• A K Tyagi

Articles written in Pramana – Journal of Physics

• Low-temperature neutron diffraction study of La0.95Nd0.05CrO3

We have synthesized polycrystalline La0.95Nd0.05CrO3 sample by doping the La-site of LaCrO3 with Nd and its magnetic properties have been studied using DC magnetization and neutron diffraction techniques. DC magnetization study shows a paramagnetic to a weak ferromagnetic-like transition at ∼295 K followed by signatures of a spin reorientation phenomenon at 233 and 166 K and, finally a transition to an antiferromagnetic-like phase at ∼21 K. Low-temperature neutron diffraction measurements confirm a weak ferrimagnetic ordering of Cr3+ moments at all temperatures below 295 K.

• Thermal dynamics-based mechanism for intense laser-induced material surface vaporization

Laser material processing involving welding, ablation and cutting involves interaction of intense laser pulses of nanosecond duration with a condensed phase. Such interaction involving high brightness radiative flux causes multitude of non-linear events involving thermal phase transition at soild–liquid–gas interfaces. A theoretical perspective involving thermal dynamics of the vaporization process and consequent non-linear multiple thermal phase transitions under the action of laser plasma is the subject matter of the present work. The computational calculations were carried out where titanium (Ti) was treated as a condensed medium. The solution to the partial differential equations governing the thermal dynamics and the underlying phase transition event in the multiphase system is based on non-stationary Eulerian variables. The Mach number 𝑀 depicts significant fluctuations due to thermal instabilities associated with the laser beam flux and intensity. A conclusive amalgamation has been established which relates material surface temperature profile to laser intensity, laser flux and the pressure in the plasma cloud.

• Cation disorder and structural studies on Bi$_{4−x}$Nd$_{x}$Ti3O12 $(0.0 \leq x \leq 2.0)$

Here we report the results of combined powder X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of Bi$_{4−x}$Nd$_{x}$Ti3O12 $(0.0 \leq x \leq 2.0)$ compositions. The parent Bi4Ti3O12 has an orthorhombic lattice (space group: B2cb) with unit cell parameters $a$ = 5.4432(5) Å, $b$ = 5.4099(5) Å and $c$ = 32.821(2) Å, and $V$ = 966.5(1) Å3. This orthorhombic lattice is retained in all the studied compositions. The unit cell parameters gradually decrease with Nd 3+ ion concentration with a discontinuity at $x = 0.75$. Orthorhombicity of the lattice decreases with increase in Nd3+ content in the lattice. The orthorhombic unit cell parameters for a representative Bi2Nd2Ti3O12 composition are: $a$ = 5.3834(9), $b$ = 5.3846(9) and $c$ = 32.784(1) Å. The observed orthorhombic distortion at $x$ = 2.0 is very small and thus the crystal structure apparently has a pseudo-tetragonal lattice. In addition, Nd3+ preferentially substitutes in the perovskite slab of the Aurivillius structure. The fraction of Nd3+ in the fluorite slab increases with increase in Nd3+ contents.

• Neutron diffraction studies on Ca$_{1-x}$Ba$_{x}$Zr4P6O24 solid solutions

Herein we report the results of detailed crystallographic studies of Ca$-[1-x}$Ba$_{x}$Zr4P6O24 compositions from combined Rietveld refinements of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. All the studied compositions crystallize in rhombohedral lattice (space group R-3 No. 148). A continuous solid solution is concluded from the systematic variation of unit cell parameters. The variation of unit cell parameters with the composition indicates decreasing trend in 𝑎 parameter with increasing Ba2+ concentration contrast to an increasing trend in 𝑐 parameter.

• Effects of sintering on microstructure and dielectric response in YCrO3 nanoceramic

Effects of sintering on pore morphology and dielectric response have been investigated. Pore structure has been probed by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). It has been observed that the size distribution becomes less polydisperse with a slight modification in the distribution as sintering temperature is increased. Dielectric response in the frequency range 0.02–1000 kHz is significantly altered by modification of pore structure because of sintering. A transition from non-Debye type to near-Debye type response has been observed as the sintering temperature is increased.

• Small angle neutron scattering study of pore microstructure in ceria compacts

Ceria powders were prepared by gel combustion process using cerium nitrate and hitherto unexplored amino acids such as aspartic acid, arginine and valine as fuels. The powders have been characterized by X-ray and laser diffraction. Cold pressed compacts of these powders have been sintered at 1250°C for 2 h. Internal pore microstructure of the sintered compacts has been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) over a scattering wave vector 𝑞 range of 0.003–0.17 nm-1. The SANS profiles indicate surface fractal morphology of the pore space with fractal dimensionality lying between 2.70 and 2.76.

• Lattice dynamics of strontium tungstate

We report here measurements of the phonon density of states and the lattice dynamics calculations of strontium tungstate (SrWO4). At ambient conditions this compound crystallizes to a body-centred tetragonal unit cell (space group I41/a) called scheelite structure. We have developed transferable interatomic potentials to study the lattice dynamics of this class of compounds. The model parameters have been fitted with respect to the experimentally available Raman and infra-red frequencies and the equilibrium unit cell parameters. Inelastic neutron scattering measurements have been carried out in the triple-axis spectrometer at Dhruva reactor. The measured phonon density of states is in good agreement with the theoretical calculations, thus validating the inter-atomic potential developed.

• # Pramana – Journal of Physics

Current Issue
Volume 93 | Issue 6
December 2019

• # Editorial Note on Continuous Article Publication

Posted on July 25, 2019