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G. Hammerl

Publications and source records attributed to G. Hammerl.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Impact of Oxygen Diffusion on Superconductivity in YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-δ}$ Thin Films Studied by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

The oxygen deficiency $δ$ in YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-δ}$ (YBCO) plays a crucial role for affecting high-temperature superconductivity. We applied (coincident) Doppler broadening spectroscopy of the electron-positron annihilation line to study in situ the temperature dependence of the oxygen concentration and its depth profile in single crystalline YBCO film grown on SrTiO$_3$ (STO) substrates. The oxygen diffusion during tempering was found to lead to a distinct depth dependence of $δ$, which is not accessible using X-ray diffraction. A steady-state reached within a few minutes is defined by both, the oxygen exchange at the surface and at the interface to the STO substrate. Moreover, we revealed the depth dependent critical temperature $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ in the as prepared and tempered YBCO film.

cond-mat.supr-con

Two-dimensional electron liquid state at LaAlO3-SrTiO3 interfaces

Using tunneling spectroscopy we have measured the spectral density of states of the mobile, two-dimensional electron system generated at the LaAlO3-SrTiO3 interface. As shown by the density of states the interface electron system differs qualitatively, first, from the electron systems of the materials defining the interface and, second, from the two-dimensional electron gases formed at interfaces between conventional semiconductors.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Electric Field Control of the LaAlO$_{3}$/SrTiO$_{3}$ Interface Ground State

Interfaces between complex oxides are emerging as one of the most interesting playgrounds in condensed matter physics. In this special setting, in which translational symmetry is artificially broken, a variety of novel electronic phases can be promoted. Theoretical studies predict complex phase diagrams and suggest the key role of the carrier density in determining the systems ground states. A particularly fascinating system is the interface between the insulators LaAlO$_{3}$ and SrTiO$_{3}$, which displays conductivity with high mobility. Recently two possible ground states have been experimentally identified: a magnetic state and a two dimensional (2D) superconducting condensate. In this Letter we use the electric field effect to explore the phase diagram of the system. The electrostatic tuning of the carrier density allows an on/off switching of superconductivity and drives a quantum phase transition (QPT) between a 2D superconducting state and an insulating state (2D-QSI). Analyses of the magnetotransport properties in the insulating state are consistent with weak localisation and do not provide evidence for magnetism. The electric field control of superconductivity demonstrated here opens the way to the development of novel mesoscopic superconducting circuits

cond-mat.supr-con

Role of magnetic and orbital ordering at the metal-insulator transition in NdNiO3

Soft x-ray resonant scattering at the Ni L2,3 edges is used to test models of magnetic and orbital-ordering below the metal-insulator transition in NdNiO3. The large branching ratio of the L3 to L2 intensities of the (1/2,0,1/2) reflection and the observed azimuthal angle and polarization dependence originates from a non collinear magnetic structure. The absence of an orbital signal and the non collinear magnetic structure show that the nickelates are materials for which orbital ordering is absent at the metal-insulator transition.

cond-mat.str-el

Half - h/2e - Oscillations of SQUIDs

The current-voltage characteristics of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) are known to modulate as a function of applied magnetic field with a period of one flux quantum $Φ_0=h$/2e. Here we report on the fabrication and properties of SQUIDs modulating with a period of $1/2\timesΦ_0$. The characteristics of these bicrystal SQUIDs are consistent with either a strong sin(2$ϕ$) component of the current-phase relation of the Josephson current, or with an interaction between the Cooper-pairs, causing an admixture of quartets to the condensate.

cond-mat.supr-con

Robust dx2-y2 pairing symmetry in high-temperature superconductors

Although initially quite controversial, it has been widely accepted that the Cooper pairs in optimally doped cuprate superconductors have predominantly dx2-y2 wavefunction symmetry. The controversy has now shifted to whether the high-Tc pairing symmetry changes away from optimal doping. Here we present phase-sensitive tricrystal experiments on three cuprate systems: Y0.7Ca0.3Ba2Cu3O7-x (Ca-doped Y-123), La2-xSrxCuO4 (La-214) and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x (Bi-2212),with doping levels covering the underdoped, optimal and overdoped regions. Our work implies that time-reversal invariant, predominantly dx2-y2 pairing symmetry is robust over a large variation in doping, and underscores the important role of on-site Coulomb repulsion in the making of high-temperature superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con

