arXiv subjects

S. X. Dou

Publications and source records attributed to S. X. Dou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2014

Enhancement of Transition Temperature in FexSe0.5Te0.5 Film via Iron Vacancies

The effects of iron deficiency in FexSe0.5Te0.5 thin films (0.8<x<1) on superconductivity and electronic properties have been studied. A significant enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature (TC) up to 21K was observed in the most Fe deficient film (x=0.8). Based on the observed and simulated structural variation results, there is a high possibility that Fe vacancies can be formed in the FexSe0.5Te0.5 films. The enhancement of TC shows a strong relationship with the lattice strain effect induced by Fe vacancies. Importantly, the presence of Fe vacancies alters the charge carrier population by introducing electron charge carriers, with the Fe deficient film showing more metallic behavior than the defect-free film. Our study provides a means to enhance the superconductivity and tune the charge carriers via Fe vacancy, with no reliance on chemical doping.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

On the roles of graphene oxide doping for enhanced supercurrent in MgB2 based superconductors

Due to their graphene-like properties after oxygen reduction, incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) sheets into correlated-electron materials offers a new pathway for tailoring their properties. Fabricating GO nanocomposites with polycrystalline MgB2 superconductors leads to an order of magnitude enhancement of the supercurrent at 5 K/8 T and 20 K/4 T. Herein, we introduce a novel experimental approach to overcome the formidable challenge of performing quantitative microscopy and microanalysis of such composites, so as to unveil how GO doping influences the structure and hence the material properties. Atom probe microscopy and electron microscopy were used to directly image the GO within the MgB2, and we combined these data with computational simulations to derive the property-enhancing mechanisms. Our results reveal synergetic effects of GO, namely, via localized atomic (carbon and oxygen) doping as well as texturing of the crystals, which provide both inter and intra granular flux pinning. This study opens up new insights into how low-dimensional nanostructures can be integrated into composites to modify the overall properties, using a methodology amenable to a wide range of applications.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Transport evidence of robust topological surface state in BiTeCl single crystals, the first strong inversion asymmetric topological insulator

Three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) are new forms of quantum matter that are characterized by their insulating bulk state and exotic metallic surface state, which hosts helical Dirac fermions1-2. Very recently, BiTeCl, one of the polar semiconductors, has been discovered by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to be the first strong inversion asymmetric topological insulator (SIATI). In contrast to the previously discovered 3D TIs with inversion symmetry, the SIATI are expected to exhibit novel topological phenomena, including crystalline-surface-dependent topological surface states, intrinsic topological p-n junctions, and pyroelectric and topological magneto-electric effects3. Here, we report the first transport evidence for the robust topological surface state in the SIATI BiTeCl via observation of Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations, which exhibit the 2D nature of the Fermi surface and pi Berry phase. The n = 1 Landau quantization of the topological surface state is observed at B . 12 T without gating, and the Fermi level is only 58.8 meV above the Dirac point, which gives rise to small effective mass, 0.055me, and quite large mobility, 4490 cm2s-1. Our findings will pave the way for future transport exploration of other new topological phenomena and potential applications for strong inversion asymmetric topological insulators.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2012

{110} Plane Orientation Driven Superior Li-ion Battery Performance and Room Temperature Ferromagnetism in Co3O4 Nanostructures

This paper presents synthesis methods and multifunctional properties of porous Co3O4 nanoplatelets and nanowires. Surprisingly, significantly superior Li-ion battery performance compared to other cathode materials is exhibited in the same samples as room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM). Microstructure observations, and properties measurements and analysis indicate that the as-prepared Co3O4 nanostructures exhibit a spontaneous transformation of their morphology, showing a predominantly {110} plane orientation and preferentially presenting the Co3+ species at the surface at appreciate preparation condition. More Co3+ in an octahedral (O) position exposed on the surface is associated with more Co3+ being Co3+|\cdot (Co3+ with trapped charge carriers) or reduced to Co2+ in the O position due to surface defects or oxygen vacancies, which is possibly the mechanism of excellent electric transport properties then high Li-battery performance; at the same time, reduced to Co2+ or free charge carriers trapped by Co3+|\cdot in the O position are the role of charge carries- mediate ferromagnetism, may be the origin of RTFM as well. These results further show the importance of modifying the nanostructure of surfaces in the preparation of transition metal oxides as multidisciplinary functional materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Architected Various MnO6 Octahedral Layers MnO2 Nanostructures

