ABSTRACT
Recently observed Aharonov-Bohm quantum interference of the period h/2e in charge density wave rings strongly suggests that correlated density wave electron transport is a cooperative quantum phenomenon. The picture discussed here posits that quantum solitons nucleate and transport current above a Coulomb blockade threshold field. We propose a field-dependent tunneling matrix element and use the Schrödinger equation, viewed as an emergent classical equation as in Feynman's treatment of Josephson tunneling, to compute the evolving macrostate amplitudes, finding excellent quantitative agreement with voltage oscillations and current-voltage characteristics in NbSe(3). A proposed phase diagram shows the conditions favoring soliton nucleation versus classical depinning.
Subject(s)
Electrons , Motion , Quantum Theory , Computer Simulation , Oscillometry , ThermodynamicsABSTRACT
Two new Zintl phases Ae(2)LiInGe(2) (Ae = Ca 1; Sr 2) were obtained from stoichiometric reactions of the pure elements in sealed Nb tubing at 1000-1050 degrees C. The isomorphous polar intermetallic phases crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, with cell constants of a = 7.2512(7), b = 4.4380(5), and c = 16.902(1) A for compound 1, and a = 7.5033(8), b = 4.6194(5), and c = 17.473(2) A for compound 2. The crystal structure can be derived from the vertex-sharing of InGe(4/2) tetrahedral units that form "corrugated" sheets normal to the crystallographic c-axis. Calcium and lithium atoms act as "spacers" that effectively separate the anionic [InGe(2)](5-) layers. The layered anionic substructure is similar to those exhibited by layered metal oxides, sulfides, and silicates. The connectivity of the tetrahedral building unit, [InGe(4/2)](5-), is analogous and isoelectronic to the silicate [SiO(4/2)] unit.
ABSTRACT
Large bright-red, transparent crystalline plates of [K-(2,2)diaza-[18]-crown-6]K3Ge9-2en are obtained, in high-yield, from a reaction of (2,2)diaza-[18]-crown-6 in toluene with a solution of K4Ge9/potassium metal (K) in ethylenediamine (en). The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m (a = 10.740(1) A, b = 15.812(1) A, c = 12.326(1) A, beta = 114.74 degrees; Z = 2). The crystal structure of [K-(2,2)diaza-[18]-crown-6]K3Ge9-2en features two-dimensional [K3Ge9] layers formed by uncomplexed K(+) cations and Ge94(-) anions. The "not-so-bare" cluster compound features a unique Ge94(-) cluster that exhibits a slightly distorted C(2v) geometry that is closer to D(3h) than the expected C(4v). Use of noncryptand sequestering agents in the isolation of Ge cluster anions from en solutions opens new avenues in understanding important cation-anion interactions in the stability and reactivity of Zintl ions, as well as a viable route to isolating Zintl anions with higher charges per atom.
ABSTRACT
Single crystals of the layered organic-inorganic perovskites, [NH(2)C(I=NH(2)](2)(CH(3)NH(3))m SnmI3m+2, were prepared by an aqueous solution growth technique. In contrast to the recently discovered family, (C(4)H(9)NH(3))(2)(CH(3)NH(3))n-1SnnI3n+1, which consists of (100)-terminated perovskite layers, structure determination reveals an unusual structural class with sets of m <110>-oriented CH(3)NH(3)SnI(3) perovskite sheets separated by iodoformamidinium cations. Whereas the m = 2 compound is semiconducting with a band gap of 0.33 +/- 0.05 electron volt, increasing m leads to more metallic character. The ability to control perovskite sheet orientation through the choice of organic cation demonstrates the flexibility provided by organic-inorganic perovskites and adds an important handle for tailoring and understanding lower dimensional transport in layered perovskites.
