Intrinsic nanostructure in Zr sub(2-x)Fe sub(4)Si sub(16-y) (x = 0.81, y = 6.06)

We present a study of the crystal structure and physical properties of single crystals of a new Fe-based ternary compound, Zr[sub 2-x]Fe[sub 4]Si[sub 16-y] (x = 0.81, y = 6.06). Zr[sub 1.19]Fe[sub 4]Si[sub 9.94] is a layered compound, where stoichiometric [Beta]-FeSi[sub 2]-derived slabs are separat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of physics. Condensed matter 2014-09, Vol.26 (37), p.1-12
Main Authors: Smith, G J, Simonson, J W, Orvis, T, Marques, C, Grose, J E, Kistner-Morris, J J, Wu, L, Cho, K, Kim, H, Tanatar, M A, Garlea, V O, Prozorov, R, Zhu, Y, Aronson, M C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Condensed matter
Heterogeneity
Iron
Magnetic permeability
Nanostructure
Superconductivity
Superconductors
Zirconium
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Summary:We present a study of the crystal structure and physical properties of single crystals of a new Fe-based ternary compound, Zr[sub 2-x]Fe[sub 4]Si[sub 16-y] (x = 0.81, y = 6.06). Zr[sub 1.19]Fe[sub 4]Si[sub 9.94] is a layered compound, where stoichiometric [Beta]-FeSi[sub 2]-derived slabs are separated by Zr-Si planes with substantial numbers of vacancies. Sharp peaks in the ac susceptibility signal the interplay of the normal skin depth and the London penetration depth, typical of a system in which nano-sized superconducting grains are separated by a non-superconducting host. Ultra low field differential magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the presence of a surprisingly large number of trace magnetic and superconducting phases, suggesting that the Zr-Fe-Si ternary system could be a potentially rich source of new bulk superconductors.
ISSN:0953-8984
1361-648X
DOI:10.1088/0953-8984/26/37/376002