Investigating the crystal structure and superconductivity of ErBa_2-xSr_xCu₃O_7-_δ

ErBa_2-xSr_xCu₃O_7-y is a novel material having an orthorhombic structure (Pmmm space group) similar to the YBa₂Cu₃O₇ ceramic superconductors. The samples of ErBa_2-xSr_xCu₃O_7-y are prepared using solid state reaction method systematically to optimize the sintering parameters on the phase formation. Strontium, having a smaller ionic radius than barium, expected to apply chemical pressure on the unit cell upon doping at the barium site. The crystal structure of ErBa_2-xSr_xCu₃O_7-y is investigated at different strontium doping levels using x-ray and neutron diffraction as a function of temperature. X-ray diffraction studies show that the Ba site accepted Sr up to doping level of x=1. Superconducting and magnetic properties of the system as a function of doping will also be discussed.