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Resonating valence bond state in La/sub 2/CuO/sub 4/ and superconductivity

Journal Article · · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)
The oxide superconductors, particularly those recently discovered that are based on La/sub 2/CuO/sub 4/, have a set of peculiarities that suggest a common, unique mechanism: they tend in every case to occur near a metal-insulator transition into an odd-electron insulator with peculiar magnetic properties. This insulating phase is proposed to be the long-sought resonating-valence-bond state or quantum spin liquid hypothesized in 1973. This insulating magnetic phase is favored by low spin, low dimensionality, and magnetic frustration. The preexisting magnetic singlet pairs of the insulating state become charged superconducting pairs when the insulator is doped sufficiently strongly. The mechanism for superconductivity is hence predominantly electronic and magnetic, although weak phonon interactions may favor the state. Many unusual properties are predicted, especially of the insulating state.
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ., NJ
OSTI ID:
6717258
Journal Information:
Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 235; ISSN SCIEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English