A series of MnO2 unique nanostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with microwave-assisted procedures. A novel nanostructure formation mechanism has been proposed, that MnO6 octahedral nuclei and molecular layers can be rearranged into different nanostructured morphologies by restacking and splitting, and then clasping, which is associated with tunnel structure phase transformation. Systematic macrostructure observations and magnetic property measurements have been conducted on these nanostructures, which demonstrate that engineering layered structures has the potential to create many unique nanostructures and unusual physicochemical behaviours.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Extremely Large Magnetic Entropy Changes, Quantum Phases, Transitions and Diagram in Gd(OH)3 Single Crystal Nanowires - Quasi-1D Large Spin (S = -7/2) Chain Antiferromagnet

Systematically magnetic and magnetothermal measurements at temperatures down to 2 K and magnetic fields up to 13.5 Tesla for Gd(OH)3 Single Crystal Nanowires - Quasi-1D Large Spin (S = -7/2) Chain Antiferromagnet have been conducted. We find that, (1) magnetic field enhances the thermal and local spin fluctuations which suppress long-range spin ordering (LRO) within the measured temperature range, and close to 0 K at the quantum critical point (QCP); (2) possible field-induced exotic local spin-liquid-like, aligned-spin, and spin-flip exotic paramagnetic phases, and transitions in the low temperature and high field range have been observed, allowing us to identify a possible quantum critical point; (3) there is extremely large, fully reversible MCE (magnetic entropy change (-ΔSM) = 27.8, 66, and 88 J / kg K, adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) = 6.7, 17.6, and 36.4 K at 2.55 K for field changes of 2, 5, and 11 T, respectively in the continuum of quantum phase transitions in this system; (4) moreover, careful experiments and analysis may allow experimental determination and set up a quantum phase diagram of this system. The magnetic-entropy change monotonically increases with decreasing temperature, and it exceeds the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in any other known low temperature reversible MCE material by at least a factor of 3. The extremely large magnetic entropy change may be attributed to the large amount of weakly interacting spins that can be easily aligned at low-lying energy in the quantum critical regime of our nanosized materials, since there is large MCE in the local spin-liquid-like (low energy excitation and even gapless state) range. These indicate that the material is a promising MCE candidate for low temperature application, and possibly could make ultra-low temperatures easily achievable for most laboratories and for space application as well.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Abnormal Magnetic Behaviors in Unique Square alpha-MnO2 Nanotubes

Systematic magnetic measurements have been performed in unique$α- MnO_2$ square nanotubes synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with microwave-assisted procedures. Unusual magnetic phenomena (abnormal magnetization verse temperature (M - T) behaviour, large and abnormal magnetization hysteresis loop horizontal shift (HHS) verse cooling field (HFC) behaviours (HHS - HFC) has been observed in these square nanotubes. These suggest the observation of large unfrozen orbital moment which also is the micro -original of observed large and abnormal horizontal shift (HHS). The findings demonstrated that engineering layered structures in nanoscale would create many unique nanostructures and unusual physicochemical behaviours.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Domain Wall Conductivity in Oxygen Deficient Multiferroic YMnO3 Single Crystals

The transport properties of domain walls in oxygen deficient multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals have been probed using conductive atomic force microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy. Domain walls exhibit significantly enhanced conductance after being poled in electric fields, possibly induced by oxygen vacancy ordering at domain walls. The electronic conduction can be understood by the Schottky emission and Fowler-Nordheim tunnelling mechanisms. Our results show that the domain wall conductance can be modulated through band structure engineering by manipulating ordered oxygen vacancies in the poling fields.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Simulation of light C4+ ion irradiation and its significant enhancement to the critical current density in BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals

In this work, we report the simulation of C4+ irradiation and its significant effects towards the enhancement of the critical current density in BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals. BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals with and without the C-implantation were characterized by magneto-transport and magnetic measurements up to 13 T over a wide range of temperatures below and above the superconducting critical temperature, Tc. It is found that the C-implantation causes little change in Tc, but it can greatly enhance the in-field critical current density by a factor of up to 1.5 with enhanced flux jumping at 2 K. Our Monte Carlo simulation results show that all the C ions end up in a well defined layer, causing extended defects and vacancies at the layer, but few defects elsewhere on the implantation paths. This type of defect distribution is distinct from the columnar defects produced by heavy ion implantation. Furthermore, the normal state resistivity is enhanced by the light C4+ irradiation, while the upper critical field, Hc2, the irreversibility field, Hirr, and Tc were affected very little.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Vortex glass line and vortex liquid resistivity in doped BaFe2As2 single crystals

