Professor Stephen Blundell

Abstract:

Magnetization and magnetotransport measurements have been used to study the composition dependence of the electronic properties of the Ruddlesden-Popper phases Sr2NdMn2O7 and Sr1.9Nd1.1Mn2O7. Although their behaviour differs in detail, both compounds show a colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect (>10 000% in 14 T) in the temperature range 4.2 ≤ T/K ≤ 100. However, neither material shows a transition to a ferromagnetic state above 4.2 K, and both materials have higher resistivities (>103 Ω cm for 4.2 ≤ T/K ≤ 100) than the metallic oxides previously found to show CMR. In view of the low conductivity and the absence of ferromagnetism, the CMR of these phases is not readily explained by a doubleexchange mechanism.

Abstract:

Implanted muon spectroscopy shows that magnetic order coexists with superconductivity in TmNi2B2C. The muon response indicates that large amplitude fluctuations of the internal field are superimposed on a relatively small static component. The static field exhibits an unusual temperature dependence which shows no interruption at the superconducting transition and may represent evolution of a staggered or spiral arrangement of Tm moments. The dynamic component changes its spectral density at the superconducting transition and the question arises as to whether this is associated with Ni moment formation and fluctuation. In LuNi2B2C, where the rare earth ion is nonmagnetic, no signature of static order is seen. An intriguing change in the muon response does occur below about 4 K in this material; this seems suggestive of Ni moment fluctuation, although the evidence is not entirely conclusive.

Abstract:

Implanted muon spectroscopy shows that magnetic order coexists with superconductivity in TmNi2B2C. The muon response indicates that large amplitude fluctuations of the internal field are superimposed on a relatively small static component. The static field exhibits an unusual temperature dependence which shows no interruption at the superconducting transition and may represent evolution of a staggered or spiral arrangement of Tm moments. The dynamic component changes its spectral density at the superconducting transition and the question arises as to whether this is associated with Ni moment formation and fluctuation. In LuNi2B2C, where the rare earth ion is nonmagnetic, no signature of static order is seen. An intriguing change in the muon response does occur below about 4 K in this material; this seems suggestive of Ni moment fluctuation, although the evidence is not entirely conclusive.