attraction between electrons and holes in a narrow-gap semiconductor or a semimetal is predicted to lead to an elusive phase of matter dubbed excitonic insulator. However, direct observation of such electronic instability remains extremely rare. Here, we report the observation of incipient divergence in the static excitonic susceptibility of the candidate material Ta2NiSe5 using Raman spectroscopy. Critical fluctuations of the excitonic order parameter give rise to quasi-elastic scattering of B2g symmetry, whose intensity grows inversely with temperature toward the Weiss temperature of TW ≈ 237 K, which is arrested by a structural phase transition driven by an acoustic phonon of the same symmetry at TC = 325 K. Concurrently, a B2g optical phonon becomes heavily damped to the extent that its trace is almost invisible around TC, which manifests a strong electron-phonon coupling that has obscured the identification of the low-temperature phase as an excitonic insulator for more than a decade. Our results unambiguously reveal the electronic origin of the phase transition.

Tuning Magnetic Properties of a Carbon Nanotube-Lanthanide Hybrid Molecular Complex through Controlled Functionalization

Molecular magnets attached to carbon nanotubes (CNT) are being studied as potential candidates for developing spintronic and quantum technologies. However, the functionalization routes used to develop these hybrid systems can drastically affect their respective physiochemical properties. Due to the complexity of this systems, little work has been directed at establishing the correlation between the degree of functionalization and the magnetic character. Here, we demonstrate the chemical functionalization degree associated with molecular magnet loading can be utilized for controlled tuning the magnetic properties of a CNT-lanthanide hybrid complex. CNT functionalization degree was evaluated by interpreting minor Raman phonon modes in relation to the controlled reaction conditions. These findings were exploited in attaching a rare-earth-based molecular magnet (Gd-DTPA) to the CNTs. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and super conducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements were used to elucidate the variation of magnetic character across the samples. This controlled Gd-DTPA loading on the CNT surface has led to a significant change in the nanotube intrinsic diamagnetism, showing antiferromagnetic coupling with increase in the Weiss temperature with respect to increased loading. This indicates that synthesis of a highly correlated spin system for developing novel spintronic technologies can be realized through a carbon-based hybrid material.

Influence of temperature on the magnetic properties of Mn3O4 nanowires

Single crystalline Mn3O4 nanowires have been synthesized with tetragonal hausmannite structure using a solvothermal method. The structural and morphological evolution of Mn3O4 nanowires have been characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electron resonance spectroscopy. The nanowires were grown uniformly along the (200) direction with a diameter of 5–10 nm range. A relatively broad and intense electron spin resonance (ESR) signal was observed at room temperature, with the g ≈ 2.0. As the synthesis temperature increases from 150 to 250 °C, a decrease in ESR signal intensity and line widths were observed. Mn3O4 displayed a positive Curie-Weiss temperature, θ, which decreases with the increase of synthesis temperature.

Dielectric and Electrical Properties of BLT Ceramics Modified by Fe Ions

The solid solution of the perovskite type structure Ba0.996La0.004Ti1−yFeyO3 (BLTF) for varying iron content (y = 0.1−0.4 mol.%) was obtained as a result of a solid state reaction using the conventional method. At room temperature (Tr < TC), the as-received ceramics reveals a single-phase, tetragonal structure and a P4mm space group. An increase in the iron content causes a slight decrease in the volume of the elementary cell. In addition, this admixture significantly reduces the maximum permittivity value (εm) and the shift of the phase transition temperature (TC) towards lower temperatures. The BLTF solid solution shows a classical phase transition and low values of dielectric loss tangent (tgδ), both at room temperature and in the phase transition area. The Curie–Weiss temperature (T0) and Curie constant (C) were also determined on the basis of the dielectric measurements results. The analysis of temperature changes in DC conductivity revealed presence of the positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) effect in the phase transition area.

