Structural modifications in (Pb₁₋ₓHgₓSr₀.₇₅Ba₀.₂₅Ca₂Cu₂.₆₅Pb₀.₃₅O₈₊δ) superconductor induced by laser irradiation and Hg substitution

This research examines the effect of laser irradiation on structural properties of the superconducting compound (Pb₁₋ₓHgₓSr₀.₇₅Ba₀.₂₅Ca₂Cu₂.₆₅Pb₀.₃₅O₈₊δ), synthesized by the solid state reaction technique for x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after laser irradiation. The results displayed a tetragonal crystal structure for all samples, even though exposed to laser radiation. However, a distinguished alteration in lattice constants a and c, unit cell volume, and peak intensities were observed. The c-axis elongated due to increasing Hg substitution and laser irradiation, as specified by the rising ratio c/a. As well as 2223 phase enhanced further by laser irradiation and increases significantly for higher Hg substitution. After irradiation, SEM images displayed surface morphology were changed. These changes included a rough surface and less distinct grain boundaries. These results explain that both laser irradiation and Hg substitution affect the structure and surface morphology characterization of the superconductive samples.