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Structural stability, phase transformations and band-tuning of actinide and rare earth based intermetallics under high pressure: a perspective

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Abstract

When a solid is subjected to external pressure, it can undergo either structural transformation or remain stable in its parent structure. The sequence of structural transformations, when mapped for similar materials, viz., isostructural, isoelectronic and so on, can be used to create a map showing the evolution of structures under pressure for such materials. Such maps are useful in predicting high pressure phases. The structural transitions and the stability of materials as a function of pressure are intricately connected to their electronic structure. Many a times it is advantageous to know the stability of the material under pressure just by calculating its electronic structure. This can be accomplished only if several homologues materials are studied and the stability criteria arrived at by correlating their electronic structure with their structural stability under pressure. Further, as a function of pressure, the electronic structure changes can lead to enhancement in certain desired electronic, physical or mechanical properties. Several examples are known, wherein, pressure tuning of the band structure leads to improved properties. In this paper, we have discussed the above mentioned areas and presented a perspective of the above using the results of our own studies on f-electron based intermetallics (f-IMCs).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Condensed Matter Physics Division, Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, 603 102, Tamil Nadu, India

    N. V. Chandra Shekar, V. Kathirvel & P. Ch Sahu

  2. Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai, 600-025, Tamil Nadu, India

    V. Kathirvel

Authors
  1. N. V. Chandra Shekar
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  2. V. Kathirvel
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  3. P. Ch Sahu
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Correspondence to N. V. Chandra Shekar.

Additional information

Nagar Venkataraman Chandra Shekar is a senior scientist working at Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India. His primary research areas are high pressure equation of state and phase transitions in f-electron based intermetallics and synthesis and study of novel materials under the action of extreme pressures and temperatures. He is also an Associate Professor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.

V Kathirvel is a Research Fellow at Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India. He is working on high pressure structural studies on actinide and lanthanide intermetallics.

Padma Charan Sahu is a senior scientist and specialist in the field of high pressure science and technology with more than a quarter of century experience. He is instrumental in setting up several innovative facilities for conducting research on materials under high pressure and high temperature and in initiating research on f-electron based systems, structural intermetallics, etc. Presently he is heading this activity at Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India. He is also an Associate Professor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.

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Chandra Shekar, N.V., Kathirvel, V. & Sahu, P.C. Structural stability, phase transformations and band-tuning of actinide and rare earth based intermetallics under high pressure: a perspective. Indian J Phys 84, 485–499 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12648-010-0047-6

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