An EXAFS study on Bi2Sr2Ca1−xPrxCu2O8−δ single crystal using polarized synchrotron radiation

We have made polarization dependent Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) measurements on a Bi2Sr2Ca1−xPrxCu2O8−δ single crystal in the E//a, E//b and E//a^45° orientations. The results on Cu-K edge and Pr LIII edge EXAFS have been discussed to explain the quenching of superconductivity due to the presence of Pr cation as it was known to destruct the superconductivity by disturbing the local environment around Ca.

Research highlights
► The doping studies in superconductors are very important.
► Amongst them, Pr doping is known for destruction of superconductivity.
► Cu-K and Pr L3 XAFS on a Bi2Sr2Ca1−xPrxCu2O8−δ crystal in E//a, E//b and E//a^45°.
► The results explain the quenching of superconductivity due to Pr cation.
► Pr destructs the superconductivity by disturbing local environment around Ca.