Terbium Doping effects on the Physical properties of Nd2 Sn2O7 pyrochlore Ceramics

In this proposal, the terbium doping effect on the physical properties of Nd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore ceramics will be investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy and temperature dependent current voltage characteristics. The effect of Tb on the crystalline nature, surface morphology, grain size, lattice parameters, microstrain, stacking faults and defect density will be determined by the structural techniques. In addition, the effect of Tb on the energy band gap and energy band tails will be explored by the optical spectral techniques. On the other hand, to determine the impurity levels and find some practical applications to the pyrochlore   the current-voltage characteristics as function of temperature and the impedance spectroscopy in the frequency domain of 10-1800 MHz are, respectively, employed.   The work is expected to reveal the enhancements in the physical performance of the Nd2Sn2O7 as a result of Tb doping.