Preparation of and magnetic scattering in Nd 2-xCe xCuO 4-δ

Samples of Nd_{2- x}Ce_xCuO_{4- δ} were prepared by annealing under a high vacuum (10 ^-5 torr). Powder x-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the samples consisted of a single phase Nd ₂CuO ₄-type tetragonal structure with crystal symmetry I4/mmm. The normal state resistivity of the superconducting samples shows a logarithmic temperature dependence, which we show is a common feature in the electron cuprate superconductors. The absence of significant phonon-induced scattering by the lattice in the resistivity data indicates that the dominant contribution to the normal state resistivity in the electron cuprate superconductors comes from the magnetic scattering.