Superdislocations and point defects in pyrochlore Yb₂Ti₂O₇ single crystals and implication on magnetic ground states.

ABSTRACT: This study reports atomic-scale characterization of structural defects in Yb₂Ti₂O_7, a pyrochlore oxide whose subtle magnetic interactions is prone to small perturbations. Due to discrepancies in the reported magnetic ground states, it has become a pressing issue to determine the nature of defects in this system. In the present study, we use atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques to identify the type of defects in the ytterbium titanate single crystals grown by the conventional optical floating zone (FZ) method. In addition to the known point defects of substitution Yb on Ti B-sites, extended defects such as dissociated superdislocations and anti-phase boundaries were discovered for the first time in this material. Such defect

SUBMITTER: Shafieizadeh Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6249211 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature