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A. Amato

Publications and source records attributed to A. Amato.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
arXiv2006

Muon Spin Relaxation Studies of Superconductivity in a Crystalline Array of Weakly Coupled Metal Nanoparticles

We report Muon Spin Relaxation studies in weak transverse fields of the superconductivity in the metal cluster compound, Ga$\_{84}$[N(SiMe$\_{3}$)$\_{2}$]$\_{20}$-Li$\_{6}$Br$\_{2}$(thf)$\_{20}\cdot $2toluene. The temperature and field dependence of the muon spin relaxation rate and Knight shift clearly evidence type II bulk superconductivity below $T\_{\text{c}}\approx7.8$ K, with $B\_{\text{c1}}\approx 0.06$ T, $B\_{\text{c2}}\approx 0.26 $ T, $κ\sim 2$ and weak flux pinning. The data are well described by the s-wave BCS model with weak electron-phonon coupling in the clean limit. A qualitative explanation for the conduction mechanism in this novel type of narrow band superconductor is presented.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2006

Direct evidence for a dynamical ground state in the highly frustrated Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$ pyrochlore

MuSR experiments have been performed on powder sample of the "ordered spin ice" Tb$_2$Sn$_2$O$_7$ pyrochlore compound. At base temperature (T=35mK) the muon relaxation is found to be of dynamical nature which demonstrates that strong fluctuations persist below the ferromagnetic transition (T_C=0.87K). Hints of long range order appear as oscillations of the muon polarization when an external field is applied and also as a hysteretic behavior below T_C. We propose a dynamical and strongly correlated scenario where dynamics results from fluctuation of large spin clusters with the "ordered spin ice" structure.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2006

Spin dynamics and magnetic order in magnetically frustrated Tb2Sn2O7

We report a study of the geometrically frustrated magnetic material Tb2Sn2O7 by the positive muon spin relaxation technique. No signature of a static magnetically ordered state is detected while neutron magnetic reflections are observed in agreement with a published report. This is explained by the dynamical nature of the ground state of Tb2Sn2O7: the Tb3+ magnetic moment characteristic fluctuation time is ~ 10^{-10} s. The strong effect of the magnetic field on the muon spin-lattice relaxation rate at low fields indicates a large field-induced increase of the magnetic density of states of the collective excitations at low energy.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2005

Studies of R2Ti2O7 (R=Gd and Yb); new results

Specific heat and muon spin rotation and relaxation data are presented for two geometrically frustrated systems: Gd2Ti2O7 which antiferromagnetically orders and Yb2Ti2O7 which presents dynamical short range correlations at low temperature. The muon data help to characterize the spin dynamics of these two compounds.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2005

Static magnetic order in metallic K$_{0.49}$CoO$_{2}$

By means of muon spin spectroscopy, we have found that K$_{0.49}$CoO$_2$ crystals undergo successive magnetic transitions from a high-T paramagnetic state to a magnetic ordered state below 60 K and then to a second ordered state below 16 K, even though K_{0.49}CoO_2 is metallic at least down to 4 K. An isotropic magnetic behavior and wide internal-field distributions suggest the formation of a commensurate helical spin density wave (SDW) state below 16 K, while a linear SDW state is likely to exist above 16 K. It was also found that K_{0.49}CoO_2 exhibits a further transition at 150 K presumably due to a change in the spin state of the Co ions. Since the T dependence of the internal-field below 60 K was similar to that for Na_{0.5}CoO_2, this suggests that magnetic order is more strongly affected by the Co valence than by the interlayer distance/interaction and/or the charge-ordering.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2005

A new apparatus for deep patterning of beam sensitive targets by means of high-energy ion beam

The paper reports on a high precision equipment designed to modify over 3-dimensions (3D) by means of high-energy gold ions the local properties of thin and thick films. A target-moving system aimed at creating patterns across the volume is driven by an x-y writing protocol that allows one to modify beam sensitive samples over micrometer-size regions of whatever shape. The apparatus has a mechanical resolution of 15 nm. The issue of the local fluence measurement has been particularly addressed. The setup has been checked by means of different geometries patterned on beam sensitive sheets as well as on superconducting materials. In the last case the 3D modification consists of amorphous nanostructures. The nanostructures create zones with different dissipative properties with respect to the virgin regions. The main analysis method consists of magneto-optical imaging that provides local information on the electrodynamics of the modified zones. Features typical of non-linear current flow hint at which pattern geometry is more functional to applications in the framework of nanostructures across superconducting films.

cond-mat.supr-con↗
arXiv2005

Muon Spin Relaxation Measurements on Zirconia Samples

Although of primary importance in the mechanistic understanding of Zircaloy hydriding, practically nothing is known on the transport properties of hydrogen in zirconia. In this frame the muon, which can be considered as a light hydrogen nuclide, can be used as an analogue and its behavior in zirconia and Zircaloy corrosion layer may provide more insight to understand the behavior of hydrogen in these phases. Preliminary muon spin relaxation ($μ$SR) measurements on several monoclinic zirconia samples, including a Zircaloy corrosion layer, have been performed. From the observed muon depolarization rate, the muon diffusivity in bulk monoclinic zirconia can be extracted and is found comparable to that of recently reported proton diffusivity.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2005

Series of Bulk Magnetic Phase Transitions in NaxCoO2: a muSR study

Using muon spin rotation, well-defined bulk ~ 100% magnetic phases in NaxCoO2 are revealed. A novel magnetic phase is detected for x = 0.85 with the highest transition temperature ever observed for x >= 0.75. This stresses the diversity of x >=0.75 magnetic phases and the link between magnetic and structural degrees of freedom. For the charge-ordered x = 0.50 compound, a cascade of transitions is observed below 85 K. From a detailed analysis of our data, we conclude that the ordered moment varies continuously with temperature and suggest that the two secondary transitions at 48 K and 29 K correspond to a moderate reorientation of antiferromagnetically coupled moments.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2004

On the Coexistence Magnetism/Superconductivity in the Heavy-Fermion Superconductor CePt$_3$Si

The interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in the newly discovered heavy-fermion superconductor CePt$_3$Si has been investigated using the zero-field $μ$SR technique. The $μ$SR data indicate that the whole muon ensemble senses spontaneous internal fields in the magnetic phase, demonstrating that magnetism occurs in the whole sample volume. This points to a microscopic coexistence between magnetism and heavy-fermion superconductivity.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2004

Effect of two gaps on the flux lattice internal field distribution: evidence of two length scales from muSR in Mg1-xAlxB2

We have measured the transverse field muon spin precession in the flux lattice (FL) state of the two gap superconductor MgB2 and of the electron doped compounds Mg1-xAlxB2 in magnetic fields up to 2.8T. We show the effect of the two gaps on the internal field distribution in the FL, from which we determine two coherence length parameters and the doping dependence of the London penetration depth. This is an independent determination of the complex vortex structure already suggested by the STM observation of large vortices in a MgB2 single crystal. Our data agrees quantitatively with STM and we thus validate a new phenomenological model for the internal fields.

cond-mat.supr-con↗
arXiv2004

$μ$SR study of the quantum dynamics in the frustrated $S=3/2$ kagome bilayers

We present $μ$SR experiments in the $S=3/2$ kagome bilayer compound Ba$_{2}$Sn$_{2}$ZnGa$_{10-7p}$Cr$_{7p}$O$_{22}$ (BSZCGO$(p)$) and compare it to the isostructural SrCr$_{9p}$Ga$_{12-9p}$O$_{19}$ (SCGO$(p)$), including for the latter new results for $p\geq0.89$. Quantum-dynamical low energy magnetic excitations are evidenced in this novel compound. We study the evolution of the muon relaxation rate with $p$, $T$ and field. A phenomenological model for the muon relaxation based on sporadic dynamics due to spin excitations in a singlet sea proposed by Uemura \emph{et al.} [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{73}, 3306 (1994)]. is extended to all fields and $T$-range. Its connexion to the RVB picture is discussed, and we argue that such coherent states might mediate the interactions between "impurities" which induce the spin glass freezing.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2004

Weak magnetism phenomena in heavy-fermion superconductors: selected $μ$SR studies

The behavior of the so-called weak moment antiferromagnetic states, observed in the heavy-fermion superconductors UPt$_3$ and URu$_2$Si$_2$, is discussed in view of recent $μ$SR results obtained as function of control parameters like chemical substitution and external pressure. In UPt$_3$, the Pd substitution for Pt reveals the dynamical character of the weak moment order. On the other hand, $μ$SR measurements performed on samples in which Th substitutes U suggest that crystallographic disorder on the magnetic sites deeply affects the fluctuation timescale. In URu$_2$Si$_2$, a phase separation between the so-called hidden order state, present at ambient pressure, and an antiferromagnetic state, occurring under pressure, is observed. In view of the pressure-temperature phase diagram obtained by $μ$SR, it is deduced that the respective order parameters have different symmetries.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2004

