Effects of rare-earth magnetism on the superconducting upper critical field in infinite-layer nickelates

Journal Article · 19 May 2023 · Science Advances

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adf6655 · OSTI ID:1969747

Wang, Bai Yang  ^[1]; Wang, Tiffany C.  ^[1]; Hsu, Yu-Te  ^[2]; Osada, Motoki  ^[1]; Lee, Kyuho  ^[1]; Jia, Chunjing ^[3]; Duffy, Caitlin ^[2]; Li, Danfeng  ^[3]; Fowlie, Jennifer  ^[1]; Beasley, Malcolm R.  ^[4]; Devereaux, Thomas P.  ^[1]; Fisher, Ian R.  ^[1]; Hussey, Nigel E.  ^[5]; Hwang, Harold Y.  ^[1]

---

1. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States). Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Science (SIMES); Stanford University, CA (United States)
2. Radboud University, Nijmegen (Netherlands)
3. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States). Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Science (SIMES)
4. Stanford University, CA (United States)
5. Radboud University, Nijmegen (Netherlands); University of Bristol (United Kingdom)

The search for superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates was motivated by analogy to the cuprates, and this perspective has framed much of the initial consideration of this material. However, a growing number of studies have highlighted the involvement of rare-earth orbitals; in that context, the consequences of varying the rare-earth element in the superconducting nickelates have been much debated. Here, we show notable differences in the magnitude and anisotropy of the superconducting upper critical field across the La-, Pr-, and Nd-nickelates. These distinctions originate from the 4f electron characteristics of the rare-earth ions in the lattice: They are absent for La³⁺, nonmagnetic for the Pr³⁺ singlet ground state, and magnetic for the Nd³⁺ Kramer’s doublet. The unique polar and azimuthal angle-dependent magnetoresistance found in the Nd-nickelates can be understood to arise from the magnetic contribution of the Nd³⁺ 4f moments. Such robust and tunable superconductivity suggests potential in future high-field applications.

• Research Organization: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Materials Sciences & Engineering Division (MSE); Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); European Research Council (ERC)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-76SF00515; GBMF9072; P400P2199297; 835279-Catch-22
• OSTI ID: 1969747
• Journal Information: Science Advances, Vol. 9, Issue 20; ISSN 2375-2548
• Publisher: AAASCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English