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Intertwining of superconductivity and magnetism

Date:
April 24, 2015
Source:
Department of Energy, Office of Science
Summary:
Experiments on a copper-oxide superconductor reveal nearly static, spatially modulated magnetism. Because static magnetism and superconductivity do not like to coexist in the same material, the superconducting wave function is also likely modulated in space and phase-shifted to minimize overlap, consistent with recent theory. This insight will aid in writing a predictive theory for high-temperature superconductivity.
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Inelastic neutron scattering experiments on a copper-oxide superconductor reveal nearly static, spatially modulated magnetism. Because static magnetism and superconductivity do not like to coexist in the same material, the superconducting wave function is also likely modulated in space and phase-shifted to minimize overlap, consistent with recent theory.

The new insight regarding the coexistence of superconductivity and atomic magnetism will aid in the development of a predictive theory for high-temperature superconductivity, one that can assist in the design and discovery of new superconductors with improved properties.

The observation of coexisting magnetism and superconductivity in a particular copper-oxide superconductor suggests that the two types of order can be spatially modulated and intertwined, supporting recent theoretical predictions. Understanding the relationship between superconductivity and a type of atomic magnetic correlation (antiferromagnetism, wherein neighboring atomic spins are oriented in opposite directions) remains a challenge. The magnetism is associated with the localization of electrons, whereas superconductivity is a state in which electrons are paired and can flow without resistance. Previous experiments have shown that these two states do not like to coexist in the same space.

Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory characterized slow magnetic fluctuations in a copper-oxide superconductor. Their discovery shows that the slowly fluctuating magnetism does not disappear in the superconducting state; in fact, it grows stronger at the lowest fluctuation frequencies. The state of intertwined superconductivity and antiferromagnetism that has been proposed by theorists provides a likely explanation of the observations. These results indicate an intimate connection between superconductivity and magnetism in copper oxides, an important clue for developing a predictive theory of high-temperature superconductivity.


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Materials provided by Department of Energy, Office of Science. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Zhijun Xu, C. Stock, Songxue Chi, A. I. Kolesnikov, Guangyong Xu, Genda Gu, J. M. Tranquada. Neutron-Scattering Evidence for a Periodically Modulated Superconducting Phase in the Underdoped CuprateLa1.905Ba0.095CuO4. Physical Review Letters, 2014; 113 (17) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.177002

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Department of Energy, Office of Science. "Intertwining of superconductivity and magnetism." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 April 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150424141747.htm>.
Department of Energy, Office of Science. (2015, April 24). Intertwining of superconductivity and magnetism. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150424141747.htm
Department of Energy, Office of Science. "Intertwining of superconductivity and magnetism." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150424141747.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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