Universal linear-temperature resistivity: possible quantum diffusion transport in strongly correlated superconductors

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• High-temperature cuprate superconductors exhibit anomalous linear temperature-dependent resistivity.
• The origin of this linear resistivity and its connection to superconductivity remain unexplained.
• Understanding these phenomena is crucial for advancing superconductor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between linear-temperature resistivity and superconductivity in strongly correlated electron systems.
• To identify universal scaling relations across different types of superconductors.
• To elucidate the underlying transport mechanisms responsible for anomalous resistivity.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurements of resistivity and London penetration depth in various superconductors.
• Analysis of a proposed universal scaling relation connecting resistivity slope (dρ/dT) and zero-temperature London penetration depth (λL).
• Theoretical modeling to interpret the scaling relation in terms of hydrodynamic diffusive transport.

Main Results:

• A universal scaling relation [Formula: see text] was established, linking dρ/dT to λL across cuprate and heavy fermion superconductors.
• This relation was found to hold across diverse systems, including cuprates, pnictides, and heavy fermions, irrespective of electronic correlations, doping, or transport direction.
• The findings suggest that hydrodynamic diffusive transport, with a diffusion coefficient approaching the quantum limit (D ~ ħ/m*), governs the behavior.

Conclusions:

• The discovered universal scaling relation provides a new framework for understanding anomalous resistivity in strongly correlated superconductors.
• This work sheds light on the long-standing mystery of linear-temperature resistivity and its link to superconductivity.
• The results imply a common transport mechanism, potentially hydrodynamic diffusion, across various strongly correlated superconducting materials.