Engineering topics

Wollam, J. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Wollam, J. A..

2 records

NASA NTRS1976

Magnetic field generated resistivity maximum in graphite

In zero magnetic field, B, the electrical resistivity, rho(O,T) of highly oriented pyrolytic (polycrystalline) graphite drops smoothly with decreasing T, becoming constant below 4 K. However, in a fixed applied magnetic field B, the resistivity rho(B,T) goes through a maximum as a function of T, with larger maximum for larger B. The temperature of the maximum increases with B, but saturates to a constant value near 25 K (exact T depends on sample) at high B. In single crystal graphite a maximum in rho(B,T) as a function of T is also present, but has the effects of Landau level quantization superimposed. Several possible explanations for the rho(B,T) maximum are proposed, but a complete explanation awaits detailed calculations involving the energy band structure of graphite, and the particular scattering mechanisms involved.

Wollam, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Properties of crystalline bismuth selenide and its use as a Hall effect magnetometer

Single crystals of n-type Bi2Se3 grown by the Bridgman technique are found to make excellent Hall effect magnetometers. Plots of Hall resistivity sub yx against magnetic field B to 10 tesla are linear to within 1 percent. Furthermore, the slope of the sub yx against B curve varies by about 1 percent in the region 1.1 to 35 K and by less than 20 percent in the region 1.1 to 300 K. Analysis of galvanomagnetic measurements indicate the samples have semimetallic densities of approximately 10 to the 25th power/cu cm, with two band conduction and near carrier compensation. Reflectivity measurements suggest a band gap of approximately 0.08 eV for the samples. The temperature dependence of mobility is also measured. A series of 50 direct immersions into liquid helium and liquid nitrogen demonstrate the reliability of Bi2Se3 magnetometers for cryogenic use.

Wollam, J. A.↗