Electronic structure, charge transfer excitations, and high-temperature superconducting oxides (invited)

A. J. Freeman, Jaejun Yu, S. Massidda, C. L. Fu, J. H. Xu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present high-precision results on the electronic band structure and properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ, YB 2Cu3O6, GdBa2Cu3O 7-δ, and La2-xMxCuO4 as obtained from highly precise state-of-the-art local density calculations. The results obtained demonstrate the close relation of the band structure to the structural arrangements of the constituent atoms and provide an integrated chemical and physical picture of the interactions and their possible relation to superconductivity. The ionic character of the Y is proven by similar detailed highly precise local density calculations for high TC GdBa 2Cu3O7, and explains the coexistence of magnetism and superconductivity in the high TC rare-earth superconductors. Surprising features are the low density of states (DOS) at EF, especially for δ≥0.1 which is lower per Cu atom than that in La2-xSrxCuO4 - in agreement with experiment and a relatively large magnetic Stoner factor. Strong indications are demonstrated for the inadequacy of a conventional phonon mechanism for obtaining the higher TC. Charge transfer excitations of occupied Cu1-O dpπ antibonding orbitals into their empty Cu1-O dpσ antibonding orbital partners, result in poorly screened "Cu3 +-Cu4+" -like charge fluctuations. These charge transfer excitations (excitons) thus lead to strong polarization effects in these poorly screened (highly ionic) materials and induce attractive interactions among the 2D electrons. Thus, these interactions via exchange of excitons enhance the electron pairing and serve to enhance the TC proposed for the quasi-2D superconductors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4220-4225
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume63
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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