High-resolution synchrotron X-ray study of the structure of La(1.8)Ba(0.2)CuO(4-y)

X-ray diffraction of La(1.8)Ba(0.2)CuO(4-y) reveals two macroscopically segregated tetragonal (K2NiF4-type) phases of nearly identical lattice parameter. Many peaks show additional broadening upon cooling. This broadening is consistent with a spontaneous monoclinic distortion, with an onset temperature of about 150 K, and is possibly relevant to the superconducting properties. Small single crystals of about 70 micron diameter within the powder aggregate are also studied and show a similar two-phase constituency and a resolvable peak splitting at low temperature.