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Cohen, Marvin L.

Publications and source records attributed to Cohen, Marvin L..

5 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Structure-property relations of oP32-Ge under pressure

The unit-cell parameters, systematic absences, and atomic parameters of the germanium allotrope oP32-Ge show continuous changes up to 6 GPa as shown by single-crystal diffraction analysis. Peak shape and diffuse scattering features remain about unchanged throughout the experiment. Hence, neither the average nor the defect structure behavior offers a structure-property explanation for pressure-induced superconductivity observed at about 2 GPa [1]. Angle dispersive x-ray diffraction reveals a sluggish transformation of oP32-Ge to the Ge-II polymorph, the transition begins around 8 GPa and is complete at 12 GPa, a behavior similar to that of Ge-I. The reconstructive transition was associated with the breakdown of crystals into a powder that was compressed to 32 GPa. Synchrotron infrared absorption measurements up to 8.5 GPa indicate an increase of the band gap of the oP32-Ge prior to its collapse at 8.5 GPa. We suggest that the onset of superconductivity is not associated with a major structural change or that such a change occurs in specific stress and temperature conditions.

Lavina, Barbara↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pressure-induced superconductivity in a novel germanium allotrope

High-pressure studies on elements play an essential role in superconductivity research, with implications for both fundamental science and applications. Here we report the experimental discovery of surprisingly low pressure driving a novel germanium allotrope into a superconducting state in comparison to that for α-Ge. Raman measurements revealed structural phase transitions and possible electronic topological transitions under pressure up to 58 GPa. Based on pressure-dependent resistivity measurements, superconductivity was induced above 2 GPa and the maximum T c of 6.8 K was observed under 4.6 GPa. Interestingly, a superconductivity enhancement was discovered during decompression, indicating the possibility of maintaining pressure-induced superconductivity at ambient pressure with better superconducting performance. Density functional theory analysis further suggested that the electronic structure of Ge (oP32) is sensitive to its detailed geometry and revealed that disorder in the β-tin structure leads to a higher T c in comparison to the perfect β-tin Ge.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Anisotropy and isotope effect in superconducting solid hydrogen

Elucidating the phase diagram of solid hydrogen is a key objective in condensed matter physics. Several decades ago, it was proposed that at low temperatures and high pressures, solid hydrogen would be a metal with a high superconducting transition temperature. This transition to a metallic state can happen through the closing of the energy gap in the molecular solid or through a transition to an atomic solid. Recent experiments have managed to reach pressures in the range of 400–500 GPa, providing valuable insights. There is strong evidence suggesting that metallization via either of these mechanisms occurs within this pressure range. Computational and experimental studies have identified multiple promising crystal phases, but the limited accuracy of calculations and the limited capabilities of experiments prevent us from determining unequivocally the observed phase or phases. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the superconducting properties of all the candidate phases. Recently, we reported the superconducting properties of the C2/c-24, Cmca-12, Cmca-4 and I41/amd-2 phases, including anharmonic effects. Here, we report the effects of anisotropy on superconducting properties using Eliashberg theory. Then, we investigate the superconducting properties of deuterium and estimate the size of the isotope effect for each phase. We find that the isotope effect on superconductivity is diminished by anharmonicity in the C2/c-24 and Cmca-12 phases and enlarged in the Cmca-4 and I41/amd-2 phases. Our anharmonic calculations of the C2/c-24 phase of deuterium agree closely with the most recent experiment by Loubeyre et al (2022 Phys. Rev. Lett.29 035501), indicating that the C2/c-24 phase remains the leading candidate in this pressure range, and has a strong anharmonic character. These characteristics can serve to distinguish among crystal phases in experiment. Furthermore, expanding our understanding of superconductivity in pure hydrogen holds significance in the study of high-T c hydrides.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

1D Magnetic MX 3 Single-Chains (M = Cr, V and X = Cl, Br, I)

Magnetic materials in reduced dimensions are not only excellent platforms for fundamental studies of magnetism, but they play crucial roles in technological advances. The discovery of intrinsic magnetism in monolayer 2D van der Waals systems has sparked enormous interest, but the single-chain limit of 1D magnetic van der Waals materials has been largely unexplored. This paper reports on a family of 1D magnetic van der Waals materials with composition MX 3 (M = Cr, V, and X = Cl, Br, I), prepared in fully-isolated fashion within the protective cores of carbon nanotubes. Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy identifies unique structures that differ from the well-known 2D honeycomb lattice MX 3 structure. Density functional theory calculations reveal charge-driven reversible magnetic phase transitions.

1D materials↗