arXiv subjects

H. Sakurai

Publications and source records attributed to H. Sakurai.

108 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

Possible Spin-triplet Superconductivity in NaxCoO2yH2O - 59Co NMR Study

We report 59Co NMR studies on the magnetically oriented powder samples of Co-oxide superconductors NaxCoO2yH2O with Tc ~ 4.7 K. From two-dimensional powder pattern in the NMR spectrum, the ab-plane Knight shift in the normal state was estimated by the magnetic field dependence of second-order quadrupole shifts at various temperatures. Below 50 K, the Knight shift shows a Curie-Weiss-like temperature dependence, similarly to the bulk magnetic susceptibility chi. From the analysis of so-called K-chi plot, the spin and the orbital components of K and the positive hyperfine coupling constant were estimated. The onset temperature of superconducting transition in the Knight shift does not change so much in an applied magnetic field up to 7 T, which is consistent with the reported high upper critical field Hc2. The Knight shift at 7 T shows an invariant behavior below Tc. No coherence peak just below Tc was observed in the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 in both cases of NMR and NQR. We conclude that the invariant behavior of the Knight shift below Tc and unconventional behaviors of 1/T possibly indicate the spin-triplet superconductivity with p- or f-wave symmetry.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2005

Evidence of nodal superconductivity in Na_0.35CoO2-1.3H_2O: a specific heat study

Comprehensive low-temperature specific heat data C(T,H) of Na_0.35CoO2-1.3H_2O with temperature T down to 0.6 K and the magnetic field H up to 8 T are presented. For the normal state, the values of gamma_n=13.94 mJ/mol K2, and Debye temperature 362 K are reported. At zero field, a very sharp superconducting anomaly was observed at Tc=4.5 K with DeltaC/gamma_nTc=1.45. The superconducting volume fraction is estimated to be 47.4 % based on the consideration of entropy balance at Tc for the second-order superconducting phase transition. In the superconducting state, the electronic contribution C_es at H=0 can be well described by the model of the line nodal order parameter. In low H, gamma(H) H^1/2 which is also a manifestation of the line nodes. The behaviors of both Tc(H) and gamma(H) suggest the anisotropy of Hc2 or possible crossovers or transitions occurring in the mixed state.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Weak Magnetic Order in the Bilayered-hydrate Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O Structure Probed by Co Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance - Proposed Phase Diagram in Superconducting Na$_x$CoO$_{2} \cdot$ $y$H$_2$O

A weak magnetic order was found in a non-superconducting bilayered-hydrate Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O sample by a Co Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) measurement. The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate divided by temperature $1/T_1T$ shows a prominent peak at 5.5 K, below which a Co-NQR peak splits due to an internal field at the Co site. From analyses of the Co NQR spectrum at 1.5 K, the internal field is evaluated to be $\sim$ 300 Oe and is in the $ab$-plane. The magnitude of the internal field suggests that the ordered moment is as small as $\sim 0.015$ $μ_B$ using the hyperfine coupling constant reported previously. It is shown that the NQR frequency $ν_Q$ correlates with magnetic fluctuations from measurements of NQR spectra and $1/T_1T$ in various samples. The higher-$ν_Q$ sample has the stronger magnetic fluctuations. A possible phase diagram in Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O is depicted using $T_c$ and $ν_Q$, in which the crystal distortion along the c-axis of the tilted CoO$_2$ octahedron is considered to be a physical parameter. Superconductivity with the highest $T_c$ is seemingly observed in the vicinity of the magnetic phase, suggesting strongly that the magnetic fluctuations play an important role for the occurrence of the superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Coulomb and nuclear breakup of a halo nucleus 11Be

Breakup reactions of the one-neutron halo nucleus 11Be on Pb and C targets at about 70 MeV/u have been investigated by measuring the momentum vectors of the incident 11Be, outgoing 10Be, and neutron in coincidence. The relative energy spectra as well as the angular distributions of the 10Be+n center of mass have been extracted for both targets. For the breakup on Pb target, the selection of forward scattering angles is found to be effective to extract almost purely the first-order E1 Coulomb breakup component, and to exclude the nuclear contribution and higher-order Coulomb breakup components. This angle-selected energy spectrum is thus used to deduce the spectroscopic factor for the 10Be(0+) 2s_1/2 configuration in 11Be which is found to be 0.72+-0.04 with B(E1) up to Ex=4 MeV of 1.05+-0.06 e2fm2. The energy weighted E1 strength up to Ex=4 MeV explains 70+-10% of the cluster sum rule, consistent with the obtained spectroscopic factor. The non-energy weighted sum rule is used to extract the root mean square distance of the halo neutron to be 5.77(16) fm, consistent with previously known values. In the breakup with C target, we have observed the excitations to the known unbound states in 11Be at Ex=1.78 MeV and 3.41 MeV. Angular distributions for these states show the diffraction pattern characteristic of L=2 transitions, resulting in J^pi =(3/2,5/2)+ assignment for these states. We finally find that even for the C target the E1 Coulomb direct breakup mechanism becomes dominant at very forward angles.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2004

