High-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction on Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x Ca _n Cu_1+n O_6+2n+δ

Abstract

Solid solutions, Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CuO_6+δ withx< 1.3 and Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O_8+δ with probablyx<1.3 are reported. Both solid solutions show considerable nonlinear changes in the unit cell dimensions and a change in the modulation vector from 4.7b to 3.5b forx=0 andx=1.2, respectively. It is shown that Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O_8+δ shows sometimes the absence of the 0.54 nm period alonga, whereas the modulation remains, suggesting both features not to be correlated. The investigation of the solid solution Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O_8+δ with probablyx<1.3 are reported. Both solid solutions show considerable nonlinear changes in the unit cell dimensions and a change in the modulation vector from 4.7b to 3.5b forx=0 andx=1.2, respectively. It is shown that Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O_8+δ is severly hampered by the presence of the n=0 structure in the reaction product when one starts with stoichiometric mixture. This can be overcome by adding extra Ca and heating directly just below the melting point. However addition of Ca to the mixture leads to changes in the solid solution range, because Ca can replace Sr.