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Rai, Binod K.

Publications and source records attributed to Rai, Binod K..

Nanometric modulations of the magnetic structure of the element Nd

The rare earth neodymium arguably exhibits the most complex magnetic ordering and series of magnetic phase transitions of the elements. Here we report the results of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field to study magnetic correlations on nanometer length scales in Nd. We support these results with additional neutron diffraction, thermodynamic and synchrotron x-ray measurements. The SANS measurements reveal the presence of modulation vectors characterizing the ordered spin configuration which exhibit changes in magnitude and direction that are phase dependent. Between 5.9 and 7.6 K an additional modulation vector is observed with magnitude Q = 0.12 Å -1 . This scattering appears to originate from order of the Nd layers which contain a center of inversion. Tracking this modulation vector as a function of magnetic field indicates a phase boundary at ≈1 T. The modulation vectors observed in this study establish the presence of nanometer length scale spin textures which are likely stabilized by frustrated Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) interactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic Materials Research at SRNL

Introduction – What are Magnetic Materials? Magnetic materials are crystalline solids which below a certain temperature, known as the ordering temperature, display spontaneous order in their magnetic moments. Results • Enhanced thermal stability and saturation magnetization with Y substitution in Ce2Fe14B based permanent magnets • Discovered a new ferromagnetic phase transition at TC = 62.9 K in (Dy1/3Mo2/3)2AlC and validated the two previously reported low temperature magnetic phases Characterization of Magnetic Materials Raw high purity materials are melted together to synthesize a crystalline sample using an arc melter at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). Use high energy ball milling to form a hard/soft magnetic composite using Y substituted Ce2Fe14B. Finish structural characterization on γ- irradiated (RE1/3Mo2/3)2AlC (RE = Rare Earth) MAX samples. Unit Cell Lattice Points

Bretana, Alex↗

Synthesis and characterization of properties of (Tb1/3Mo2/3)2AlC polycrystalline

When molecules, atoms, or ions are grouped in a highly ordered microscopic structure to form a crystal lattice that stretches in all directions, the result is a solid material known as a crystal or crystalline solid. They are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure to form a crystal lattice. The smallest group of particles in material that constitutes this repeating pattern is unit cell of the structure. The unit cell is a repeating unit formed by the vectors spanning the points of a lattice.

Bretana, Alex↗

Magnetic Materials Research at SRNL

Fig: Rietveld Refinement of room temperature PXRD data for annealed Ce2Fe14B (left panel), (Y0.1Ce1.9)Fe14B (middle panel), and (Lu0.1Ce1.90)Fe14B (right panel) alloys. All annealed alloys plotted are composed primarily of Ce2Fe14B phase with small α-Fe impurities. Vertical blue ticks correspond to the position of the calculated Bragg peaks of all phases (from top to bottom, 2-14-1 and α-Fe). Fig: (Left Panel) Field dependent magnetization measurements on aligned powder with the magnetic field applied along the easy direction for annealed Ce2Fe14B and (YxCe2-x)Fe14B (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) alloys. (Middle Panel) Field dependent magnetization measurements on aligned powder with the magnetic field applied along the hard direction for annealed Ce2Fe14B and (YxCe2-x)Fe14B (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) alloys. (Right Panel) The saturation magnetization of Ce2Fe14B and (YxCe2-x)Fe14B (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) alloys as determined from easy axis field dependent magnetization measurements.

Bretana, Alex↗

Crystal structure and magnetism of actinide oxides: a review

In actinide systems, the 5f electrons experience a uniquely delicate balance of effects and interactions having similar energy scales, which are often difficult to properly disentangle. This interplay of factors such as the dual nature of 5f-states, strong electronic correlations, and strong spin–orbit coupling results in electronically unusual and intriguing behavior such as multi-k antiferromagnetic ordering, multipolar ordering, Mott-physics, mixed valence configurations, and more. Despite the inherent allure of their exotic properties, the exploratory science of even the more basic, binary systems like the actinide oxides has been limited due to their toxicity, radioactivity, and reactivity. In this article, we provide an overview of the available synthesis techniques for selected binary actinide oxides, including the actinide dioxides, sesquioxides, and a selection of higher oxides. For these oxides, here we also review and evaluate the current state of knowledge of their crystal structures and magnetic properties. In many aspects, substantial knowledge gaps exist in the current body of research on actinide oxides related to understanding their electronic ground states. Bridging these gaps is vital for improving not only a fundamental understanding of these systems but also of future nuclear technologies. To this end, we note the experimental techniques and necessary future investigations which may aid in better elucidating the nature of these fascinating systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