Likely presence of superconductivity in layered nickelates of K₂NiF₄ structure is pointed out.

The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility,x, of titanomagnetites (Fe_3−xTi_xO₄, 0⩽x⩽0.2) at different frequencies in the range of 13 Hz to 117 kHz is reported. Whereas the position of thex-peak of Fe₃O₄ at 120 K shows no significant shift over this frequency range, that of Fe_2.8Ti_0.2O₄ shifts from 70 K at 13 Hz to 115 K at 117 kHz. This seems to be the first observation of such large shift in the position of ax-peak observed at low-temperatures is attributed to the occurrence of an isotropic point (temperature at which first order anisotropy constantK₁=0) associated with change in crystal structure. In such a case a shift inx-peak with frequency is not expected normally. Thus, the observed large shift in the position ofx-peak with frequency is an unusual phenomenon and some of its repercussions are discussed.

Coexistence of superconductivity and magnetic order has been one of the exciting aspects of the quaternary borocarbide superconductors, So far, RNi₂B₂C (R=Tm, Er, Ho and Dy) are the only known magnetic superconductors in this family. Here, we present our resistivity, magnetization and heat capacity studies on NdPt₂B₂C (nominal composition, NdPt_1.5Au_0.6B₂C and NdPt_2.1B_2.4C_1.2). We find superconductivity in both samples with T_c,onset ∼ 3 K. Bulk magnetic order is found to occur below 1.7 K. We suggest that NdPt₂B₂C is a possible magnetic superconductor.

Heavy ion irradiation in the electronic stopping power region induces macroscopic dimensional change in metallic glasses and introduces magnetic anisotropy in some magnetic materials. The present work is on the irradiation study of ferromagnetic metallic glasses, where both dimensional change and modification of magnetic anisotropy are expected. Magnetic anisotropy was measured using Mössbauer spectroscopy of virgin and irradiated Fe₄₀Ni₄₀B₂₀ and Fe₄₀Ni₃₈Mo₄B₁₈ metallic glass ribbons. 90 MeV ¹²⁷I beam was used for the irradiations. Irradiation doses were 5×10¹³ and 7.5×10¹³ ions/cm². The relative intensity ratios D₂₃ of the second and third lines of the Mössbauer spectra were measured to determine the magnetic anisotropy. The virgin samples of both the materials display in-plane magnetic anisotropy, i.e., the spins are oriented parallel to the ribbon plane. Irradiation is found to cause reduction in magnetic anisotropy. Near-complete randomization of magnetic moments is observed at high irradiation doses. Correlation is found between the residual stresses introduced by ion irradiation and the change in magnetic anisotropy.