Mössbauer and X-ray investigations of YBa_2-xSn_xCu₃O_7-δ superconductors

Abstract

Mössbauer spectra of YBa_2-xSn_xCu₃O_7-δ compounds with x=0.2 and 0.3 have revealed two components, both with isomer shifts corresponding to 4⁺ valency for Sn. The temperature dependence of the area of only one component shows an anomaly near the superconducting temperature for both samples, thus suggesting anisotropic behaviour for the lattice rigidity. In the case of x=0.2 sample X-ray diffraction studies further indicate similar anomaly in the orthorhombic strain. It is concluded that such anomalies are precursors for the superconductivity to occur in these compounds.