Unconventional superconductivity and magnetism in $\rm CePt_3Si_{1-x}Ge_x$

$\rm CePt_3Si$ is a novel ternary compound exhibiting antiferromagnetic order at $T_N \approx 2.2$ K and superconductivity (SC) at $T_c \approx 0.75$ K. Large values of $H_{c2}' \approx -8.5$ T/K and $H_{c2}(0) \approx 5$ T indicate Cooper pairs formed out of heavy quasiparticles. The mass enhancement originates from Kondo interaction with a characteristic temperature $T_K \approx 8$ K. NMR and $μ$SR measurements evidence coexistence of SC and long range magnetic order on a microscopic scale. Moreover, $\rm CePt_3Si$ is the first heavy fermion SC without an inversion symmetry. This gives rise to a novel type of the NMR relaxation rate $1/T_1$ which is very unique and never reported before for other heavy fermion superconductors. Studies of Si/Ge substitution allow us to establish a phase diagram.

cond-mat.supr-con↗
arXiv2003

Muon Spin Relaxation Measurements in Na_xCoO_2*yH_2O

Using the transverse field muon spin relaxation technique we measure the temperature dependence of the magnetic field penetration depth $λ$, in the Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O system. We find that $λ,$ which is determined by superfluid density $n_{s}$ and the effective mass $m^{\ast}$, is very small and on the edge of the TF-$μ$SR sensitivity. Nevertheless, the results indicate that the order parameter in this system has nodes and that it obeys the Uemura relation. By comparing $λ$ with the normal state electron density we conclude that $m^{\ast}$ of the superconductivity carrier is 70 times larger than the mass of bare electrons.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2003

Onset of antiferromagnetism in UPt_{3} via Th-substitution studied by muon spin spectroscopy

Muon spin spectroscopy has been used to study in detail the onset of large-moment antiferromagnetism (LMAF) in UPt_{3} as induced by Th substitution. Zero-field experiments have been carried out on a series of polycrystalline U_{1-x}Th_{x}Pt_{3} (0 <= x <= 0.05) samples in the temperature range 0.04 - 10 K. At low Th content (x <= 0.002) magnetic ordering on the time scale of the uSR experiment (10^{-8} s) is not detected. For x = 0.005 a weak magnetic signal appears below T = 2 K, while for 0.006 <= x <= 0.05, spontaneous oscillations in the uSR spectra signal the presence of the LMAF phase. The data are well described by a two-component depolarization function, combining the contribution of a polycrystalline antiferromagnet and a Kubo-Lorentzian response. However, the transition into the antiferromagnetic phase is quite broad. For x = 0.01 and 0.02, a weak magnetic signal appears below about 7 K, which is well above the mean-field transition temperatures. The broadening may be a result of the effects of disorder on the time fluctuations associated with anomalous small-moment antiferromagnetism.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2002

Universal superconducting and magnetic properties of the (CaLa)(BaLa)CuO system: a MuSR investigation

The (Ca_xLa_(1-x))(Ba_(1.75-x)La_(0.25+x))Cu_(3)O_(y) system is ideal for testing theories of high temperature superconductivity, since nearly the full range of doping is controlled by y, and T_(c)^max is continuously controlled by x, with minimal structural changes. We investigate this system with both transverse and longitudinal field MuSR. This allows us to re-examine the Uemura relation, the nature of the spontaneous magnetic fields below T_(c), and the relation between their appearance temperature T_(g) and T_(c)^max . Our major findings are: (I) the Uemura relation is respected by CLBLCO more adequately than by other cuprates, (II) T_(g) and T_(c) are controlled by the same energy scale, (III) the phase separation between hole poor and hole rich regions is a microscopic one, and (IV) spontaneous magnetic fields appear gradually with no moment size evolution.

cond-mat.supr-con↗
arXiv2002

Magnetic fluctuations and superconductivity in YbPd$_2$Sn

We report muon spin relaxation and inelastic neutron measurements on the Heusler system YbPd$_2$Sn. Localised anisotropic and quasi-elastic Yb magnetic fluctuations are observed below $T = 150$K. Both $μ$SR and neutron data indicate a slowing-down of the spin-fluctuations, upon lowering the temperature, similar to that observed in Kondo lattices. The temperature dependence of the quasi-elastic neutron signal is compatible with a crystal-electric field scheme having a $Γ_7^{\rm CEF}$ ground state. The muon depolarization rate exhibits an additional contribution upon decreasing the temperature below $T_{\rm c}$ suggesting a close interplay between magnetic fluctuations and the superconducting state.

cond-mat.str-el↗