Unconventional superconductivity in NaxCoO2 yH2O

We synthesized powder samples of Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O changing the volume of the water in the hydration process, then investigated their superconducting properties,. It was proved that the volume of water is one of key parameters to obtain a single phase of Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O with good superconducting properties. The transition temperature, $T_{c}$, of the sample changed gradually while it was stored in the atmosphere of 70% humidity. Superconducting behavior under high magnetic field was very sensitive to $T_{c}$. $H_{c2}$ of a high quality sample with high $T_{c}$ seemed very high.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Correlation between Tc and Lattice Parameters of Novel Superconducting NaxCoO2 yH2O

We synthesized the five batches of the samples of the novel P3 type superconductor, Na$_{x}$(H$_{3}$O)$_{y'}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y''$H$_{2}$O, by the soft chemical process starting from $α$-NaCoO$_{2}$. The chemical and structural properties varied rather widely from batch to batch, with a result that $T_{c}$ varied from 4.6 K to 3.2 K. The magnetic susceptibility above $T_{c}$ shows upturn at low temperature as in the case of the P2 phase. The $T_{c}$ seems to be well correlated to the lattice parameters.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of gamma-NaxCoO2 (0.70 < x <0.84)

Powder Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}$ ($0.70\leq x\leq 0.84$) samples were synthesized and characterized carefully by X-ray diffraction analysis, inductive-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and redox titration. It was proved that $γ$-Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}$ is formed only in the narrow range of $0.70\leq x\leq 0.78$. Nevertheless, the magnetic properties depend strongly on $x$. We found, for the first time, two characteristic features in the magnetic susceptibility of Na$_{0.78}$CoO$_{2}$, a sharp peak at $T_{p}=16$ K and an anomaly at $T_{k}=9$ K, as well as the transition at $T_{c}=22$ K and the broad maximum at $T_{m}=50$ K which had already been reported. A type of weak ferromagnetic transition seems to occur at $T_{k}$. The transition at $T_{c}$, which is believed to be caused by spin density wave formation, was observed clearly for $x\geq 0.74$ with constant $T_{c}$ and $T_{p}$ independent of $x$. On the other hand, ferromagnetic moment varies systematically depending on $x$. These facts suggest the occurrence of a phase separation at the microscopic level, such as the separation into Na-rich and Na-poor domains due to the segregation of Na ions. The magnetic phase diagram and transition mechanism proposed previously should be reconsidered.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2004

Thermal and Electrical Properties of gamma-NaxCoO2 (0.70 < x < 0.78)

We have performed specific heat and electric resistivity measurements of Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}$ ($x=0.70$-0.78). Two anomalies have been observed in the specific heat data for $x=0.78$, corresponding to magnetic transitions at $T_{c}=22$ K and $T_{k}\simeq 9$ K reported previously. In the electrical resistivity, a steep decrease at $T_{c}$ and a bending-like variation at $T_{b}$(=120K for $x=0.78$) have been observed. Moreover, we have investigated the $x$-dependence of these parameters in detail. The physical properties of this system are very sensitive to $x$, and the inconsistent results of previous reports can be explained by a small difference in $x$. Furthermore, for a higher $x$ value, a phase separation into Na-rich and Na-poor domains occurs as we previously proposed, while for a lower $x$ value, from characteristic behaviors of the specific heat and the electrical resistivity at the low-temperature region, the system is expected to be in the vicinity of the magnetic instability which virtually exists below $x=0.70$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2004

Correlation between Superconducting Transition Temperature $T_c$ and Increase of Nuclear Spin-Lattice Relaxation Rate Devided by Temperature $1/T_1T$ at $T_c$ in the Hydrate Cobaltate Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O

