58 research outputs found

    Raman spectra of MgB2 at high pressure and topological electronic transition

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    Raman spectra of the MgB2 ceramic samples were measured as a function of pressure up to 32 GPa at room temperature. The spectrum at normal conditions contains a very broad peak at ~590 cm-1 related to the E2g phonon mode. The frequency of this mode exhibits a strong linear dependence in the pressure region from 5 to 18 GPa, whereas beyond this region the slope of the pressure-induced frequency shift is reduced by about a factor of two. The pressure dependence of the phonon mode up to ~ 5GPa exhibits a change in the slope as well as a "hysteresis" effect in the frequency vs. pressure behavior. These singularities in the E2g mode behavior under pressure support the suggestion that MgB2 may undergo a pressure-induced topological electronic transition.Comment: 2 figure

    11^{11}B NMR study of pure and lightly carbon doped MgB2_2 superconductors

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    We report a 11^{11}B NMR line shape and spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/(T1T)1/(T_1T)) study of pure and lightly carbon doped MgB2−x_{2-x}Cx_{x} for x=0x=0, 0.02, and 0.04, in the vortex state and in magnetic field of 23.5 kOe. We show that while pure MgB2_2 exhibits the magnetic field distribution from superposition of the normal and the Abrikosov state, slight replacement of boron with carbon unveils the magnetic field distribution of the pure Abrikosov state. This indicates a considerable increase of Hc2cH_{c2}^c with carbon doping with respect to pure MgB2_2. The spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/(T1T)1/(T_1T) demonstrates clearly the presence of a coherence peak right below TcT_c in pure MgB2_2, followed by a typical BCS decrease on cooling. However, at temperatures lower than ≈10\approx 10K strong deviation from the BCS behavior is observed, probably from residual contribution of the vortex dynamics. In the carbon doped systems both the coherence peak and the BCS temperature dependence of 1/(T1T)1/(T_1T) weaken, an effect attributed to the gradual shrinking of the σ\sigma hole cylinders of the Fermi surface with electron doping.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

    Systematic and Controllable Negative, Zero, and Positive Thermal Expansion in Cubic Zr1–xSnxMo2O8

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    We describe the synthesis and characterization of a family of materials, Zr1–xSnxMo2O8 (0 < x < 1), whose isotropic thermal expansion coefficient can be systematically varied from negative to zero to positive values. These materials allow tunable expansion in a single phase as opposed to using a composite system. Linear thermal expansion coefficients, αl, ranging from −7.9(2) × 10–6 to +5.9(2) × 10–6 K–1 (12–500 K) can be achieved across the series; contraction and expansion limits are of the same order of magnitude as the expansion of typical ceramics. We also report the various structures and thermal expansion of “cubic” SnMo2O8, and we use time- and temperature-dependent diffraction studies to describe a series of phase transitions between different ordered and disordered states of this material

    Building capacity in biodiversity monitoring at the global scale

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    Human-driven global change is causing ongoing declines in biodiversity worldwide. In order to address these declines, decision-makers need accurate assessments of the status of and pressures on biodiversity. However, these are heavily constrained by incomplete and uneven spatial, temporal and taxonomic coverage. For instance, data from regions such as Europe and North America are currently used overwhelmingly for large-scale biodiversity assessments due to lesser availability of suitable data from other, more biodiversity-rich, regions. These data-poor regions are often those experiencing the strongest threats to biodiversity, however. There is therefore an urgent need to fill the existing gaps in global biodiversity monitoring. Here, we review current knowledge on best practice in capacity building for biodiversity monitoring and provide an overview of existing means to improve biodiversity data collection considering the different types of biodiversity monitoring data. Our review comprises insights from work in Africa, South America, Polar Regions and Europe; in government-funded, volunteer and citizen-based monitoring in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. The key steps to effectively building capacity in biodiversity monitoring are: identifying monitoring questions and aims; identifying the key components, functions, and processes to monitor; identifying the most suitable monitoring methods for these elements, carrying out monitoring activities; managing the resultant data; and interpreting monitoring data. Additionally, biodiversity monitoring should use multiple approaches including extensive and intensive monitoring through volunteers and professional scientists but also harnessing new technologies. Finally, we call on the scientific community to share biodiversity monitoring data, knowledge and tools to ensure the accessibility, interoperability, and reporting of biodiversity data at a global scale
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