New research reveals subtlety of superconductivity

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Diagram shows the typical Tacute structure of PLCCO superconductors consisting of CuO2 sheets separated by thin sheets of rare-earth oxide. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory
Diagram shows the typical T' structure of PLCCO superconductors, consisting of CuO2 sheets separated by thin sheets of rare-earth oxide. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne scientists helped lead the superconducting revolution 20 years ago this month with their landmark solution of the structure of the most widely known high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7. Now, they have solved another tantalizing superconductivity mystery: how a subtle change in the structure of so-called electron-doped superconductors switches the phenomenon of superconductivity on and off.


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