Mn2+ doping on the Ba-site of YBa2Cu3O7-δ system: Structural and electrical characteristics

Abstract

YBa_2-xMn_xCu₃O_7-δ bulk superconductors with 0≤x≤0.11 were prepared by standard solid state reaction. Resistance measurements and X-Ray diffraction data show that T_c depression and lattice parameter changes are present throughout the doping range. Cation-cation interaction was examined as a possible explanation for the elongation of the a-axis length at low concentration doping levels. At x=0.07, a large T_c width increase was observed. The orthorhombicity and cell volume data were analyzed to model these as effects of a-b plane sensitivity and the enlargement of the charge transfer length at higher Mn concentrations.