A Novel Strategy to Tune Magnetic Properties of Nickel(II)-Schiff Base Coordination Bridged Polysilsesquioxane

In this paper, liquid state solvent-free organosilica-based nickel-bithiazole complexes (PBSIBTHM-Ni2+, PBSIBTMeM-Ni2+) were synthesized through sol–gel processes respectively, and these two metal complexes and their precursors were characterized. The precursors with bithiazole were successfully prepared, their inorganic and organic parts were connected on molecular level. The DSC results indicated they would all exist in liquid phase at temperature ranging from 180 K to 280 K. The UV-VIS showed that a red shift of the main electronic transitions from 254 to 268 nm of PBSIBTHM to PBSIBTHM-Ni2+, Δν = 14 (from 249 to 266 nm of PBSIBTMeM to PBSIBTMeM-Ni2+, Δν = 17). This verified the formation of a more extensive π→π* conjugating system due to coordination interaction between Ni2+ and PBSIBTHM or PBSIBTMeM. The magnetic measurement results of PBSIBTHM-Ni2+ and PBSIBTMeM-Ni2+ reflected they both exhibited ferromagnetic properties at low temperature. For PBSIBTMeM-Ni2+, it had a transition temperature (Ttran) at 160 K, and became an anti-ferromagnet above Ttran. For PBSIBTHM-Ni2+, it had a very high Curie-Weiss temperature (Tc = 253 K). This strategy was expected to find potential application in fabricating the complexes with desired physicochemical properties.

State-of-the-Art and Practical Guide to Ultrasonic Transducers for Harsh Environments Including Temperatures above 2120 °F (1000 °C) and Neutron Flux above 1013 n/cm2

In field applications currently used for health monitoring and nondestructive testing, ultrasonic transducers primarily employ PZT5-H as the piezoelectric element for ultrasound transmission and detection. This material has a Curie–Weiss temperature that limits its use to about 210 °C. Some industrial applications require much higher temperatures, i.e., 1000–1200 °C and possible nuclear radiation up to 1020 n/cm2 when performance is required in a reactor environment. The goal of this paper is the survey and review of piezoelectric elements for use in harsh environments for the ultimate purpose for structural health monitoring (SHM), non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and material characterization (NDMC). The survey comprises the following categories: 1. High-temperature applications with single crystals, thick-film ceramics, and composite ceramics, 2. Radiation-tolerant materials, and 3. Spray-on transducers for harsh-environment applications. In each category the known characteristics are listed, and examples are given of performance in harsh environments. Highlighting some examples, the performance of single-crystal lithium niobate wafers is demonstrated up to 1100 °C. The wafers with the C-direction normal to the wafer plane were mounted on steel cylinders with high-temperature Sauereisen and silver paste wire mountings and tested in air. In another example, the practical use in harsh radiation environments aluminum nitride (AlN) was found to be a good candidate operating well in two different nuclear reactors. The radiation hardness of AlN was evident from the unaltered piezoelectric coefficient after a fast and thermal neutron exposure in a nuclear reactor core (thermal flux = 2.12 × 1013 ncm−2; fast flux 2 (>1.0 MeV) = 4.05 × 1013 ncm−2; gamma dose rate: 1 × 109 r/h; temperature: 400–500 °C). Additionally, some of the high-temperature transducers are shown to be capable of mounting without requiring coupling material. Pulse-echo signal amplitudes (peak-to-peak) for the first two reflections as a function of the temperature for lithium niobate thick-film, spray-on transducers were observed to temperatures of about 900 °C. Guided-wave send-and-receive operation in the 2–4 MHz range was demonstrated on 2–3 mm thick Aluminum (6061) structures for possible field deployable applications where standard ultrasonic coupling media do not survive because of the harsh environment. This approach would benefit steam generators and steam pipes where temperatures are above 210 °C. In summary, there are several promising approaches to ultrasonic transducers for harsh environments and this paper presents a survey based on literature searches and in-house laboratory observations.