The vortex liquid-to-glass transition has been studied in Ba0.72K0.28Fe2As2, Ba0.9Co0.1Fe2As2, and Ba(Fe0.45Ni0.05)2As2 single crystal with superconducting transition temperature, Tc = 31.7, 17.3, and 18 K, respectively, by magnetoresistance measurements. For temperatures below Tc, the resistivity curves were measured in magnetic fields within the range of 0 \leq B \leq 13 T, and the pinning potential was scaled according to a modified model for vortex liquid resistivity. Good scaling of the resistivity ρ(B, T) and the effective pinning energy U0(B,T) was obtained with the critical exponents s and B0. The vortex state is three-dimensional at temperatures lower than a characteristic temperature T*. The vortex phase diagram was determined based on the evolution of the vortex-glass transition temperature Tg with magnetic field and the upper critical field, Hc2. We found that non-magnetic K doping results in a high glass line close to the Hc2, while magnetic Ni and Co doping cause a low glass line which is far away from the Hc2. Our results suggest that non-magnetic induced disorder is more favourable for enhancement of pinning strength compared to magnetic induced disorder. Our results show that the pinning potential is responsible for the difference in the glass states.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Enhancement of the in-field Jc of MgB2 via SiCl4 doping

In this work, we present the following important results: 1) We introduce a new Si source, liquid SiCl4, which is free of C, to significantly enhance the irreversibility field (Hirr), the upper critical field (Hc2), and the critical current density (Jc), with little reduction in the critical temperature (Tc). 2) Although Si can not incorporate into the crystal lattice, we found a reduction in the a-axis lattice parameter, to the same extent as for carbon doping. 3) The SiCl4 treated MgB2 shows much higher Jc with superior field dependence above 20 K than undoepd MgB2 and MgB2 doped with various carbon sources. 3) We provide an alternative interpretation for the reduction of the a lattice parameter in C- and non-C doped MgB2. 4). We introduce a new parameter, RHH (Hc2/Hirr), which can clearly reflect the degree of flux pinning enhancement, providing us with guidance for further enhancing Jc. 5) We have found that spatial variation in the charge carrier mean free path is responsible for the flux pinning mechanism in the SiCl4 treated MgB2 with large in-field Jc.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Direct observation of local K variation and its correlation to electronic inhomogeneity in (Ba1-xKx)Fe2As2 Pnictide

Local fluctuations in the distribution of dopant atoms are a suspected cause of nanoscale electronic disorder or phase separation observed within the pnictide superconductors. Atom probe tomography results present the first direct observations of dopant nano-clustering in a K-doped 122-phase pnictides. First-principles calculations suggest the coexistence of static magnetism and superconductivity on a lattice parameter length scale over a large range of doping concentrations. Collectively, our results provide evidence for a mixed scenario of phase coexistence and phase separation originating from variation of dopant atom experiments distroibutions.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Very strong intrinsic supercurrent carrying ability and vortex avalanches in (Ba,K)Fe2As2 superconducting single crystals

We report that single crystals of (Ba,K)Fe2As2 with Tc = 32 K have a pinning potential, U0, as high as 10^4 K, with U0 showing very little field depend-ence. In addition, the (Ba,K)Fe2As2 single crystals become isotropic at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, resulting in a very rigid vortex lattice, even in fields very close to Hc2. The rigid vortices in the two dimensional (Ba,K)Fe2As2 distinguish this compound from 2D high Tc cuprate superconductors with 2D vortices, and make it being capable of cearrying very high critical current.Flux jumping due to high Jc was also observed in large samples at low temperatures.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2010

Graphene doping to enhance flux pinning and supercurrent carrying ability in magnesium diboride superconductor

It has been shown that graphene doping is sufficient to lead to an improvement in the critical current density - field performance (Jc(B)), with little change in the transition temperature in MgB2. At 3.7 at% graphene doping of MgB2 an optimal enhancement in Jc(B) was reached by a factor of 30 at 5 K and 10 T, compared to the un-doped sample. The results suggested that effective carbon substitutions by grapheme, 2D nature of grapheme and the strain effect induced by difference thermal coefficient between single grapheme sheet and MgB2 superconductor may play an important role in flux pinning enhancement.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Lattice paramenter, lattice disorder and resistivity of carbohydrate doepd MgB2 and their correlation with the transition temperature

