Synthesis, crystal structure and inelastic neutron scattering in the infinite-layer compounds Sr_1-xNd_xCuO₂

For the first time large samples of the nominal composition Sr_1-xNd_xCuO₂ (x=0.07, 0.15) 10g in mass each have been prepared using a high-pressure technique. Neutron-diffraction and X-ray measurements have shown that the main phase in the obtained samples is of the infinite-layer structure (tetragonal P4/mmm space group). Both samples are not superconducting. The observed low-energy spectra exhibit one inelastic line of magnetic origin at 18 meV, comparable in energy with a crystalline-electric-field excitation in the high-T_c superconductor NdBa₂Cu₃O₇.