We have performed Co-nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) studies on Na$_{x}$CoO$_{2}\cdot y$H$_{2}$O compounds with different Na ($x$) and hydrate ($y$) contents. Two samples with different Na contents but nearly the same $T_c$ values ($x$ = 0.348, $T_c$ = 4.7 K ; $x$ = 0.339, $T_c$ = 4.6 K) were investigated. The spin-lattice relaxation rate $1/T_1$ in the superconducting (SC) and normal states is almost the same for the two samples except just above $T_c$. NQR measurements were also performed on different-hydrate-content samples with different $T_c$ values, which were prepared from the same Na-content ($x$ = 0.348) sample. From measurements of $1/T_1$ using the different-hydrate-content samples, it was found that a low-$T_c$ sample with $T_c = 3.9$ K has a larger residual density of states (DOS) in the SC state and a smaller increase of $1/T_1T$ just above $T_c$ than a high-$T_c$ sample with $T_c$ = 4.7 K. The former behavior is consistent with that observed in unconventional superconductors, and the latter suggests the relationship between $T_c$ and the increase in DOS just above $T_c$. This increase, which is seemingly associated with the two-dimensionality of the CoO$_2$ plane, is considered to be one of the most important factors for the occurrence of superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Magnetic Fluctuations in the Metallic State of Na$_{0.7}$CoO$_2$ Revealed by $^{23}$Na NMR

Nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) studies were performed in Na$_{0.7}$CoO$_2$ to investigate its magnetic properties from the microscopic point of view. Na$_{0.7}$CoO$_2$ is a starting compound of the recently discovered superconductor Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_2$$\cdot 1.3$H$_2$O, in which Co atoms form a triangular structure. Although $^{23}$Na-NMR results show no magnetic anomaly down to 1.5 K, Knight shift ($^{23}K$) and $^{23}(1/T_1T)$ of $^{23}$Na continue to increase, suggestive of the vicinity of the magnetic phase. From the relation between $^{23}K$ and $^{23}(1/T_1T)$, it is shown that ferromagnetic fluctuations are dominant below 100 K. In addition to the ferromagnetic correlations, antiferromagnetic fluctuations are also developed in a low temperature region below 4 K. Magnetic fluctuations suggested by our experiment are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2004

Laser-excited ultrahigh-resolution photoemission spectroscopy of NaxCoO2.yH2O:Evidence for pseudogap formation

We have studied the temperature-dependent electronic structure near the Fermi level (EF) of the layered cobaltate superconductor, Na0.35CoO2.1.3H2O, and related materials, using laser-excited ultrahigh-resolution photoemission spectroscopy. We observe the formation of a pseudogap with an energy scale of ~ 20 meV in Na0.35CoO2.1.3H2O and Na0.35CoO2.0.7H2O, which is clearly absent in Na0.7CoO2. The energy scale of the pseudogap is larger than the expected value for the superconducting gap, suggesting an additional competing order parameter at low temperatures. We discuss implications of the pseudogap in relation to available transport and magnetic susceptibility results.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2004

Specific heat of unconventional superconductivity in NaxCoO2-yH2O

Comprehensive studies of the low-temperature specific heat C(T,H) in NaxCoO2-yH2O are presented. At H=0, a very sharp anomaly was observed at T=4.7 K indicating the existence of bulk superconductivity. There exists the T^2 term in C(T,H=0) in the superconducting state manifesting the line nodal superconducting order parameter. The superconducting volume fraction is estimated to be 26.6 % based on the consideration of entropy conservation at Tc for the second-order superconducting phase transition. An abrupt change of the slope in Tc(H) was observed. Possible scenarios such as the multiple phase transitions in the mixed state are discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Determination of The Spin Contributed Knight Shift in $Na_{0.35} Co O_2 \cdot 1.3 H_2 O$

The spin contributed Knight shift $^{59}K_{s}$ of $^{59}\mathrm{Co}$ in the triangular lattice superconductor, $\mathrm{Na_{0.35}CoO_{2} \cdot 1.3H_{2}O}$, has been estimated by NMR experiments in an oriented 2-dimensional powder sample. The Knight shift in the paramagnetic state was estimated by $δν/(γ\mathrm{_{N}}H_{i})$ vs. $(γ\mathrm{_{N}}H_{i})^{-2}$ plot at various temperatures. A Knight shift vs. magnetic susceptibility diagram revealed that at least 0.3 % for $K_{x}$ and 0.1 % for $K_{y}$ are attributed to the spin contribution. Below $T\mathrm{_{c}}$, $δν/(γ\mathrm{_{N}}H_{i})$ vs. $(γ\mathrm{_{N}}H_{i})^{-2}$ plot does not give unique Knight shift because of the diamagnetic effect and/or the other ones. We concluded that the invariant behavior at about 7 T (between $H\mathrm{_{c1}}$ and $H\mathrm{_{c2}}$) below $T\mathrm{_{c}}$ possibly indicates the nature of the spin-triplet superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2004

