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Link between spin fluctuations and electron pairing in copper oxide superconductors
K Jin1, N P Butch, K Kirshenbaum
1Center for Nanophysics & Advanced Materials, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
In electron-doped copper oxides, researchers found that a scattering rate linearly dependent on temperature is linked to electron pairing. This suggests spin fluctuations cause the linear resistivity in these unconventional superconductors.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Unconventional superconductivity in copper oxides involves debated phenomena like spin order and Mott insulator proximity.
- Electron-doped copper oxides lack an anomalous pseudogap, suggesting spin fluctuations are key.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate magnetotransport in La(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4) thin films.
- Determine the role of spin fluctuations in the anomalous normal state properties of electron-doped copper oxides.
Main Methods:
- Magnetotransport measurements on thin films of La(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4).
- Analysis of temperature-dependent scattering rates and their correlation with electron pairing.
Main Results:
- A scattering rate linearly dependent on temperature correlates with electron pairing in La(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4).
- This linear scattering persists even when superconductivity is suppressed by magnetic fields.
- The behavior mirrors that observed in organic superconductors.
Conclusions:
- Spin-fluctuation scattering is the likely cause of the linear temperature dependence of resistivity in electron-doped copper oxides.
- This finding supports the importance of spin fluctuations in unconventional superconductivity.
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