X-ray and neutron diffuse scattering measurements of the local structure of cuprate superconductors

ORAL

Abstract

Nanoscale inhomogeneity is a well-known feature of the cuprate high-temperature superconductors, and recent theoretical and experimental developments have generated renewed interest in the effects of inhomogeneity and local structural distortions on the electronic physics of these materials. We used X-ray and neutron diffuse scattering measurements to study the local structure of several cuprate superconductors, with a focus on the model compound HgBa2CuO4+δ which has a small unit cell, simple-tetragonal symmetry at all temperatures, and a high superconducting Tc at optimal doping. Dedicated inelastic neutron scattering measurements were also used to confirm the distinction between static distortions and low-energy fluctuations. We developed structural models guided by 3D-∆PDF analysis of the scattering data in order to understand the local structure of HgBa2CuO4+δ. Based on the X-ray and neutron scattering data combined with the modelling results, we discuss the temperature- and doping-dependence of the local structure of HgBa2CuO4+δ, the effects it may have on the electronic physics, and the implications for other cuprate materials.

*This work was funded by the DOE through the University of Minnesota Center for Quantum Materials under DE-SC-0016371. Scattering facilities were provided by the DOE User Facilities Division.

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Presenters

  • Zachary W Anderson

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

Authors

  • Zachary W Anderson

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

  • Damjan Pelc

    • University of Zagreb
    • Physics Department, University of Zagreb

  • Matthew J Krogstad

    • Argonne National Laboratory
    • Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory

  • Nikolaos Biniskos

    • University of Minnesota

  • Biqiong Yu

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

  • Liam Thompson

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

  • Jack Zwettler

    • University of Minnesota

  • Richard J Spieker

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

  • Nina G Bielinski

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota

  • Garrett E Granroth

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Yaohua Liu

    • Oak Ridge National Lab
    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Feng Ye

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Oak Ridge National Lab

  • Stephan Rosenkranz

    • Argonne National Laboratory
    • Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory

  • Raymond Osborn

    • Argonne National Laboratory
    • Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory

  • Martin Greven

    • University of Minnesota
    • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota