Discovery of Superconductivity in Pressurized Trilayer Nickelate La4Ni3O10−δ Single Crystals

Kernekoncepter

Application of pressure effectively suppresses the spin–charge order in trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals, leading to the emergence of superconductivity with a maximum critical temperature of around 30 K.

Resumé

The researchers investigated the effects of pressure on the electronic properties of trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals. They found that applying pressure effectively suppresses the spin–charge order in this material, which in turn leads to the emergence of superconductivity with a maximum critical temperature (Tc) of around 30 K at 69.0 GPa.

The key highlights of the study are:

1. DC susceptibility measurements confirmed the presence of bulk superconductivity with a volume fraction exceeding 80% below Tc.
2. In the normal state, the material exhibits a "strange metal" behavior, characterized by a linear temperature-dependent resistance extending up to 300 K.
3. The layer-dependent superconductivity observed in the nickelate material suggests a unique interlayer coupling mechanism, which sets it apart from the better-known copper-based superconductors (cuprates).

The findings provide important insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying superconductivity and introduce a new material platform to explore the interplay between spin–charge order, flat band structures, interlayer coupling, strange metal behavior, and high-temperature superconductivity.

Statistik

The maximum critical temperature (Tc) of superconductivity in the pressurized trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals is around 30 K at 69.0 GPa.
The superconducting volume fraction exceeds 80% below Tc, as confirmed by DC susceptibility measurements.

Citater

"The application of pressure effectively suppresses the spin–charge order in trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals, leading to the emergence of superconductivity with a maximum critical temperature (Tc) of around 30 K at 69.0 GPa."
"The layer-dependent superconductivity observed hints at a unique interlayer coupling mechanism specific to nickelates, setting them apart from cuprates in this regard."

Vigtigste indsigter udtrukket fra

Superconductivity in pressurized trilayer La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals - Nature

by Yinghao Zhu,... kl. www.nature.com 07-17-2024

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07553-3

Dybere Forespørgsler

What are the potential applications of this new high-temperature superconducting material in real-world technologies?

The discovery of superconductivity in pressurized trilayer La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals with a critical temperature (Tc) of around 30 K at 69.0 GPa opens up possibilities for various real-world applications. High-temperature superconductors have the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, including healthcare, energy, and transportation. In healthcare, superconducting materials can be utilized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to enhance imaging capabilities and reduce energy consumption. In the energy sector, superconductors can be employed in power transmission lines to minimize energy loss during electricity distribution. Additionally, in transportation, superconducting materials can be used to develop more efficient magnetic levitation (maglev) trains that can travel at high speeds with minimal friction. The applications of high-temperature superconducting materials are vast and can significantly impact technological advancements in various fields.

How does the interlayer coupling mechanism in the nickelate material differ from that of the cuprate superconductors, and what are the implications for understanding the underlying superconductivity mechanisms?

The interlayer coupling mechanism observed in nickelate materials differs from that of cuprate superconductors due to the unique structural and electronic properties of nickelates. In cuprates, superconductivity is primarily driven by the coupling between the copper-oxygen planes, leading to high-temperature superconductivity. However, in nickelates, the interlayer coupling mechanism is distinct, possibly involving different orbital configurations and electronic interactions. This difference in interlayer coupling suggests that the superconducting mechanism in nickelates may not follow the same path as cuprates, indicating the presence of alternative mechanisms at play. Understanding these differences in interlayer coupling mechanisms between nickelates and cuprates is crucial for unraveling the diverse pathways to high-temperature superconductivity and shedding light on the underlying physics governing these materials.

Could the insights gained from this study on the interplay between spin–charge order, flat band structures, and superconductivity be leveraged to guide the discovery of other novel superconducting materials?

The insights obtained from studying the interplay between spin–charge order, flat band structures, and superconductivity in trilayer La4Ni3O10−δ single crystals offer valuable knowledge that can be applied to guide the discovery of other novel superconducting materials. By understanding how these factors interact and influence the emergence of superconductivity, researchers can explore similar phenomena in different material systems to identify potential candidates for high-temperature superconductors. The intricate relationship between spin–charge order, flat band structures, and superconductivity provides a roadmap for designing and synthesizing new materials with enhanced superconducting properties. Leveraging these insights can accelerate the discovery of novel superconductors with higher critical temperatures and improved functionalities, paving the way for future advancements in superconducting technology.