Electronic Transport through YBCO Grain Boundary Interfaces between 4.2 K and 300 K

The current-induced dissipation in YBCO grain boundary tunnel junctions has been measured between 4.2 K and 300 K. It is found that the resistance of 45 degree (100)/(110) junctions decreases linearly by a factor of four when their temperature is increased from 100 K to 300 K. At the superconducting transition temperature Tc the grain boundary resistance of the normal state and of the superconducting state extrapolate to the same value.

cond-mat.supr-con

A possible solution of the grain boundary problem for applications of high-Tc superconductors

It is shown that the critical current density of high-Tc wires can be greatly enhanced by using a threefold approach, which consists of grain alignment, doping, and optimization of the grain architecture. According to model calculations, current densities of 4x10^6 A/cm2 can be achieved for an average grain alignment of 10 degree at 77K. Based on this approach, a road to competitive high-Tc cables is proposed.

cond-mat.supr-con

Large grain boundary area superconductors

For many applications of polycrystalline high-Tc superconductors the small critical currents of the grain boundaries pose a severe problem. To solve this problem we derive novel designs for the microstructure of coated conductors.

cond-mat.supr-con

Coated conductors containing grains with big aspect ratios

It is shown that the critical currents of high-Tc superconducting tapes fabricated by the coated conductor technologies are enhanced considerably if grain arrangements with large effective grain boundary areas are used. Increasing the aspect ratios of the grains reduces the deleterious effects of the grain boundaries. A practical road to competitive high-Tc cables is proposed.

cond-mat.supr-con

Evidence of Doping-Dependent Pairing Symmetry in Cuprate Superconductors

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) studies reveal long-range spatial homogeneity and predominantly $d_{x^2-y^2}$-pairing spectral characteristics in under- and optimally doped $\rm YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-δ}$ superconductors, whereas STS on $\rm YBa_2(Cu_{0.9934}Zn_{0.0026}Mg_{0.004})_3O_{6.9}$ exhibits {\it microscopic} spatial modulations and strong scattering near the Zn or Mg impurity sites, together with global suppression of the pairing potential. In contrast, in overdoped $\rm (Y_{0.7}Ca_{0.3})Ba_2Cu_3O_{7-δ}$, $(d_{x^2-y^2}+s)$-pairing symmetry is found, suggesting significant changes in the superconducting ground-state at a critical doping value.

cond-mat.supr-con

Spatial homogeneity and doping dependence of quasiparticle tunneling spectra in cuprate superconductors

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) studies reveal long-range (~100 nm) spatial homogeneity in optimally and underdoped superconducting YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-δ} (YBCO) single crystals and thin films, and macroscopic spatial modulations in overdoped (Y_{0.7}Ca_{0.3})Ba_2Cu_3O_{7-δ} (Ca-YBCO) epitaxial films. In contrast, STS on an optimally doped YBa_2(Cu_{0.9934}Zn_{0.0026}Mg_{0.004})_3O_{6.9} single crystal exhibits strong spatial modulations and suppression of superconductivity over a microscopic scale near the Zn or Mg impurity sites, and the global pairing potential is also reduced relative to that of optimally doped YBCO, suggesting strong pair-breaking effects of the non-magnetic impurities. The spectral characteristics are consistent with d_{x^2-y^2} pairing symmetry for the optimally and underdoped YBCO, and with (d_{x^2-y^2}+s) for the overdoped Ca-YBCO. The doping-dependent pairing symmetry suggests interesting changes in the superconducting ground state, and is consistent with the presence of nodal quasiparticles for all doping levels. The maximum energy gap Δ_d is non-monotonic with the doping level, while the (2Δ_d/k_BT_c) ratio increases with decreasing doping. The similarities and contrasts between the spectra of YBCO and of Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_{8+x} (Bi-2212) are discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con