Investigation of Pairing Symmetry and Normal State Properties of Electron-Doped Copper Oxides

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w:\awards\awards96\*.doc 9732736 Greene This experimental research project is concerned with the electron- doped cuprate superconductors, with emphasis on their pairing symmetry and normal state behavior. Electron doped superconductors in the family R(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4-y), with R=Nd,Pr,Sm,Eu, will be prepared in single crystal and thin film forms. The objectives of this project are to produce and characterize the highest quality single crystals and thin films of the electron-doped materials, and to perform comprehensive physical property measurements which can provide reliable experimental constraints on theories for the superconductivity and for the anomalous normal state in all the copper oxides. Emphasis will be given to measurements to definitively determine the pairing symmetry of the superconducting state of the electron doped materials and to search for more definitive evidence for a "pseudogap". It is expected that a detailed comparison of the properties of these materials with their hole-doped counterparts will be quite important in advancing the overall understanding of the copper oxides. This research program is interdisciplinary in nature and involves one or more postdoctoral and graduate students in its activities. These involvements provide excellent preparation of these young researchers for careers in industry, government laboratories or academia. %%% This experimental research project is concerned with the "electron-doped" varieties of the cuprate high transition temperature superconductor family. In chemical terms, these can be described by the formula R(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4-y). Here the symbol R stands for one of the rare earth elements Neodymium, Praseodymium, Samarium, or Europium; while Ce is Cerium, Cu copper, and O oxygen. In these materials the electrical conduction is believed to be "n-type" or by electrons, rather than "p-type" or by positive holes, as in the conventional cuprates such as YBaCuO. These materials are of fundamental and applied interest.The researchers will grow samples of such materials as single crystals and as thin films. The objectives of this project are to produce and characterize the highest quality single crystals and thin films of the electron-doped materials, and to perform comprehensive physical property measurements which can provide reliable experimental constraints on theories for the superconductivity and for the anomalous normal state in all the copper oxides. Emphasis will be given to measurements to definitively determine the pairing symmetry of the superconducting state of the electron doped materials and to search for more definitive evidence for a "pseudogap". It is expected that a detailed comparison of the properties of these materials with their hole-doped counterparts will be quite important in advancing the overall understanding of the copper oxides.This research program is interdisciplinary in nature and involves one or more postdoctoral and graduate students in its activities. These involvements provide excellent preparation of these young researchers for careers in industry, government laboratories or academia. ***