Self-doping processes between planes and chains in the metal-to-superconductor transition of YBa2Cu3O6.9

The interplay between the quasi 1-dimensional CuO-chains and the 2-dimensional CuO2 planes of YBa2Cu3O6+x (YBCO) has been in focus for a long time. Although the CuO-chains are known to be important as charge reservoirs that enable superconductivity for a range of oxygen doping levels in YBCO, the understanding of the dynamics of its temperature-driven metal-superconductor transition (MST) remains a challenge. We present a combined study using x-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) revealing how a reconstruction of the apical O(4)-derived interplanar orbitals during the MST of optimally doped YBCO leads to substantial hole-transfer from the chains into the planes, i.e. self-doping. Our ionic model calculations show that localized divalent charge-transfer configurations are expected to be abundant in the chains of YBCO. While these indeed appear in the RIXS spectra from YBCO in the normal, metallic, state, they are largely suppressed in the superconducting state and, instead, signatures of Cu trivalent charge-transfer configurations in the planes become enhanced. In the quest for understanding the fundamental mechanism for high-Tc-superconductivity (HTSC) in perovskite cuprate materials, the observation of such an interplanar self-doping process in YBCO opens a unique novel channel for studying the dynamics of HTSC.Comment: 9 pages, 4 Figure

Photoluminescence in SPS-processed transparent Ce:YAG ceramics

Ceramic phosphors display great promise for the realization of high-power lighting devices. Cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ce:YAG) is commonly used as a phosphor in white light emitting diodes. Therefore, it was chosen as a case study to investigate photoluminescence of transparent ceramic phosphors fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). In the present work, 0.5 at.% Ce:YAG nano-powder was synthesized by a co-precipitation method and subsequently consolidated by SPS into highly transparent ceramic samples. The effect of varying sintering parameters (temperature and pressure) and post-sintering treatments (hot isostatic pressing and air atmosphere thermal treatment) on optical properties was investigated. Correlations between in-line transmittance, photoluminescence (PL) and residual porosity characteristics (pore size and volume fraction) were established. It was also found that PL emission intensity and external quantum efficiency were significantly affected by intentionally created surface roughness. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Microstructure evolution during high-pressure spark plasma sintering (HPSPS) of transparent alumina

Applying high-pressure during spark plasma sintering (so-called HPSPS) enables rapid densification of a ceramic powder at relatively lower temperatures, limiting grain growth and allowing fabrication of fine-grained highly transparent ceramics. The present work focuses on the fabrication of fine submicron transparent alumina from untreated commercial powder by HPSPS and the microstructure evolution during consolidation under high applied pressure. The sintering was conducted at relatively low temperatures (1000-1100°C) under high pressure varied from 250 to 800 MPa. We review unique sintering phenomena such as stress-enhanced grain growth and de-sintering, which are related to creep taking place during the final stage of pressure-assisted densification. In addition, optical and mechanical properties of obtained samples are discussed. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Effect of Mn doping on densification and properties of transparent alumina by high- pressure SPS (HPSPS)

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ABOUT THE INELUENCE ОЕ WORKELOW AND OPERATIONAL MODE PARAMETERS ON THE ENERGY EEEICIENCY OE A SYSTEM OE SERIES CONNECTED ULTRALOW POWER DRIVES

Utilization of the excess pressure energy of natural gas in the system of series-connected turbo expanders is promising from the point of view of energy saving in the gas transportation system. Theoretical work on the optimization of the regime and geometric parameters of such systems in the early stages of design is absent. In this paper, parametric studies were carried out on the effect of the project's initial data on the energy efficiency of a system of two turbo-generators with a power of up to 50 kW. Rational ranges of thermodynamic and regime ratios were found, which allows to significantly increase the design efficiency of the system of axial small-sized turbo-generators in comparison with the case of its design without taking into account the obtained information

Evidence for spin-triplet superconducting correlations in metal-oxide heterostructures with non-collinear magnetization

Heterostructures composed of ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, ferromagnetic SrRuO3, and superconducting YBa2Cu3Ox were studied experimentally. Structures of composition Au/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3/YBa2Cu3Ox were prepared by pulsed laser deposition, and their high quality was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and reflectometry. A non-collinear magnetic state of the heterostructures was revealed by means of SQUID magnetometry and polarized neutron reflectometry. We have further observed superconducting currents in mesa-structures fabricated by deposition of a second superconducting Nb layer on top of the heterostructure, followed by patterning with photolithography and ion-beam etching. Josephson effects observed in these mesa-structures can be explained by the penetration of a triplet component of the superconducting order parameter into the magnetic layers.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

TECNIQUE ОЕ DETERMINATION OF NORMALIZING CONVERSION FACTORS ON THE NORMAL PARAMETERS VALUES OFA POWER PLANT

The necessity of determining the normal parameters values of a gas turbine power plant based on the test results in the prevailing external conditions and operational operating modes is justified. A technique for determining the ana¬lytical dependencies of the normalizing conversion factors is developed