Abstract
The discovery of the coexistence of superconductivity and weak ferromagnetism in ruthenocuprates like (Ru, R-1222; R = Eu, Gd) and RuSr2GdCu2O8 (Ru-1212) has created a tremendous interest both experimentally as well as theoretically. Here, we have prepared polycrystalline samples of RuSr2R1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10 (R = Gd, Eu, and Sm) by the standard solid state reaction method. These samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, dc resistivity, and squid measurements. All the prepared samples were single phase without any trace of impurity. From the low-temperature resistivity measurement, the samples of (R = Eu and Gd) were found to be superconducting, while the samples of RuSr2Sm1.6Ce0.4Cu2O10 show semiconducting behavior. The magnetization (M) versus field (H) hysteresis at 5 K clearly shows the ferromagnetic behavior of the samples. The zero field cooled magnetization () and field cooled magnetization () diverge at 100 K.
Highlights
The discovery of new superconducting and magnetic materials with anomalous properties has revived a significant activity in the field ranging from basic science to developments for technological applications
All the samples in the present investigation were subjected to the structural characterization by X-ray powder diffraction technique (XRD) and low-temperature electrical transport measurement using the standard fourprobe method using a closed-cycle helium cryostat
Since the electrical and other properties of cuprates are sensitive to the oxygen content, it becomes pertinent to study the electrical properties of prepared sample subjected to oxygen annealing
Summary
The discovery of new superconducting and magnetic materials with anomalous properties has revived a significant activity in the field ranging from basic science to developments for technological applications. As compared to Ru-1212, Ru-1222 is very sensitive to oxygen content [10, 11] This is the main source responsible for the nonuniform properties. The superconducting transition in this compound is reported in the range 30 K–50 K [13]. Clues to understand the reasons for the contradictory results on superconductivity in this compound can be obtained by having a closer look at the structure and microstructure of the sintered samples. The effect of annealing in oxidizing/reducing atmosphere and substitution of various cations can provide the clues for understanding the nature of superconductivity in these materials. We have made an attempt to study the effect of annealing on the superconducting properties of Ru, R-1222, R = Gd, Eu, and Sm
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