Bulk Electronic structure of Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}$.1.3H$_{2}$O

High-energy (h$ν$ = 5.95 keV) synchrotron Photoemission spectroscopy (PES) is used to study bulk electronic structure of Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}$.1.3H$_{2}$O, the layered superconductor. In contrast to 3-dimensional doped Co oxides, Co $\it{2p}$ core level spectra show well-separated Co$^{3+}$ and Co$^{4+}$ ions. Cluster calculations suggest low spin Co$^{3+}$ and Co$^{4+}$ character, and a moderate on-site Coulomb correlation energy U$_{dd}\sim$3-5.5 eV. Photon dependent valence band PES identifies Co $\it{3d}$ and O $\it{2p}$ derived states, in near agreement with band structure calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2003

The role of the water molecules in novel superconductor, Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O

In order to investigate the role of the water molecules in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O, we synthesized superconducting Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O and nonsuperconducting Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$0.7H$_{2}$O, and measured their normal-state magnetic susceptibilities. The susceptibility of Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O has an enhancement below ~150 K probably caused by ferromagnetic fluctuation, whereas no such enhancement was observed in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$0.7H$_{2}$O. The water molecules in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O may work to shield random coulomb potential of the Na ions with smoother potential at the CoO$_{2}$ layer. This effect may account for the appearance of superconductivity in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2003

Anomalously hindered E2 strength B(E2;2_1^+ -> 0^+) in 16C

The electric quadrupole transition from the first 2+ state to the ground 0+ state in 16C is studied through measurement of the lifetime by a recoil shadow method applied to inelastically scattered radioactive 16C nuclei. The measured lifetime is 75 +- 23 ps, corresponding to a B(E2;2_1+ -> 0^+) value of 0.63 +- 0.19 e2fm4, or 0.26 +- 0.08 Weisskopf units. The transition strength is found to be anomalously small compared to the empirically predicted value.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2003

Effect of Na content and hydration on the excitation spectrum of the cobaltite Na_xCoO_2 yH_2O

We report on a Raman scattering study on the superconducting cobaltite $Na_xCoO_2\cdot yH_2O$ as function of Na content and hydration (x$\approx$1/3, 3/4 and y$\approx$0, 2/3, 4/3). The observed phonon scattering and scattering continua are analyzed in terms of lattice strain due to the structural misfit and disorder. Hydration, due to the intercalation of one or two $H_2O$ layers, releases a part of this strain. Our Raman data suggest a connection between disorder on the partly occupied Na sites, the split off of the $a_{1g}$ level from the other $t_{2g}$ states of $Co^{4+}$ and superconductivity.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2003

Unconventional Superconductivity and Nearly Ferromagnetic Spin Fluctuations in Na$_x$CoO$_2$$\cdot y$H$_2$O

Co NQR studies were performed in recently discovered superconductor Na$_x$CoO$_2$$\cdot y$H$_2$O to investigate physical properties in the superconducting (SC) and normal states. Two samples from the same Na$_x$CoO$_2$ were examined, SC bilayer-hydrate sample with $T_c \sim 4.7$ K and non-SC monolayer-hydrate sample. From the measurement of nuclear-spin lattice relaxation rate $1/T_1$ in the SC sample, it was found that the coherence peak is absent just below $T_c$ and that $1/T_1$ is proportional to temperature far below $T_c$. These results, which are in qualitatively agreement with the previous result by Fujimoto {\it et al.}, suggest strongly that unconventional superconductivity is realized in this compound. In the normal state, $1/T_1T$ of the SC sample shows gradual increase below 100K down to $T_c$, whereas $1/T_1T$ of the non-SC sample shows the Korringa behavior in this temperature range. From the comparison between $1/T_1T$ and $χ_{\rm bulk}$ in the SC sample, the increase of $1/T_1T$ is attributed to nearly ferromagnetic fluctuations. These remarkable findings suggest that the SC sample possesses nearly ferromagnetic fluctuations, which are possibly related with the unconventional superconductivity in this compound. The implication of this finding is discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