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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Magnetometric Characterization of Intermediates in the Solid-State Electrochemistry of Redox-Active Metal-Organic Frameworks
Published on: June 9, 2023
Normal-state nodal electronic structure in underdoped high-Tc copper oxides
Suchitra E Sebastian1, N Harrison2, F F Balakirev2
1Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 OHE, UK.
Researchers identified the normal state in high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconductors. Angle-resolved quantum oscillations reveal electron-like Fermi pockets near nodes, suggesting a superlattice structure in YBa2Cu3O6+x.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- The normal state of high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconductors in the underdoped regime remains poorly understood.
- Previous models proposed Fermi surface pockets without symmetry breaking or with pockets near antinodes, but recent crystallographic studies suggest symmetry breaking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the electronic structure of the normal state in the underdoped copper oxide YBa2Cu3O6+x.
- To investigate the role of symmetry breaking and superlattice formation in high-Tc superconductivity.
Main Methods:
- Angle-resolved quantum oscillation measurements under applied magnetic fields to suppress superconductivity.
- Utilizing a strong magnetic field to probe the normal ground state at low temperatures.
Main Results:
- The normal ground state exhibits electron-like Fermi surface pockets located near the nodes of the superconducting gap.
- Evidence for an underlying superlattice structure with low frequency and long wavelength was detected.
- These findings align with recent spectroscopic observations of charge order.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies a normal state characterized by Fermi pockets near nodes, challenging previous models.
- The results support a superlattice model with charge order, providing crucial insights into high-Tc superconductivity mechanisms.
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