Observation of a low-symmetry crystal structure for superconducting MgCNi3 by Ni K-edge x-ray absorption measurements

Authors

A. Yu Ignatov, New Jersey Institute of Technology
L. M. Dieng, New Jersey Institute of Technology
T. A. Tyson, New Jersey Institute of Technology
T. He, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials
R. J. Cava, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2003

Abstract

The local atomic structure of MgCNi3 has been determined over the temperature range of 3 to 300 K by Ni K-edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements. No anomalies were observed near Tc∼7 K. However, below T* ∼70 K the symmetry of Ni6 octahedra is lower than the cubic Pm- 3m determined by conventional diffraction measurements. We suggest that the onset of local distortions could be closely related with removal of the degeneracy in the electronic states dominated by the Ni d bands. The results are discussed in relation to nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray photoemission measurements, and the superconductivity.

Identifier

0037301735 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

ISSN

01631829

First Page

645091

Last Page

645097

Issue

6

Volume

67

Recommended Citation

Ignatov, A. Yu; Dieng, L. M.; Tyson, T. A.; He, T.; and Cava, R. J., "Observation of a low-symmetry crystal structure for superconducting MgCNi3 by Ni K-edge x-ray absorption measurements" (2003). Faculty Publications. 14186.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/fac_pubs/14186