Meaning of "quasi-two-dimensional structure" of cuperates

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In summary, the quasi-two-dimensional structure of cuperates means that the material is composed of stacked thin layers with little interaction between them. This structure is of interest to researchers studying high Tc and spin liquid phases due to its unique transport properties. The Meissner effect, which is the expulsion of magnetic fields from a superconducting material, may not be as easily observed in cuperates due to the complex behavior of the material in a magnetic field, including the formation of vortices. This may have been a factor in your failed attempts to observe the Meissner effect in a cuperate sample.
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zhanhai
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Does "quasi-two-dimensional structure" of cuperates mean that a cuperate material is regarded as a stack of thin layers and there is almost no structural interaction among the layers?

BTW, is Meissner effect meaningfual to a thin film superconducting material?

Thank you.
 
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The conducting electrons are for the most part localized in the copper oxide layers. That is why condensed matter theorists (and experimentalists) who study high Tc and related phases (pseudo gap, strange metal) or spin liquids (which people think are somehow related) are so interested in 2D systems. In general 2D systems have very interesting transport properties (graphene, transition metal, dichalcogenides).

The behavior of the cuprates in a magnetic field is more complicated since the sc coherence length is actually smaller than the London penetration depth (where you get the Meissner effect). You will start to get vortices (Abrikosov) at a certain field strength. Basically the vortex is a super current swirling into a nonsuperconducting region and is like a magnetic monopole since it gives one flux quantum from the field of the super current. The vortices can form a lattice. Eventually they will condense and destroy the sc state at the critical field strength.
 
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This is of great sense to me. Thank you very much.

When I was in school many years ago, we were asked to try to observe Meissner effect of a cuperate sample. We failed to observe any; our professor also tried and failed. Is the experiment's design problematic, in view of that "the behavior of the cuprates in a magnetic field is more complicated (than pure Meissner effect)" or so on?
 

FAQ: Meaning of "quasi-two-dimensional structure" of cuperates

What is the meaning of "quasi-two-dimensional structure" of cuperates?

The term "quasi-two-dimensional structure" refers to the physical arrangement of atoms in a material that is almost two-dimensional, but still has some degree of thickness. In cuperates, this structure is characterized by layers of copper and oxygen atoms that are stacked on top of each other.

Why are cuperates considered quasi-two-dimensional structures?

Cuperates are considered quasi-two-dimensional structures because they have highly conducting layers that are separated by insulating layers. This results in a material that behaves as if it were two-dimensional, but still has some three-dimensional properties.

What properties make cuperates unique compared to other materials?

Cuperates have a unique combination of properties, including high-temperature superconductivity, strong electron correlations, and a quasi-two-dimensional structure. These properties make them of great interest to scientists studying quantum materials and high-temperature superconductors.

How is the quasi-two-dimensional structure of cuperates related to their superconductivity?

The quasi-two-dimensional structure of cuperates plays a crucial role in their high-temperature superconductivity. The layers of copper and oxygen atoms are arranged in a way that allows for strong electron interactions, which is necessary for the material to exhibit superconductivity at high temperatures.

Can the quasi-two-dimensional structure of cuperates be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, researchers have found ways to manipulate the structure of cuperates, such as through the use of dopants or applying external pressure. These techniques can alter the electron interactions and potentially enhance the material's superconducting properties.

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