Synthesis, characterization and physical properties of the superconductingferromagnet RuSr2GdCu2O8

Superconducting ferromagnet RuSr2GdCu2O8 has been synthesized and character ized structurally and electrically by X-ray diffraction, resistivity and th ermoelectric power measurements. Special attention was paid to investigatin g the influence of synthesis parameters on the superconducting properties. From thermoelectric power data it can be concluded that the carrier density is not affected by changing the conditions of synthesis. However, carefull y tuning the details of sample preparation may significantly change the int ra-gain and inter-gain transition temperatures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B .V. All rights reserved.