On the Superconductivity Suppression in Eu1-xPrxBa2Cu3O7-δ.

Abstract

This article reports on the non-trivial suppression of superconductivity in the Eu1−xPrxBCO cuprates. As non-magnetic Eu3+ ions are replaced by Pr3+ carrying a magnetic moment, spin-related superconductivity loss can be expected. The research shows that the superconductivity disappearance for x > 0.4 results from depletion of the carriers and their localization. The above conclusion was drawn by low-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis showing increased characteristic phonon frequencies with Pr content. This mechanism should promote electron–phonon coupling, at least for acoustic phonons. However, the inverse phenomenon was detected. Namely, there is a gradual deterioration of the optical phonons responsible for vibration of the Cu–O bonds with Pr increasing, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results of X-ray absorption spectroscopy precisely showed the location of the carriers for Pr-rich specimens. Finally, a schematic diagram for Eu1−xPrxBCO is proposed to consolidate the presented research.