Magnetic properties of Gd_{1-x}Pr_xBa_2Cu_3O_{7-y} single crystals

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic behavior of Gd_{1-x}Pr_xBa_2Cu_3O_{7-y} single crystals, revealing interactions between Pr and Cu magnetic sublattices, anisotropy differences, and potential links between superconductivity and Ba substitution.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic interactions and anisotropy in Gd-Pr-Ba-Cu-O crystals, and suggests a connection between superconductivity and Ba substitution at Pr sites.

Findings

Interaction between Pr and Cu(2) magnetic sublattices identified.

Different signs of magnetic anisotropy for Pr and Gd ions at low temperatures.

Superconductivity may be related to partial Ba substitution at Pr sites.

Abstract

Magnetic properties were studied for the high quality Al-free orthorhombic Gd_{1-x}Pr_xBa_2Cu_3O_{7-y} single crystals (0<=x<=1.0) grown by the flux method. An indication on the interaction between the Pr and Cu(2) magnetic sublattices was found for Pr123. Different signs of magnetic anisotropy were established for the Pr and Gd ions at low temperatures. It was also shown that superconductivity reported by Zou et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80 (1998) 1074] for Pr123 single crystals grown by TSZF method seems to be connected with partial substitution of Ba for the Pr-sites.