https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2009-00444-4
Role of chemical pressure in enhancing the transition temperature (Tc) and upper critical field (Hc2) in the Y-doped Ce-oxyfluoride superconductor
1
Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, 110016 New Delhi, India
2
School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 110067 New Delhi, India
Corresponding author: ashok@chemistry.iitd.ernet.in
Received:
21
September
2009
Revised:
6
November
2009
Published online:
31
December
2009
Structural and superconducting properties of yttrium substituted Ce1-xYx(O/F)FeAs superconductors have been investigated for the first time. All the compounds crystallize in the tetragonal ZrCuSiAs structure type. There is a decrease in both the a and c lattice parameters on increasing yttrium substitution (with fixed F content) along with a substantial enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and upper critical field (Hc2) indicating the influence of chemical pressure. Interestingly the maximum Tc (~48 K) was observed for an intermediate composition (Ce0.5Y0.5O0.9F0.1FeAs) which is higher than either of the parent Y or Ce-compounds, (YO0.9F0.1FeAs (~10 K) and Ce(O/F)FeAs (~42 K)). The transition temperature was also found to be nearly independent of the electron -doping introduced by fluoride substitution (0.1 to 0.2 moles per formula unit) indicating the significance of the charge reservoir layer (Ce-O). The yttrium substituted (fluoride free) compositions of the type, Ce1-xYxOFeAs were found to be semimetallic like the parent compound CeOFeAs with the shift in the anomaly temperature towards low temperature on substitution of yttrium ions. Hall coefficient and thermopower measurements show an increase in charge carriers (electrons) through Y-doping in fluorine doped CeOFeAs.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2009