Magnetization, Charge Transport , and Stripe Phases in Nd5/3Sr1/3NiO4+δ Single Crystal

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Journal of Undergraduate Research

OSTI ID:1051807

Zhang, J Z; Hucker, M

Stripe phases, in which doped charges are localized along domain walls between antiferromagnetic insulating regions, provide a framework for the electronic structure of doped antiferromagnets such as the superconducting layered copper-oxides. Layered nickel-oxides, such as Nd2–χSrχNiO4, though non-superconducting, exhibit stripe phases in which charges are more localized, resulting in higher charge density modulation amplitudes than their cuprate analogs, thus are more amenable for experimental investigations. We study the magnetic and electric-transport properties of a Nd5/3Sr1/3NiO4+δ single crystal by means of magnetic susceptibility, isothermal magnetization, and electric resistivity measurements. We observe a transition of the magnetic susceptibility with applied field parallel to the c-axis at T ≈ 15 K, which is due to the long-range ordering of Nd3+ magnetic moments. A transition of the in-plane resistivity (ρab) is observed at T ≈ 230 K, which indicates the charge stripe ordering that has also been observed in La2–χSrχNiO4 at about the same temperature. The out-of-plane resistivity (ρc) exhibits a milder transition at T ≈ 200 K. After the stripe phase transition takes place, the electronic transport exhibits variable range hopping behavior. The resistivity anisotropy (ρc /ρab) shows a sharp drop at the ρab transition temperature with decreasing temperature, which indicates the strong localization of charge carriers in the ab-plane as charge stripes become statically ordered and the system becomes less two-dimensional electronically. Our results are in support of the stripe phase picture of the electronic structure in layered metal-oxides..

• Research Organization: DOESC (USDOE Office of Science (SC) (United States))
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• OSTI ID: 1051807
• Journal Information: Journal of Undergraduate Research, Journal Name: Journal of Undergraduate Research Vol. 6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English