The change in the lattice parameters or the lattice disorder is claimed as a cause of the slight reduction in the transition temperature by carbon doping in MgB2. In this work, an extensive investigation on the effects of carbohydrate doping has been carried out. It is found that not only the a-axis but also the c-axis lattice parameter increases with the sintering temperature. A linear relation between the unit cell volume and the critical temperature is observed. Compared with the well known correlation between the lattice strain and the critical temperature, the X-ray peak broadening itself shows a closer correlation with the transition temperature. The residual resistivity and the critical temperature are linearly correlated with each other as well and its implication is further discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Very high critical field and superior Jc-field performance in NdO0.82F0.18FeAs with Tc of 51 K

The discovery of the new family of oxypnictide superconductors, such as LaFeAsO0.89F0.1, with critical temperature, Tc, over 26 K, has brought new impetus to the fields of high temperature superconductivity and strongly correlated electron systems. These materials showed high upper critical fields, Hc2, which have been estimated to be higher than 55 or 63-65 T in LaO0.9F0.1FeAs with Tc of 26 K, 70 T in PrFeAsO0.85F0.15, and over 100 T in SmO0.85F0.15FeAs with Tc of 46 K. The two gap superconductivity proposed for LaO0.9F0.1FeAs suggests that the Hc2 could be further increased to a significant extent. This is one of the unique features of the FeAs based new superconductors. In this work, we show that the Bc2(48 K) = 13 T and the Bc2(0) value can exceed 230 T in a high pressure fabricated NdO0.82F0.18FeAs bulk sample with Tc of 51 K. We also demonstrate that the supercurrent density from 1 up to 9 T only drops by a factor of 2-6 for T < 30 K, much weaker than MgB2 and high Tc cuprate superconductors. The very high Bc2 already far surpasses those of high Tc cuprates, MgB2, and classical low temperature superconductors, paving the way to use the new NdO0.82F0.18FeAs superconductors for high-field applications.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

Correlation between doping induced disorder and superconducting properties in carbohydrate doped MgB2

A comprehensive study of the effects of carbohydrate doping on the superconductivity of MgB2 has been conducted. In accordance with the dual reaction model, more carbon substitution is achieved at lower sintering temperature. As the sintering temperature is lowered, lattice disorder is increased. Disorder is an important factor determining the transition temperature for the samples studied in this work, as evidenced from the correlations among the lattice strain, the resistivity and the transition temperature. It is further shown that the increased critical current density in the high field region can be understood by a recently-proposed percolation model [Phys. Rev. Lett. 90 (2003) 247002]. For the critical current density analysis, the upper critical field is estimated from a correlation that has been reported in a recent review article [Supercond. Sci. Technol. 20 (2007) R47], where a sharp increase in the upper critical field by doping is mainly due to an increase in lattice disorder or impurity scattering. On the other hand, it is shown that the observed reduction in self-field critical current density is related to the reduction in the pinning force density by carbohydrate doping.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

Giant Magnetocaloric Effect in Re-entrant Ferromagnet PrMn1.4Fe0.6Ge2

Three first order magnetic phase transitions (FOMT) have been detected at TCPr, TNinter and TCinter over the temperature range from 5 K to 340 K at fields up to 9 T in PrMn1.4Fe0.6Ge2, and the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) around these transitions evaluated. The MCE of two FOMT from planar antiferromagnetism (AFl) to c-axis ferromagnetism (Fmc) around 168 K, and from the Fmc state to the c-axis AFmc state around 157 K have acceptable values compared with those of existing MCE systems. A giant magnetocaloric effect (GMCE) has been observed around 25.5 K associated with the field-induced FOMT from the AFmc to the Fmc+F(Pr) state with an additional Pr magnetic contribution. The MCE value 29.1 J/kg K with field change 7 T is comparable to and even larger than reported values for the best-performed MCE materials. In particular, the giant MCE value of 12.3 J/kg K obtained for the relatively small field change from 0 to 1 T is very beneficial for applications, and this, together with the small magnetic and thermal hysteresis, suggests that PrMn1.4Fe0.6Ge2 may be a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications in the hydrogen liquefication temperature range.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